Foundation Problems

Common Causes of Foundation Movement

One of the most common causes of foundation movement is the shrinking and swelling of expansive soils. The degree of soil movement is determined by the amount of expansive material, and the variation of its moisture content. During the spring, when the moisture content of expansive soil increases, the soil swells. During the drier months when the moisture decreases, the soil shrinks, allowing foundations to settle. During wet periods, foundations return to their desired elevation. Sometimes, the soil will swell enough to raise foundations higher than their desired elevation, which is referred to as upheaval.

Other Causes

• Drying of soils from the sun and weather conditions
• Evaporation
• Moisture loss from roots
• Shallow footings
• Broken or cracked pipes
• Extremely wet soil
• Compressible soil
• Organic layer
• Soils affected by water tables
• Earthquakes and tremors