A sticking door. A hairline crack near a window that wasn’t there last month. Small stuff, easy to brush off, until it isn’t. Foundation repair companies are seeing exactly this pattern play out right now, and the soil under your feet is the reason why.
Our own Dallas General Manager, Blane Bartley, recently spoke with The Dallas Morning News about why this happens every summer and what homeowners can do about it. Bartley walked through how expansive clay soil reacts to Texas heat, the early warning signs homeowners should watch for, and how consistent watering can help protect a home’s foundation during a drought.
“Your house is your biggest investment.”
— Blane Bartley, Olshan Foundation Solutions – Dallas, General Manager
Why This Happens Every Summer
Most homes across Dallas-Fort Worth sit on expansive clay soil, which swells when wet and shrinks when dry. After weeks of triple-digit heat with little rain, that soil can pull away from your home’s foundation fast, and the foundation follows right along with it.
This isn’t just a Dallas story either. The same clay-heavy soil runs through much of Texas, and similar patterns show up in other hot, dry markets we serve, from Kansas City to Tampa.
For a full breakdown of what causes foundation movement, visit our guide on the causes of foundation problems.
Watch for the Warning Signs
Sticking doors, uneven floors, and small cracks near windows are often the first clues that your foundation is shifting. Left unchecked, they can turn into bigger, more expensive problems.
Not sure what to look for or how to respond? Our foundation maintenance guide covers everything homeowners need to know to keep a foundation healthy year-round.
Watering Can Make a Real Difference
Keeping the soil around your home’s foundation evenly hydrated is one of the simplest ways to prevent drought-related damage, and it’s a big part of what Bartley discussed in the article.
If you want a more consistent, hands-off way to protect your foundation through the hot months, take a look at our foundation watering system, built specifically for drought conditions.
Concerned about what you’re seeing at home? Schedule a free evaluation with your local Olshan team today.