Water near your home’s foundation is a problematic combination. From leaking pipes to flooding issues, water is usually the culprit when it comes to causing damage in homes.

But did you know drought conditions can also cause big problems?

Think of the soil around and underneath your home like a sponge. When hydrated, it’s full. When it loses moisture and dries out, it contracts and gets smaller. This can cause the foundation of your home to shift, crack, or even sink. Shifting of the foundation can cause damage to pipes. Cracks in the foundation, ironically, could lead to eventual water and flooding issues during heavy rains.

When the rain finally falls, the soil will swell and lift the home, but not always evenly — leading to problems such as a “taco-ing” effect where the home’s walls are higher than the center. Brick homes are particularly susceptible to damage because they are heavier — and put more pressure on the ground below.


Signs of Foundation Damage

Do you wonder if a drought has affected your home’s foundation? Check for these signs:

  • Uneven or sloping floors
  • Wall cracks and gaps between moldings and walls
  • Doors and windows that stick, and suddenly don’t open or close properly

How to Prevent Foundation Damage

You can take steps to prevent or minimize drought-related damage to your home.
Just follow these tips:

  • Keep the soil around your foundation hydrated
  • Run a soaker hose around the perimeter of your home (8-18 inches from the foundation)
  • Set a timer on the hose to water daily
  • Water during the evening or nighttime hours to avoid quick evaporation
  • If you live in a drought-prone area, consider adding shrubs and a thick layer of mulch to help retain moisture
Editorial Contributors
avatar for Danny Lipford

Danny Lipford

Founder

Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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