Everything to Know About Foundations and Soil Problems
If your home has a foundation issue, there’s a good chance this can be due to soil problems. Soil is made up of sand, silt, and clay, in addition to other organic materials. But that doesn’t mean all soil is created equal.
For example, clay soil (also known as expansive soil) – which is commonly found in Southern California – has a much higher concentration of clay particles. Because of this composition, clay soil tends to shrink when it dries and expand when wet.
Expansive Soil and Foundation Issues
If a home has been built on expansive soil (aka clay soil), this can create more foundation issues with time.
This is because when expansive (clay) soil becomes moist, it expands, and this expansion lifts the foundation. The lifting can occur in different places, depending on building load (the weight that is carried by the structure) and the amount of moisture present. For instance, expansive soil may push up the corners of a structure more than the center. The same soil problems arise when the clay dries, as the soil shrinks which leaves gaps.
Unfortunately, soil expansion can cause foundation cracks and put stress on a building’s structure. Soil contraction can also result in cracks, as well as foundation settlement.
And when cracks in a foundation occur, this allows more moisture to enter the structure, which can impact its stability. Foundation settlement can also prevent doors and windows from closing properly, cause sloping floors, and other structural problems.
Solutions for Soil Problems
Luckily, foundation damage from expansive soil can be minimized if the foundation is extended past the area where the soil’s water content fluctuates.
Other solutions to the problem include drainage that directs water away from the structure, or making sure the foundation is strong enough to withstand any swelling and contraction. Grading the soil around the foundation can deter the problem as well.
How do you know if you have soil issues or a foundation problem? Contact a foundation repair expert, like Julian Construction, and ask for a foundation inspection.
A foundation contractor will not only know where to look, but what to look for, when conducting the inspection. If there is a situation that needs to be addressed, a foundation repair specialist will be able to recommend the right foundation repair solution for your particular situation. Resolving problems quickly can reduce foundation repair costs and help prevent more severe damage that could require foundation replacement.
If you think your home is in need of foundation repair, house leveling, foundation replacement and/or earthquake retrofitting, contact Julian Construction today and we will send one of our foundation specialists out to conduct a free, thorough inspection with a quote for repair.
We have extensive experience serving our Los Angeles community and nearby regions. In fact, Julian Construction has inspected over 30,000 structures in the area!
Julian Construction was formed in 1994 and our focus has always been on building and maintaining foundations, doing foundation repair and replacement, earthquake retrofitting, and house leveling.
When you work with Julian Construction, you get the principles of the company and the workers of Julian Construction under your home.
And in order to keep foundation repair affordable for our customers, we offer a price guarantee — because we know our quote for repair will represent your very best value.
Give us a call at (323) 733-3377 to schedule your free inspection or complete the inspection request form.
