The Truth About Expansive Soil

Expansive soils, rich in clay minerals, can cause serious problems for your home. During wet periods, these soils absorb water and expand, creating additional pressure on your foundation. When that pressure becomes too much for your foundation to withstand, it can lead to cracks, leaks, and a host of other related issues.

Nearly every home in Georgia is built on expansive clay soil. Recognizing the warning signs of excess moisture in the soil around your foundation is essential for protecting your home. In this article, we’ll explore how hydrostatic pressure builds, and what you can do to mitigate its effects on your foundation.

As groundwater accumulates, the increased pressure pushes against the walls, which may eventually lead to foundation cracking, especially in weaker or poorly constructed foundations. These cracks compromise the structural integrity of the foundation, leading to further damage if not addressed promptly.

Bowing occurs when the hydrostatic pressure becomes too great for the foundation walls to withstand, causing them to bend inward. This indicates that the foundation is struggling to support the surrounding soil and water pressure. If left unaddressed, bowing walls can lead to significant structural instability, requiring extensive and costly repairs.

When cracks form in the foundation due to the pressure, they create pathways for water to seep into basements or crawl spaces. This water infiltration can lead to damp conditions, promoting mold growth, wood rot, and other moisture-related issues that degrade the living environment and cause health problems.

• Cracks in your foundation or basement walls
• Sloping or uneven floors
• Doors and windows that stick
• Floor gaps
• Drywall or stucco cracks
• A sagging roof

Exterior Drainage

Your gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in protecting your foundation from hydrostatic pressure by effectively managing runoff. This helps minimize the amount of water that can accumulate around your foundation walls, preventing the pressure from getting worse after every heavy storm. Additionally, landscaping measures like maintaining a steady grade on your lawn or using plants to soak up excess moisture can help.

Wall Anchors

Wall anchors are used to stabilize and reinforce foundation walls that have already been affected by hydrostatic pressure, preventing further damage. These durable metal supports dig deep into the soil outside the foundation, providing a stable base. A wall anchor system pushes back against the hydrostatic force, pulling the wall back toward its original position and providing additional support to withstand future pressure.

Carbon Fiber Support Strips

These durable carbon fiber strips are adhered vertically to the interior of the foundation walls using high-strength epoxy. Once in place, they provide additional tensile strength to the walls, preventing further bowing. Carbon fiber strips are easy to install and effectively distribute the stress caused by hydrostatic pressure across the wall, enhancing its structural integrity and preventing future damage.

The foundation repair pros at AquaGuard Foundation Solutions know what it’s like to deal with expansive Georgia soil. Our team provides quality products and specialized solutions to restore foundations affected by hydrostatic pressure, or to prevent damage by addressing the root causes. Contact us today to get started with a free foundation inspection from one of our experts.