Summer Heats Up Affecting Foundations

It is getting hot in Houston and the soil is starting to dry out in the summer sun.  I am starting to find significant separations between the soil and the edges of the foundations in many homes where I have been asked to evaluate the foundation performance.  The most severe areas of separation often correspond to areas near large trees or significant vegetation around the building.  Separations such as the one shown in the attached photograph extend under the grade beam of the foundation and are very likely to result in differential settlement of the foundation due to a lack up support of the foundation by the soil which will eventually lead to structural distress due to bending of the foundation.  If you are starting the see these separations, you may not be adding enough water or may need to consider other maintenance.  See our foundation care document for general guidelines.