Why Drought Means Your Foundation is Settling

The recent summers in Michigan have been particularly challenging for homeowners, marked by unusually high temperatures and significant drought conditions. With temperatures frequently soaring above 90 degrees and rainfall levels falling more than 2 inches below the seasonal average, the state’s climate has threatened the structural integrity of homes. These extreme weather conditions have led to a pressing concern regarding the stability of house foundations, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and proactive measures.

Understanding How Dry Weather Affects Your Foundation

In Michigan, the clay soil’s expansive nature is a primary factor in foundation issues. As this type of soil loses moisture, it contracts, creating gaps between the soil and the foundation. This contraction can lead to foundation cracks, allowing water to seep in. Moreover, the expansion and contraction cycle can cause visible damage in homes, such as cracked walls, sticking doors and windows, and separated floor seams.

Proactive Measures to Protect Your Foundation

To mitigate the risk of foundation damage during prolonged dry periods, homeowners are encouraged to take several proactive steps:

Maintain Soil Moisture

Regularly watering the soil around your home is crucial in maintaining a consistent moisture level. This practice helps prevent the formation of gaps between the soil and the foundation, thus reducing the likelihood of cracking and other related issues.

Manage Tree Root Growth

The presence of large trees near the foundation can significantly contribute to soil dryness. The roots of these trees often draw substantial amounts of water from the soil, exacerbating dry conditions. Homeowners should consider cutting and capping the roots of such trees, and in some cases, complete tree removal may be necessary to prevent further damage to the foundation.

Soil Grading and Sloping

Proper soil grading around your home is an essential aspect of foundation care. This involves filling in low spots and leveling off high spots adjacent to the foundation to ensure that the surface of the soil slopes gradually away from the building. A recommended slope is 1 inch per foot for a distance of 3 to 4 feet from the foundation, facilitating better water runoff and reducing the risk of water-related damages.

Efficient Roof Water Runoff Management

Implementing an effective gutter and downspout system is crucial, particularly for buildings with inadequate eaves or where eaves are less than 1 foot wide. Such systems play a vital role in controlling roof water runoff, preventing soil erosion around the foundation, and thereby mitigating water damage risks.

When to Seek Professional Help

Recognizing signs of foundation settlement, such as cracking, buckling, or bowing walls, is critical. These symptoms often indicate more severe underlying issues that require professional attention. Foundation Systems of Michigan is equipped to provide homeowner free inspections and has a proven track record in effectively repairing thousands of foundations, offering reliable solutions for various foundation-related problems.

Secure Your Home’s Foundation Now: Take Action Against Dry Weather Damage

Don’t let the dry summer weather compromise the integrity of your home. Contact Foundation Systems of Michigan to schedule your no-cost, comprehensive inspection and tailored solutions to protect your home’s foundation. Secure your peace of mind today by safeguarding your home against foundation damage.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with more than ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.