What Does Your Home Sit On?

Obviously, your home sits on the ground.  But what is it exactly that causes your home to sink, settle, and sag?  The “ground” that you see as you are walking across your lawn is made up of several different soil layers.  Each of these soil layers has a different thickness and ability to hold the weight of your home. That soil has been there for thousands of years or may have been put under your home by your home builder in order to create a flat lot.

Typically, soil layers get stronger with depth.  The first layer is usually a shallow layer near the surface that is organic, making it easy for plants to grow.  Below that top layer, there may be layers of sand, silt, or clay, depending upon where you live.  Deep below those layers is a layer of bedrock, which is rock or very stable, dense soil.

No matter which type of soil is under your home, the outside elements will have an effect on it.  If the soil becomes too dry, it will shrink and crack, resulting in foundation settlement.  If the soil becomes too wet, it will soften, resulting in foundation settlement.  And if the fill soil is poorly compacted—you guessed it—it will result in foundation settlement.

It is important to be aware of what kind of soil your home sits on, so you can be prepared and know the best option for repair if your foundation begins to settle.