Why Your Foundation Is Shifting Right Now in Dry Climates

Our foundation repair cases have been the most severe since the last time we can remember, 2008.

In case you haven't noticed, it's been one of the driest years in recent memory. To that statement, people with dry basements cheer. On the other side of that statement, people with shifting foundations weep. For those weeping, know it's okay. We are here to help explain.

You see when the soil is as dry as it has been, the soil contracts and actually pulls away from your foundation. When this happens, it can cause your foundation to shift, something that should not happen. This is even more true for areas around Central Kentucky, where clay soil is most commonly found. Clay dries very easily and is the most susceptible to shrinking, and is the biggest culprit on the list as of right now. To those who have read our Book, "Foundation Repair Science" you would understand that there a multitude of possible other reasons why your soil can shift as well. 

• Sometimes, even a strong tree can grow roots under your foundation.
• There's also cases when it rains too much, the soil can absorb too much water and it becomes muddy and weak, (although not as severe compared to brittle and dry soil).
• Some reasons are because the builders were not considerate enough by not doing things like:

1. -building your footers deep enough to code, (3 feet).
2. Backfilling soil around your foundation not compactly enough.
3. Placing the home on a not so sturdy hillside.

These reasons could be because of luck, (droughts like right now) or because of the builders lack of knowledge, resources, skill, etc. but whatever the case may be, home's foundations are shifting at an alarming rate in this area. 

When your foundation shifts, it can cause wall failure and sagging floors. The quicker you can call us to have a professional come give advice, the more money you could potentially save in the long run, because if a wall or floor is too far gone, it may require more extensive repair work than if you had caught it earlier. Be on the lookout for cracks in your wall like the image shown below, which could be a sign of potential devastation. 

Foundation repairs are very specific to each home and require specific tailoring and monitoring. To learn more about the specifics/what to look out for, you can go to foundationsupportworks.com to receive industry leading research and information.