Are droughts silently damaging your home’s foundation? At Ram Jack Foundation Solutions, we’ve witnessed the hidden havoc that extended dry periods can wreak on homes. While many worry about flooding, drought poses an equally serious threat to your foundation’s health. Let’s explore the 5 ways drought harms your home’s foundation.
How Drought Harms Your Home’s Foundation
1. Soil Shrinkage: The Silent Culprit
When drought strikes, soil moisture evaporates. Result? The ground shrinks, creating gaps around your foundation. These voids rob your home of crucial support, potentially leading to settlement issues. You can learn more about expansive soils from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
2. Clay Soil: A Drought Double Whammy
Got clay-rich soil? Beware. Clay contracts dramatically as it dries, causing significant shifts in the ground beneath your home. This movement can spell serious trouble for your foundation.
3. Uneven Settling: A Recipe for Cracks
Soil rarely dries uniformly. This means different parts of your foundation may sink at different rates. The outcome? Cracks in walls, floors, and even the foundation itself.
4. Structural Stress: When Support Disappears
Imagine losing the steady support beneath your feet. That’s what happens to your home during a drought. This increased stress can lead to:
- Bowing walls
- Sticking doors and windows
- Other worrying structural issues
Learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of foundation repair.
5. Long-Term Soil Damage
Think the problems end when rain returns? Think again. Severely dried soil doesn’t always bounce back quickly. This means foundation issues can persist long after the drought ends.
Protecting Your Home’s Foundation During Drought
While we can’t control the weather, you’re not powerless against drought damage. Try these protective measures:
- Water Wisely: Use soaker hoses to maintain moisture around your foundation during dry spells.
- Direct Drainage: Ensure rainwater flows away from your home, not towards it.
- Stay Vigilant: Watch for warning signs like new cracks or doors that won’t close properly.
- Seek Expert Help: Consider professional foundation repair systems to stabilize your home.
Don’t Wait for Visible Damage
Drought-related foundation problems can develop silently. Don’t let them catch you off guard. You can use this drought map to compare month over month and even year over year.
If you’re concerned about your home’s foundation health, contact Ram Jack today. Our experts will assess your situation and recommend the best solutions to protect your home’s crucial structure.