Evaporation
Hot and dry conditions may cause soil to pull away from the foundation. Settlement due to this foundation moisture imbalance could cause cracks to appear throughout the structure.
Transpiration
Tree roots could dehydrate the soil beneath a home causing soil shrinkage and settlement of the home.
Plumbing Leaks
Water from leaky plumbing is often a major contributor to foundation problems including heaving.
Drainage
Improper drainage will lead to excess moisture build up, which could erode or consolidate soils. Excessive moisture may cause heaving of expansive clay soils.
Poor Building Site Preparation
Cut and fill situations, where soil is removed from part of the building site and stacked on another, needs proper soil stabilization before a structure is built; otherwise unexpected movements of the soil beneath the foundation may occur. |