Droughts are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, and their impact extends far beyond parched lawns and water restrictions. One often overlooked consequence of drought is the damage it can inflict on your home’s foundation. Droughts can cause significant and expensive property damage. Droughts do not level buildings like hurricanes and tornadoes, but they can reduce the stability of the soil leading to shifting homes and damage to your home’s foundations. In this blog, we will explore how a drought affects your foundation, leading to settling foundations and drying out of the ground.
Understanding Foundation Settling
Your home’s foundation is a crucial component of its structural integrity. It provides stability and support, keeping your house level and safe. However, when the soil beneath the foundation dries out and shrinks during a drought, it can lead to foundation settling, causing gaps beneath your foundation which can lead to cracking and other issues.
Foundation settling occurs when the ground supporting your foundation contracts and sinks. This can cause various problems, including:
Uneven Floors: As the foundation settles unevenly, you may notice that your floors become sloped or uneven. This can make it difficult to close doors properly, cause cracks in your walls and ceilings, and create tripping hazards.
Cracks in Walls and Ceilings: The shifting foundation can exert pressure on your home’s structure, leading to visible cracks in walls and ceilings. These cracks not only compromise the aesthetic appeal of your home but can also indicate serious structural issues.
Jammed Doors and Windows: Uneven settling can cause doors and windows to become misaligned. This can make it challenging to open and close them, resulting in drafts and reduced energy efficiency.
Plumbing Problems: Settling foundations can affect your plumbing system. Plumbing pipes may bend, crack, or become dislodged, leading to leaks, water damage, and costly repairs.
The Role of Soil Moisture
To understand how drought contributes to foundation settling, it’s essential to consider the role of soil moisture. The soil beneath your home’s foundation provides crucial support. When the soil is adequately moist, it can bear the weight of your house evenly. However, during a drought, the soil can become completely dried out, losing all of its moisture.
As the soil dries out, it shrinks and compacts. This shrinkage can create voids beneath the foundation, allowing it to settle and sink. The extent of settling depends on several factors, including the severity and duration of the drought, the type of soil, and the depth of the foundation.
Preventing Foundation Damage During Droughts
While you can’t control the weather, there are steps you can take to minimize the impact of drought on your foundation:
Maintain Proper Moisture Levels: Install a soaker hose or irrigation system around the foundation to keep the soil adequately moist. Be mindful of local water restrictions and conserve water whenever possible.
Foundation Inspections: Regularly inspect your foundation for signs of settling or cracks. Early detection can prevent more extensive damage and also save a substantial amount of money on foundation repairs.
Proper Drainage: Ensure your home has proper drainage systems in place to prevent excess water from pooling near the foundation. This can help maintain a stable soil moisture level.
Consult Basement Foundation Professionals: If you notice any signs of foundation settling or damage, consult a structural engineer or foundation repair specialist. They can assess the situation and recommend appropriate solutions for your home.
Droughts have far-reaching consequences, and one of the lesser-known impacts is the damage they can inflict on your home’s foundation. Foundation settling caused by dry, shrinking soil can lead to a host of structural problems and expensive repairs. By taking proactive measures to maintain proper soil moisture levels and addressing any issues promptly, you can protect your home from the damaging effects of drought and ensure its long-term stability and safety.
Call Central Iowa’s Foundation Experts
If you live in Des Moines or the surrounding area, contact BAM Basements and Masons for a free estimate. You can either call us at 515-963-0226 or complete our online form. One of our experienced sales team advisors will evaluate your sinking foundation condition. Once your sales team advisor has determined the causes and issues, they’ll review their findings and recommended options with you. As a team, you will decide on the ideal whole-home solution that is right for you to keep your home strong and healthy for years to come.
BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is your premier foundation repair company serving the Des Moines, Iowa area. If you’re located in Des Moines, Ankeny, Bondurant, Altoona Pleasant hill, Ames, Adel, Waukee, Indianola, Grimes, Urbandale, Johnston, West Des Moines, or the surrounding areas, we’re the place to call. We can help you avoid costly and stressful foundation repair mistakes, by giving you a customized solution that’s going to work for you and your home in the long term. BAM Basements and Masons of Des Moines is a professional and locally owned and operated state-registered contractor. Your foundation repair specialist with affordable honest upfront pricing, no hidden costs, offer free estimates and limited lifetime warranties. We use new methods and materials on all jobs. We would love to help!