The effects of drought on your foundation may not be an immediate concern during a drought. However, once the drought ends, the effects of drought on your foundation may become a major concern.

Here’s what you need to know.

Yes–Drought Can Affect Your Foundation

When most homeowners think of foundation repairs and problems that lead to them, water damage is usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, drought can also cause significant damage to your foundation if not addressed promptly.

This year alone, foundation repair specialists have seen an increase in foundation problems, with calls for help increasing between 25 and 30% over previous seasons.

The primary issue?

Foundations are sinking up to two inches in some areas, leading to several issues, including:

Dryer soil
Soil/foundation sinking
Soil/foundation shifting

Over time, this can cause the entire structure to sink, leading to costly repairs.

5 Signs Your Home’s Foundation is Suffering Due to Drought Conditions

If you live in an area that’s been experiencing drought for a while, here are five signs you need to fix your home’s foundation before it’s too late.

1. Uneven Floors

These are one of the first signs that something is wrong with your foundation.

If you have hardwood floors, you may notice they are beginning to cup or warp. If you have tile floors, you may notice that the grout is cracking or the tiles are becoming loose.

These problems are usually caused by the foundation settling unevenly.

2. Chimney/Porches Start Leaning Away From the Home

As the foundation begins to settle and shift, your chimney or porch may start to lean away from the house. This is because their weights are no longer evenly distributed on the foundation.

As the foundation settles, one side may bear more weight than the other, causing it to lean or tilt.

3. Molding Has Separated from the Walls

This is a sign that the foundation is settling.

As the foundation settles, it puts pressure on the walls, which can cause the molding to separate away from the wall.

4. Diagonal Cracks

Another sign of foundation settling is the appearance of diagonal cracks on windows and doorways.

With the foundation settling comes unevenly distributed weight, which causes the walls to bow inward and outward.

As the pressure on the walls increases, the walls begin to crack, especially on windows and doorways.

5. Bowed Walls

These need to be addressed immediately. Bowed walls are caused by the uneven weight distribution on the foundation.

As the foundation sinks due to the combination of soil shrinkage and the weight of the house, the pressure on the walls increases, leading to bowing. If not addressed right away, this can lead to major damages.

Keep the Effects of Drought at Bay with Pinnacle Foundation Repair

If you live in an area prone to drought, it’s essential to be aware of its effects on your home’s foundation. By addressing the problem early on, you can save yourself a lot of time, money, and headache down the road.

If you believe the latest heat waves across Texas have adversely affected your home’s foundation, schedule your free inspection today!

The Effects of Drought on Your Foundation