During the summer of 2011 in Texas, the National Weather Service once listed 75 percent of the state in exceptional drought conditions.
One hundred days of 100 degrees, coupled with very little rain.
That sums up the drought of 2011, when North Texas suffered from record-breaking heat and dryness. Unfortunately for thousands of homeowners, the drought also created a need for thousands of home foundation repairs.
Foundation repair companies across the area reported cracks of 1 inch or more in foundations, mortar between bricks, and drywall. Large gaps, up to 2 inches or more, showed up around doors and windows, and walls separated from their foundations.
So why did this happen? And what measures can you take for foundation damage prevention, before the next drought strikes?
When drought dries out the ground, expansive clay soils gradually shrink. Over time, as the drought worsens, the shrinking becomes substantial. Movement in the ground then causes instability and movement in the home’s foundation. The home’s foundation then begins to shift, crack or break.
Then, when the drought is eventually broken and rain moves in, the soil expands once again. Moisture begins to collect in the soil, forcing clay to swell. That gives the foundation yet another opportunity to shift and break.
When your home is in a drought-stricken area, watch carefully for cracks in the ground around the foundation. If even small cracks develop, the soil is particularly stressed and shrinking rapidly. Also, be aware that large trees in your yard can cause additional problems. If they are thirsty, the trees will pull water from the ground under your home, creating even more problematic dryness.
So what should you do to prepare for the next drought? We suggest installing a soaker hose system around your foundation. Place the soaker hose on a timer. Periodic watering during typical weather patterns will keep the moisture levels in your soil consistent. During times of drought, you may need to increase the watering schedule.
For example, if cracks are visible in the ground near your foundation, you might water with the soaker hose system for 15 minutes, three times a week until the cracks close back up. If the cracks don’t close after several watering sessions, try watering daily for a time.
And don’t worry about watering restrictions. They typically don’t cover drip irrigation systems for this exact reason. City governments don’t want residents’ homes to suffer foundation damage, either. Although, when watering restrictions are in place, you will want to double-check with your municipality to be sure you are complying with the law.
If you think your home foundation might be in peril this summer due to lack of rain (God forbid), get some peace of mind and schedule a free in-home assessment with the experts from Foundation Repair Solutions!