Foundation footings are designed to distribute the weight of a home or building into the soil below. When the footing is undersized, weakened, or no longer adequately supported by the surrounding soil, the foundation can begin to settle.
At King Piers, we’ve encountered everything from narrow, undersized footings beneath crawl spaces to foundations affected by poor soil conditions, drainage problems, plumbing leaks, and extreme weather.
Once settlement begins, determining why the footing is failing is critical. Simply addressing visible cracks without correcting the underlying movement may allow the problem to continue.
If your home is showing signs of settlement, learn how our foundation pier system is used to lift and stabilize sinking foundations.
Here are the top 6 issues that we see:
1. Poor Drainage
Poor drainage around a foundation can oversaturate the surrounding soil, causing it to soften, shift, or lose its ability to adequately support the footing. Common problems include short downspouts, clogged gutters, improper grading, and inadequate drainage around the foundation.
When excess water is contributing to foundation problems, correcting the drainage issue may be an important part of preventing continued movement. Learn more about French drains and foundation drainage.
2. Extreme Weather Conditions
Kansas City’s changing weather can place significant stress on the soil supporting a foundation. During hot, dry periods, soil can shrink and pull away from the foundation. When moisture returns, some soils expand again.
Repeated shrinking and swelling can create movement beneath the footing and contribute to settlement, cracking, and other foundation problems.
A foundation is only as stable as the soil supporting it. Loose soil, organic material, construction debris, expansive clay, or inadequately compacted fill can shift or consolidate over time, leaving portions of the footing without adequate support.
When the soil beneath a footing can no longer support the weight of the structure, the foundation may begin to sink or settle.
For a better understanding of how footings distribute the weight of a home into the soil below, see our guide to footings and foundations.
4. Tree Roots and Transpiration
Trees and large shrubs can affect the moisture content of the soil surrounding a foundation. As trees mature, their root systems require more water. During dry conditions, roots can draw moisture from the soil near or beneath a foundation, contributing to soil shrinkage.
If enough soil movement occurs, portions of the footing may lose support and the home can begin to settle.
5. Plumbing Leaks
Underground or hidden plumbing leaks can introduce significant amounts of water into the soil beneath or around a foundation. Depending on the soil type, that excess moisture can cause erosion, expansion, or changes in soil density.
Over time, those changes can reduce support beneath the footing and contribute to foundation movement or settlement.
If you suspect a plumbing leak, the leak itself should be evaluated and repaired before the resulting foundation movement is addressed.
6. Poor Site Preparation or Improperly Compacted Soil
If the building site wasn’t properly prepared before the foundation was constructed, the soil beneath the footing may continue to compact after the home is built.
This is especially important on lots where soil was removed from one area and used as fill in another. If fill soil isn’t properly compacted and stabilized before construction, it can settle over time and leave portions of the foundation inadequately supported.
When ongoing settlement has compromised the support beneath a footing, professional foundation stabilization may be necessary to transfer the home’s weight to more stable support below.
Contact us today for a free no-obligation foundation inspection!
To see us in action, visit our YouTube channel for more!
Jim King
Jim King is the owner and founder of King Piers LLC, a leading foundation repair company based in Kansas City, Missouri. With over 26 years of experience in the construction and foundation repair industry, Jim has dedicated his career to providing top-quality solutions for homeowners and businesses. His expertise in structural integrity and innovative repair techniques has earned King Piers a trusted reputation throughout the Kansas City metro area. Outside of work, Jim stays fit by working out, practicing karate, and playing softball. He also cherishes spending time with his wife and their beloved animals, reflecting his commitment to both his craft and his personal life.
