Expert Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineers in Wesley Chapel, FL

You may think that your foundation can't be damaged once you build your home. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Sinkholes, excessively moist soil, and drought are just a few things that can cause foundation damage after the fact. As you can see, the stability and longevity of your foundation will be determined by the soil around it. The ground can freeze, become wet and soft, or extremely dry. All of these states will have a different impact on your foundation. However, today we will discuss how drought affects your home's foundation. The Effect of Drought on Soil The majority of houses have a foundation that is surrounded by various types of soil. Each layer will react differently depending on the temperature and weather conditions. Sand, silt, and clay are the three primary components of soil. The soil beneath your foundation will, for the most part, be a combination of these three elements. If the soil is sand, the rain will drain through, which doesn't usually cause any issues. However, when the soil is primarily clay, water can become trapped inside the granule when it rains a lot. The main problem with clay soil is that it has the potential to form expansive soil. This occurs when clay-rich soil expands and fills with moisture. Expansive soil is dangerous because it can expand due to excessive moisture, causing costly foundation damage. It's tough to tell if your home's foundation has problems simply by looking at the house or the ground.