The short answer
What Causes Expansive Soils
Expansive soils contain clay minerals that absorb water and expand, sometimes increasing in volume by more than 10 percent. When the soil dries out, it shrinks and leaves gaps beneath your foundation. This cycle repeats with every season, and even small changes in moisture can cause noticeable movement.
In areas with a humid subtropical climate, heavy spring rains and hot summers create frequent wet-dry cycles. That means the ground under your home can swell and contract many times a year. If you live in Euless, you might notice the effects after a long dry spell followed by a downpour.
Common Signs of Soil Damage
Look for stair-step cracks in brick or masonry, often widening near corners of windows and doors. Inside, drywall cracks may appear above door frames or along ceiling joints. Sloping or uneven floors are another red flag, as are doors that stick or windows that suddenly jam.
You might also see gaps between the exterior wall and the ground, or cracks in your driveway and sidewalk that align with foundation edges. These signs don't always mean serious trouble, but they warrant a closer look. If you notice any, take photos and track whether they change with the seasons.
- Cracks wider than a quarter inch
- Doors or windows that stick or shift
- Gaps between exterior walls and soil
- Sloping or bouncy floors
- Cracks in drywall or ceiling joints
- Foundation cracks that grow over time
How Soil Movement Affects Your Foundation
When soil swells, it pushes upward against your foundation, creating uplift pressure. That force can crack slabs and lift piers, causing sections of the house to rise unevenly. When soil shrinks, it leaves voids that allow the foundation to settle or drop, which can twist the structure and strain plumbing lines.
The damage often shows up first at the weakest points: corners, doorways, and utility penetrations. Over time, repeated movement can loosen the soil around the foundation, making the problem worse. A single crack may be cosmetic, but multiple cracks or a shifting door frame suggest deeper issues.
Preventive Measures for Homeowners
The goal is to keep moisture levels in the soil around your home as stable as possible. Water your foundation evenly during dry spells, but avoid overwatering, which can cause swelling. Use soaker hoses placed a foot or two from the foundation, and move them seasonally to avoid saturating one spot.
Improve drainage by extending downspouts at least five feet from the house and grading the soil so water flows away. Plant trees and large shrubs a safe distance from the foundation, since roots can draw moisture from the soil. Keep mulch or soil levels below the siding to prevent moisture wicking into the structure.
- Run soaker hoses in dry periods only
- Extend downspouts away from the foundation
- Grade the soil to slope away from the house
- Keep trees and shrubs at a safe distance
- Maintain consistent soil moisture year-round
- Avoid changing drainage patterns abruptly
When to Call for Professional Help
If you see cracks that widen or new ones appearing, or if doors and windows become hard to operate, it's time for a professional evaluation. A water damage inspection can identify whether the issue is from soil movement, plumbing leaks, or poor drainage. The pros can measure foundation movement and recommend steps to stabilize the soil.
Acting early can prevent minor cracks from turning into major structural repairs. If you suspect a plumbing leak is adding moisture to the soil, fix that first, as it can worsen the swelling. For serious foundation issues, consult a structural engineer or a qualified foundation repair specialist, not just a general contractor.
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Call Now (817) 799-6732Frequently asked questions
Can expansive soils cause water damage inside the home?
Yes, indirectly. When soil movement cracks your foundation or walls, rainwater and groundwater can seep through those openings. That moisture can damage drywall, flooring, and insulation, and may lead to mold growth. Fixing the soil issue often prevents the water intrusion in the first place.
How can I tell if cracks are from soil movement or just settling?
Small hairline cracks that appear once and stay stable are often normal settling. Cracks from expansive soils tend to open and close with the seasons, and they often reappear after being patched. If cracks grow over a few months or are wider than a quarter inch, have a professional inspect them.
Will my insurance cover damage from expansive soils?
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Many standard policies exclude earth movement, including expansive soil damage. However, if the soil movement caused a pipe to burst and that led to water damage, the water damage might be covered. Check your policy and talk to your agent.