A hot, dry summer in Kentucky and Southern Indiana might sound perfect for getting work done outdoors, but for your home, it can present a silent threat. While most homeowners are aware of the risks that come with heavy rain and floods, few consider the damage that can be caused by a lack of moisture.
The reality is that extended dry periods are just as much a concern for your home’s foundation as too much water. The reason? The clay soil common to our region. This soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry. Over a long drought, the soil around your foundation can pull away, leaving gaps and causing the ground to shift. This movement can put immense stress on your home’s foundation, leading to serious and costly problems down the road.
At KCS Foundation and Waterproofing, the team knows the local area better than anyone. They are here to explain how this process works and what you can do to protect your biggest investment.
How Drought Affects Your Soil and Foundation
In our region, the earth beneath your home is not a single, solid mass. It is a mix of materials, most of which include expansive clay. This clay soil acts like a sponge. When it rains, it soaks up water and swells, putting pressure on your foundation. When it dries out, it shrinks and can pull away from the foundation, leaving empty spaces.
Over a long, dry summer, this can cause a serious problem. As the soil shrinks, the heavy weight of your house is no longer fully supported. This can cause the foundation to settle into the voids, or shift unevenly, leading to a domino effect of issues throughout your home. The team has observed this issue repeatedly in homes all over Kentucky and Southern Indiana.
Look for These Signs of Drought-Related Foundation Damage
The good news is that your home will usually give you clues that something is not right. It is important to know what to look for, both inside and outside your house.
- Interior Signs
- Drywall Cracks: Look for cracks that run diagonally or vertically, especially around the corners of windows and doors.
- Sticking Windows and Doors: If doors that used to open and close smoothly now get stuck, it could mean the frame has been twisted by a shifting foundation.
- Uneven Floors: If you feel a noticeable slope when walking across a room, or if a ball rolls on its own, your foundation may have settled.
- Exterior Signs
- Foundation Cracks: Walk around the outside of your house and check for new or widening cracks in the foundation. Pay attention to cracks that look like stair-steps in brick or block walls.
- Gaps Around the Foundation: One of the most obvious signs is a visible gap between the ground and your foundation. As the soil shrinks, it literally pulls away from your home.
- Separating Porches or Chimneys: A porch or chimney that is visibly separating from the main structure of your house is a major red flag that the ground beneath it has settled.
What You Can Do: Simple Tips to Protect Your Foundation
Even with our climate, there are steps you can take to prevent drought-related foundation issues.
- Water Your Foundation: This is probably the most important and least obvious tip. Using a soaker hose, provide consistent moisture to the soil around your foundation, keeping it from shrinking. Be careful not to overdo it; a slow and steady watering is what you need.
- Mind Your Landscaping: Tree roots can pull a lot of moisture from the soil. Make sure any trees or shrubs are planted a safe distance from your home’s foundation to avoid them affecting the soil directly beneath it.
- Maintain Gutters and Downspouts: Even during dry periods, a sudden, heavy rain can be a problem. Make sure your gutters are clean and your downspouts extend several feet away from your home. This prevents a large rush of water from saturating one area of the soil.
Our Proven Foundation Solutions
If you have already noticed signs of damage, the best thing you can do is get a professional opinion. At KCS, they offer free, no-obligation estimates to determine the health of your foundation. The team has a deep understanding of the local soil and climate conditions.
If a problem is found, the team offers solutions that provide long-term stability:
- Pier Systems: This is a permanent solution to stabilize a sinking foundation. The team uses piers to connect your home to a stable layer of soil or bedrock, ensuring it will not shift again.
- Grading and Drainage: The team can improve the grading around your home and install drainage systems to ensure water is properly managed, preventing future issues.
Act Now to Protect Your Home
It is easy to think of a drought as a positive break from the rain, but for your home, it can be a significant threat. Overlooking the signs of a settling foundation can lead to costly and extensive repairs down the road.
At KCS, the team is your local expert, with decades of experience protecting homes in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. The team offers honest solutions and backs their work with a Lifetime Transferable Warranty.
Get a Free Estimate Today!
Contact The Team Now to schedule an inspection.