How Weather and Soil Conditions Affect the Need for Foundation Repair
Many homeowners notice changes or issues in their foundation after a rainy spring or a long, dry summer. However, they tend to ignore these signs as minor issues. Cracks in drywall, uneven floors, leaks in the basement, and tilting walls are common foundation issues. But they often remain neglected until they cause serious cosmetic or structural problems.
The ground beneath foundations is often unstable as it is constantly subjected to changing moisture, temperature, and weather conditions. The foundation is directly impacted by weather and soil conditions and requires regular inspections and immediate attention from foundation repair professionals. When a minor foundation issue is ignored for a long time, it can turn into a serious problem, threatening the home’s structural integrity.
This blog discusses the impact of soil and weather on foundations, the symptoms of foundation damage, and tips to prevent such issues in the future. Homeowners who understand the impact of weather and soil can detect warning signs and take measures to protect and repair their foundation.
The Relationship Between Soil and Your Foundation
Soil is the foundation’s support system, affecting its integrity and performance over the years. Landscapes are composed of different types of soil that vary in their load-bearing capacity and how they respond to drought and moisture. Bedrock and gravel are known for providing excellent support, whereas clay or peat tend to shift and compress over time.
The different qualities of the soil affect the foundation’s construction, support, and health throughout your home’s lifetime. Water retention also varies for each type of soil. But soil, in general, tends to expand with moisture and shrink when it dries. This movement creates an unstable base and puts long-term stress on the foundation, causing it to settle over time. Conducting a soil analysis and using engineering techniques to mitigate the risks of soil movement is necessary before laying a foundation.
The Impact of Different Soil Conditions
The composition and nature of the soil under your foundation have a considerable impact on the foundation’s stability.
Expansive Clay Soil
Clay soil absorbs a huge amount of water and swells, putting upwards pressure on the foundation. However, it also shrinks during dry seasons, creating gaps that can lead to foundation settlement.
Sandy Soil
Sandy soil is good at draining water and is less prone to expansion. However, it lacks the cohesion required to support large structures. Since it drains faster, it is also at risk of shifting and erosion during heavy rains.
Silt and Loam Soil
A combination of silt and loam soil creates a balance between water retention and drainage. However, water retention over a long period around the foundation weakens it and exerts hydrostatic pressure on the walls. Waterlogged soil loses its load-bearing capacity and provides an unstable support.
Understanding the different types of soil helps predict the impact of weather on the soil around your home, and consequently, on the foundation. Soil stabilization, effective drainage, and moisture level management are some solutions that help stabilize soil and support the foundation, preventing structural issues.
Effects of Weather Conditions
Here are some of the effects that different weather conditions can have on your foundation,
Rainfall and Flooding
In areas with heavy rainfall, the water accumulates and saturates the ground. It causes significant expansion, especially for clay-rich soil, exerting lateral pressure on the foundation walls. Hydrostatic pressure can cause cracks, bowing, leaks, and flooding. Saturated soil cannot support the foundation properly, leading to uneven shifting and settling. A lack of a proper drainage system can worsen the issue, leading to basement flooding and a weakened foundation.
Drought and Dry Spells
Prolonged dry conditions or droughts cause the soil to dry and contract. Shrinking soil leaves gaps, reducing support for the foundation. When there is no consistent support from compact soil, the foundation tends to settle and shift unevenly. This can cause structural issues such as uneven floors or sticking doors and windows. Mostly, clay soil is prone to losing moisture and its ability to support the foundation during dry seasons.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
During colder months, the water in the soil freezes and expands, putting lateral pressure on foundation walls. As the temperature rises and falls, the soil goes through freeze-thaw cycles, expanding and contracting, which can weaken the foundation. This freeze-thaw cycle can cause cracks, displace foundation walls, and gradually damage the foundation.
Wind and Temperature Extremes
High winds during storms can cause the soil around your home to erode, reducing support and causing structural damage such as shifting or cracking. Temperature extremes between summer and winter months also impact the foundation.
Cold temperatures cause freeze-thaw cycles that put lateral pressure on the foundation walls, causing the foundation to crack or settle over time. High temperatures cause the soil to dry quickly, leading to foundation movement, cracks, and structural damage. Such extremes weaken the foundation and cause structural damage, including cracks, water seeping into the basement, and other misalignments.
Signs of Foundation Problems Caused By Soil and Weather
Before your foundation faces serious problems, it may show visible signs of damage caused by soil and weather conditions. Here are some of the most common signs:
Cracks in Ceilings and Floors: A settling foundation affects your entire home, and you will notice cracks on the walls, ceilings, and floors of your home. These usually start with hairline cracks, but prolonged stress on the foundation causes them to get wider over time.
Sticking Doors and Windows: When you have trouble closing or opening doors and windows properly, it may be a sign of a foundation issue. A shifting or settling foundation causes the floors and walls to become misaligned.
Uneven Floors: Foundation issues also cause the floors to be uneven. You might feel like you are walking downhill or tripping in certain areas due to uneven foundation settlement.
Water Intrusion in the Basement:
Minor water leaks, high humidity, or water pooling in the basement indicate poor drainage and hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls.
Regularly monitor the interior and exterior of your home to detect these early signs and take measures to prevent serious and costly structural damage.
Tips for Preventing Foundation Issues
Here are some tips for preventing foundation issues:
Proper Grading and Drainage System
Landscaping around the home helps protect it from soil and weather conditions. Proper grading helps to drain rainwater away from the foundation, preventing water pooling and hydrostatic pressure. Similarly, installing a proper drainage system with gutters, downspouts, and French drains helps to keep the surrounding area dry, reducing the impact of moisture and soil on the foundation.
Watering Schedule and Landscaping
Moisture content around the home should be monitored during dry seasons. Frequent light watering or water-retentive plants help maintain soil moisture levels and protect the foundation from settling or shifting.
When to See a Professional
Homeowners should frequently monitor their homes and foundations for any signs of damage. Since foundation maintenance requires expertise, schedule regular professional inspections to identify any impacts on the foundation. Large cracks, leaks, uneven floors, or bowing foundation walls are signs to call a foundation expert.
Professionals can identify issues early and prevent them from getting worse. They also leverage their expertise and specialized equipment to prevent further damage and strengthen your foundation to maintain the structural integrity of your home.
Protect the Foundation from Soil and Weather
Most homeowners consider soil and weather minor issues, but they play a major role in the stability and safety of a home. Understanding different types of soil and the changes in soil and weather conditions helps to prevent foundation issues and avoid expensive repairs.
With regular inspections, preventive measures, and maintenance, you can ensure a strong and stable foundation. Scheduling a professional inspection and taking early action helps to avoid structural damage and preserve your home’s value.
