Sand vs. Clay Soil in Illinois and Missouri

There are different types of soil, and each type of soil has different properties and is affected by moisture in different ways.  It is important to know which type of soil your home sits on because precautionary measures may need to be taken.  It largely depends on where your home is located in the United States, but the two most common types of soil are sand and clay. 

When it comes to sandy soil, moisture does not have much of an effect on it.  When it rains, the water typically passes through the sand very quickly, rather than absorbing it.  When the sand gets wet it doesn’t expand in size, and when it is dry it doesn’t shrink.  For the most part, it keeps its shape and stays compact over time.  This is why sandy soil is a much better option than clay soil when it comes to the foundation of your home.

Clay is the most problematic soil.  When clay soil becomes wet, it holds onto the water and expands in size.  When it dries out, it shrinks and cracks.  The dramatic reduction in size during dry seasons can have a big impact on your home’s foundation, causing large cracks throughout your home.  Also, the softening of the clay soil during wet seasons can result in foundation settlement, which is also not good for your home.

There are many other factors that can have an effect on the soil below your home, such as how well the fill soil was compacted, drought, tree roots, and poor drainage systems.  It is important to be aware of the type of soil around your home and what could affect it, so you can be prepared if foundation settlement occurs.