EXPANSIVE SOILS
If you're seeing foundation issues in Charleston, it could be because your house sits on expansive soil. Ordinarily soil with high clay content, this dirt type is one of the main sources of foundation issues. CNT Foundations has answers for all your foundation repair needs. If you think that your house is built on expansive soil, one of our accomplished team members will inspect your foundation and give a free, no-commitment evaluation for foundation repair.
Expansive soil can cause serious damage to your foundation. Here's why:
WHY IS EXPANSIVE SOIL SO DANGEROUS?
Expansive soil contains clay which can absorb a lot of water. Parts of the Atlantic Coastal Plain and the Piedmont Plateau contain this clay-rich soil. Once the soil begins to soak up moisture, it expands and will push against anything in its path, including your foundation. Expansive soil can expand 10-15% of its dry volume and as it grows, it will cause your foundation walls to crack and bow or it will cause foundation heave as it pushes up against your foundation floor.
This soil can be just as dangerous during dry seasons because it will shrink as it dries out. The decreased support can put stress on your foundation and create cracks that will allow water to run into your foundation and weaken the structure. The expanding and collapsing soil increases the likelihood that your foundation will settle or experience other extensive damage.
