Many foundation problems are caused by excessively saturated soils due to reasons like soil makeup, prolonged periods of wet weather, and poor drainage.

Though it might seem the opposite would be better for preventing these foundation issues, extreme heat can be just as damaging to the support structure of a house or building.

In many locations with hot, dry climates, the need for foundation repairs is just as common because hard, dry ground can be just as destructive as saturated wet ground can be.

Fortunately, there is actually a simple remedy that can help to prevent these issues in areas where foundation damage due to heat and dry soil is common.

Soil Shrinkage At The Root Of Hot Weather Foundation Problems

When the ground dries out in hot, dry climates, that lack of moisture causes the soil to shrink and compact.

It is these shifts in the soil that cause foundation problems like cracking and uneven settling.

Soil that shrinks as all of its moisture evaporates can constrict around a foundation, adding pressure to the point of cracking it.

Foundation issues like uneven settling and slab cracking can happen when the soil beneath a concrete or block foundation creates empty space beneath the support structure.

Due to that lack of support beneath it, the foundation can shift and become damaged as it does, allowing the entire structure to become unlevel.

This can result in even more damage later on when the dry season passes.

Concrete Is Susceptible to Foundation Issues When It Dries Out

Concrete feels dry to the touch, but in fact, even hardened concrete has a certain amount of moisture in it like nearly every other substance does.

The concrete used for slab, block, and poured foundations remains the strongest and resists a need for extensive foundation repairs when there is a certain amount of moisture present in the soil, the amount depending on the soil type.

In climates that get hot and dry to the point that it causes foundation problems, the concrete can be weakened by this lack of moisture.

Combined with the added force of shrinking and constricting soil around the foundation or under the slab, this is a recipe for issues like cracking, shifting, and destabilization.

Adding Ground Moisture Reduces Hot Weather Foundation Problems

One way to prevent these serious foundation issues in regions where extreme summer heat and dry, compacted soils are known to cause them is by adding moisture to the soil.

While water conservation will always be a concern and should be done very efficiently using ground seeper hoses, expensive foundation repairs can sometimes be avoided by keeping a minimum level of moisture in the soil around the foundation.

Properties that have lawn sprinklers to keep grass alive during high heat are much less likely to experience these problems due to soil shrinkage and concrete weakening.

Contact A Foundation Expert For Help With Foundation Care

Whether it is summer or winter, extreme temperatures can cause foundation issues in locations with certain types of soil.

The best way to prevent foundation problems is to understand the type of soil a home or building is built on and the known issues that are common within the area.

A local foundation repair expert can guide property owners on their type of soil and what should be done to minimize the damage that can be caused by temperature extremes, whether too hot or too cold.

Taking steps to prevent foundation problems today can save tens of thousands in extensive foundation repairs later!