If your home's foundation sits on clay soil, you may face some unique complications that can negatively impact your foundation. Clay soil has two problems: it absorbs water slowly, and it expands and contracts. If you would like to know more about clay soil to better protect your foundation, keep reading.

Clay Soil Absorbs Water Slowly 

There are many types of soil, including sand, chalk, silt, and clay. However, clay is a heavy soil, and it does a terrible job of absorbing water. It absorbs water slowly, and it doesn't absorb much water. For this reason, when it rains, a lot of water remains standing on lawns with clay soil. If this water builds up near your foundation, it can cause serious problems.

In general, your roof's overhangs help protect the ground around the foundation from rain water, but that isn't always the case, especially if it rains hard or the rain is slanted. If you frequently neglect your gutters, allowing them to spill over, you may notice an indent in the ground below them. This indent can help direct and store water around the foundation.

Water can also build up around the foundation if your yard slopes toward the house at any location. Gravity will naturally allow the water to collect at the base of your home.

One way to fix drainage issues is with soil grading: a process that adds soil near the foundation to create a slope away from the foundation. In some cases, additional downspouts, gutters and in-ground drains may be required to prevent standing water. It may also be beneficial to add more plants to your landscape, especially plants that absorb water well.

If you do not fix the problem, the long-term exposure to water can damage your foundation. The moisture can rot wooden components. The rotting wood is not only weak, but it can attract pests. Too much water can erode the soil under the foundation, increasing the risks of cracks.

Clay Soil Expands and Contracts

While clay soil may not absorb water well, it does hold water. This feature, unfortunately, can also damage your foundation because clay soil expands when it's wet and contracts as it dries. This process, however, puts extra stress on your home's foundation, leading to more wear and tear than normal.

One issue that arises is cracking. If the soil doesn't expand and contract evenly, your foundation becomes uneven, increasing the chance of cracking from the weight of your home. Most foundations move a little, but if you've noticed cracks in the foundation or walls (exterior and interior), the foundation may be moving too much.

If it rains too much, and the soil absorbs massive amounts of water, it can cause a foundation upheaval. In the hotter months, when there is no rain, the soil may contract so much your foundation starts to sink, which also increases the chance of cracks.

When examining your foundation for cracks, make note of any cracks over 15mm, as they may indicate an issue. Cracks with a 45-degree angle are also concerning as they indicate foundation movement. Other signs include uneven doors, French doors that don't meet in the middle, and doors that stick or drag.

Foundation problems are not something to ignore. They can lead to major complications for other parts of your home. If you've noticed any signs of foundation damage, if your yard has poor drainage, or if you are just concerned, you can have your foundation examined.

Catching problems early can save you money, time and headaches. To learn more about foundation repair and damage, or if you would like to get a free estimate, contact us at Bonilla Foundation Repair today.