Soil Settlement and Foundation Settlement Go Hand-in-Hand

Although a modest amount of uniform settlement is normal, severe differential soil settlement is a major cause of foundation damage and can be devastating to your home’s value. Differential settlement occurs when weather conditions or poor construction cause soils to shift unevenly, causing them to shift and fail to support your home’s foundation. 

If you suspect your home has become damaged by soil settlement, call MidAmerica Basement Systems today to schedule an inspection and receive your free estimate!

What Causes Soil Settlement?

Soils become saturated with rainwater and expand, then they contract during dry weather conditions. This constant expansion and contraction creates voids in the soil, making it no longer supportive to the weight of your foundation and causing settlement.

What problems are caused by soil settlement?

The settlement can put massive amounts of pressure on your home’s structure and can cause other problems for your home. 

Hydrostatic Pressure

As water flows through the soil, it builds up pressure against the foundation walls and begins to push on them, causing what is known as hydrostatic pressure. As the water pushes on the walls, the basement begins to start seeing water seeping in through cracks in the foundation or in the concrete.

Leaky Basement

Water can seep through even the tiniest of cracks and cause extensive damage. Even if your basement doesn’t flood, the moisture from the water intrusion can cause damage like mold growth, musty odors, or pest infestation.

Foundation Wall Cracks

Aside from water damage, soil settlement can also cause your walls to crack from the pressure. As your foundation sinks further into the ground, it puts so much pressure on your home’s structure that it can cause your interior or exterior walls to crack.