Poor drainage is a leading contributor to foundation settlement because it disrupts the stability of the soil supporting a structure. When water is not properly routed away from a home, it saturates the ground, leading to two primary destructive processes:
Saturated, waterlogged soil can erode over time. When water pools near the foundation due to improper grading, clogged gutters, or short downspouts, it can wash away fine soil particles from under the footings. This creates hidden voids, leaving the foundation without adequate support and causing it to settle unevenly.
In regions with expansive clay soils, such as Colorado, poor drainage is particularly damaging. These clays swell dramatically when saturated and shrink as they dry. This cyclical movement creates a back-and-forth stress that weakens the foundation’s integrity. Additionally, loose fill soil that was not properly compacted during construction will compress further when it becomes saturated, accelerating the settlement process.
Warning signs of drainage-related settlement include:
Stair-step cracks in your home’s exterior brick follow the mortar joints in a zigzag, stepped pattern and are a primary indicator of foundation settlement. These fractures signify that the underlying foundation is settling or moving unevenly, often due to Colorado’s…
Repairing stair-step cracks in brick veneer involves a two-step approach: addressing the underlying structural movement and sealing the visible damage. Because these cracks are typically caused by foundation settlement into expansive soils, it is critical to stabilize the structure before…
Distinguishing between settlement and shrinkage cracks is essential for determining the structural health of a home. These two types of cracks have different causes and implications for your foundation: While shrinkage cracks can often be addressed with routine patching or…
No, stair-step cracks should never be ignored. While minor hairline cracks are sometimes cosmetic, stair-step patterns are among the most telling signs of foundation problems and often indicate underlying settlement. Why You Should Address Them Stair-step cracks typically develop when…
Yes, stair-step cracks in brick are one of the most distinctive and telling signs of foundation settlement or sinking. These diagonal fractures follow the mortar joints in a zigzag pattern, signaling that the underlying foundation is settling or moving unevenly.…
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