When the conditions are right, the soil beneath your home can move up against the foundation with sufficient force to crack and move it upward. Because your house rests on the foundation, this upward movement will damage the floor and nearby walls. The ceiling above the damaged walls will likely be affected as well.
Upheavals almost always cause damage to both the house and its foundation, unless the entire foundation is lifted evenly by the same amount. Most upheavals only affect parts of the foundation while the rest remains stationary. This differential movement is what causes the damage.
The Cause of Upheavals
Large areas of Texas have clay soils that are unusually unstable when their moisture content changes. The soil shrinks when it …show more content…
This commonly occurs during wet spring weather combined with drainage problems around the home.
Outdoor faucet leaks. A faucet that drips one drop per second releases eight gallons of water per day.
Sprinkler systems that soak the ground near the foundation.
Air conditioning condensate drainage next to the foundation.
Tree removal. Trees with extensive roots consume water in the soil. When removed, water that's normally consumed by the trees builds up in the soil. This often occurs with the removal of large and old trees that were alive before the house was built.
Plumbing leaks. Plumbing beneath slab foundations, water mains, and sewer lines can leak and increase underground soil moisture next to and beneath your house. Trees often seek the moisture and nutrients of sewer pipes. Their roots infiltrate the pipes through small leaks, causing further damage and increased leakage.
Is Your Problem Soil Settlement, Shrinkage, or Upheaval?
If your home is new, it will do some settling during its first 3 to 5 years. However, the cracks produced should be thin cosmetic problems. Large cracks in the foundation, floors, or walls are indicative of other more serious problems. Soil shrinkage is a serious problem that occurs when expansive clay soil near your home dries out during droughts or hot
Upheavals almost always cause damage to both the house and its foundation, unless the entire foundation is lifted evenly by the same amount. Most upheavals only affect parts of the foundation while the rest remains stationary. This differential movement is what causes the damage.
The Cause of Upheavals
Large areas of Texas have clay soils that are unusually unstable when their moisture content changes. The soil shrinks when it …show more content…
This commonly occurs during wet spring weather combined with drainage problems around the home.
Outdoor faucet leaks. A faucet that drips one drop per second releases eight gallons of water per day.
Sprinkler systems that soak the ground near the foundation.
Air conditioning condensate drainage next to the foundation.
Tree removal. Trees with extensive roots consume water in the soil. When removed, water that's normally consumed by the trees builds up in the soil. This often occurs with the removal of large and old trees that were alive before the house was built.
Plumbing leaks. Plumbing beneath slab foundations, water mains, and sewer lines can leak and increase underground soil moisture next to and beneath your house. Trees often seek the moisture and nutrients of sewer pipes. Their roots infiltrate the pipes through small leaks, causing further damage and increased leakage.
Is Your Problem Soil Settlement, Shrinkage, or Upheaval?
If your home is new, it will do some settling during its first 3 to 5 years. However, the cracks produced should be thin cosmetic problems. Large cracks in the foundation, floors, or walls are indicative of other more serious problems. Soil shrinkage is a serious problem that occurs when expansive clay soil near your home dries out during droughts or hot