Dry Weather Means Dry Soil and Foundation Settlement
Did you know that soil contracts and expands depending on the moisture in the ground? Many Iowa homes are resting on clay soil -- this is the soil that is most affected by moisture changes. For example, during dry seasons clay dries out and shrinks. During the rainy seasons, clay absorbs water and expands.
As soil shrinks it becomes brittle and weak and cannot support the weight of your home. Your home's foundation begins to sink and shift. This is what leads to foundation settlement problems such as bowing walls, cracked exterior walls, sticky doors and windows, and chimney movement.
Foundation settlement is often caused by 3 common changes in soil:
1. Drying and Shrinking of Soil
When Iowa gets little rainfall, clay soil shrinks and dries out. As the amount of soil around your house shrinks in size, an empty space is created for your home to settle into. Sometimes trees can affect the drying of soil too. When there is a drought, tree roots growing under your home's foundation can draw moisture from the soil essentially drying the soil up faster.
2. Wetting and Softening of Soil
Similar to the over drying of soil, heavy rain and flood conditions can make clay soil become soft and weak. When soil is absorbing too much water it can have trouble supporting the weight of your home. Similar to when you step in mud and your foot squishes into it, your foundation sinks and squishes into the layers of soil beneath it.
3. Poorly Compacted Fill Soil
When building a new home, it is common for contractors to remove soil from hilltops and place it in other areas to create flat, buildable lots. If the soil is not compacted well and evenly, it can begin to compress under the weight of your home causing settlement.
Remember, settlement problems only get worse before they get better. If you notice settlement symptoms such as sticky doors and windows, cracks in foundation walls, bowing walls and floors, and drywall cracks be sure to contact a specialist sooner than later.