It’s All in the Soil
Expansive soil settlement is the leading cause of foundation problems across Southern California and Arizona. In fact, over 90% of homes we inspect have poor or nonexistent rain gutters. When gutters do exist, most dump rainwater directly onto the ground next to the foundation. However, drought conditions cause just as much damage. As the soil dries out, it shrinks, and your foundation settles right along with it.
“Seems it never rains in Southern California. Seems I’ve often heard that kind of talk before. It never rains in California, but girl, don’t they warn ya? It pours, man, it pours.”
Inadequate drainage from rain or irrigation often leads to sub-grade soil saturation. This is the number one trigger for expansive soil settlement in our region. Meanwhile, record drought conditions are the second-biggest culprit. Because moisture content is volume, dry soil shrinks and pulls support away from your home.
Why Expansive Soil Settlement Happens
Is your house draining water right next to the foundation? If so, that may be the cause of your foundation woes. In most cases, the expansion or shrinking of soil supporting your foundation causes the entire structure to sink gradually.
So why does this happen? Generally, differential settlement (sinking) occurs when soil under a footing compresses. The most common causes include:
- Moistening of the subgrade soil by water infiltration.
- Drying of clay-like soils during drought.
- Crumbling of decomposing organic material in a subterranean layer.
- Inadequate or non-uniform compaction of the soil before construction.
- Additional loading from structural additions on an existing foundation.
- Hillside slope creep from an adjacent slope slowly shifting.
Soil Types That Cause Settlement
Clay soil has a very high elasticity index. This means it can greatly shrink or swell depending on the amount of water present. Therefore, the higher the clay content beneath your foundation, the greater the potential for expansive soil settlement and future problems.
Why Is My Foundation Failing? (Exterior Wall Cracks)
Are your walls bulging or pulling away from the building? If so, those are clear signs of foundation problems. There are several reasons walls crack from expansive soil settlement:
- Shrinking or expanding soils.
- Drought conditions or overly wet soil.
- Leaking sewer pipes and supply lines.
- Poor compaction or fill techniques.
- Tree roots or erosion issues.
- Hillside slipping or downhill creep.
- Poor construction techniques.
- Material failure (footing failure) or termite infestation.
What to Do Next
If you suspect expansive soil settlement is damaging your home, don’t wait. Unfortunately, these problems only get worse with time. However, early detection can save you thousands in repair costs.
For years, Bristolfx has helped Southern California and Arizona homeowners protect their foundations from soil-related damage. Therefore, we offer free inspections so you’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with before any work begins.
📞 Call us today for a FREE inspection:
- California: (661) 294-1313
- Arizona: (928) 767-7789