How Different Types of Soil Can Affect Your Foundation

How Different Types of Soil Can Affect Your Foundation

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When you think of your home’s foundation, the last thing that probably comes to mind is the soil beneath it. However, the ground your home sits on plays a critical role in the overall stability and longevity of your foundation. The different types of soil can impact your foundation in various ways, and understanding these differences is essential for maintaining a healthy home. Whether you’re in a hilly region with bedrock beneath or a more expansive area prone to seasonal shifts, the ground your house is built on is always in motion.

The Connection Between Soil and Foundation Stability

Here in the Midwest, we experience all four seasons, which means the soil is always “breathing” or shifting. Changes in temperature, moisture levels, and even drought conditions cause the soil to expand and contract, putting pressure on your foundation. In some cases, like in areas with rockier ground, the soil doesn’t move as much, offering more stability. However, in regions with expansive soil, like we see in much of Kansas City, your foundation is constantly subject to shifts.

How Expansive Soil Affects Your Foundation

In Kansas City and surrounding areas, expansive clay soil is a significant factor in foundation problems. This type of soil swells when wet and contracts when dry, causing the foundation to move. During dry spells, like the droughts we’ve been experiencing lately, the ground becomes extremely hard and contracts, which can lead to foundation cracks or other structural issues.

When it rains, the ground absorbs water and expands again, which can push against your foundation walls. This cycle of expansion and contraction can lead to significant damage over time, including:

  1. Foundation Cracks: Expansive soil can lead to both horizontal and vertical cracks in your foundation. These cracks allow water to seep in, further weakening the structure.
  2. Shifting and Settling: As the soil moves, it causes the foundation to shift or settle unevenly, leading to misaligned doors, windows, and cracks in walls.
  3. Water Intrusion: When cracks form due to soil movement, water can enter your basement or crawl space, causing mold, mildew, and further weakening your home’s foundation.

Bedrock vs. Expansive Soil

Not all areas of Kansas City are affected by expansive soil in the same way. In certain neighborhoods, like Briarcliff to the north, bedrock tends to be much closer to the surface, which offers more stability for the foundation. The proximity to bedrock means there is less soil movement, as the rock anchors the foundation in place.

In contrast, areas closer to the Kansas River tend to have deeper layers of soil before you reach bedrock, making these homes more susceptible to soil movement. Here, the foundation is sitting on layers of sediment, which are much more prone to expanding and contracting based on weather conditions.

Warning Signs of Soil-Related Foundation Problems

If you live in a region with expansive soil, you might start noticing some common warning signs that your foundation is being affected. It’s important to keep an eye out for these issues to prevent further damage:

  1. Foundation Cracks: As mentioned earlier, cracks in your foundation—whether inside the basement or along the exterior—are one of the first signs of soil movement.
  2. Sticking Doors and Windows: If you’ve lived in your home for a while and noticed that doors or windows suddenly become difficult to open or close, this could be due to foundation movement. You might observe that in the winter, everything functions fine, but during the summer, the heat causes shifts in the soil.
  3. Water Leaks: Cracks in the foundation allow water to seep into your basement or crawl spaces, especially during periods of heavy rain. If you notice water stains or puddles, this could be a sign that your foundation is compromised.
  4. Uneven Floors: Shifting soil can cause your foundation to settle unevenly, leading to sloping or uneven floors. This is often noticeable in the basement but can also be seen throughout the home.

How Climate and Location Influence Soil and Foundation Issues

The climate in our region plays a huge role in how the soil behaves. For example, during a drought, the soil becomes extremely hard and contracts, leading to gaps around the foundation. When the weather shifts and rain arrives, the soil quickly expands again, creating pressure against the foundation walls.

Your home’s location within Kansas City can also determine the severity of foundation problems caused by soil. For example, homes closer to the river may experience more soil movement than those built on higher ground or nearer to bedrock. The way cities are built around natural features like rivers, hills, and valleys affects the depth and type of soil you’ll find under your home.

How We Can Help

If you’re noticing any of the warning signs we’ve mentioned, it’s crucial to address them as soon as possible. Foundation problems only worsen over time, especially in areas with different types of soil, such as expansive soil, that can exert pressure on your foundation. By tackling these issues early on, we can help you prevent significant damage to your home and avoid costly repairs.

In Summary

Understanding how different types of soil can affect your foundation is key to protecting your home. Whether you’re dealing with expansive soil that shifts with the seasons or live in an area with deep bedrock, your foundation’s health is closely tied to the ground beneath it.

If you’ve noticed cracks, sticking doors, or water intrusion, don’t wait until the problem worsens—different types of soil can affect your foundation in various ways. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and protect your home from further damage.

Author picture
Author picture

JOHN MURPHY

Owner