The Dangers of Dry Soil Around Your Foundation
When the Texas sun beats down for days or even weeks with little to no rain, it’s not just your lawn that suffers—it’s your foundation. Dry soil is one of the leading causes of foundation damage across North Texas, and many homeowners don’t even realize it until it’s too late. In areas like Dallas, Fort Worth, and surrounding communities, expansive clay soil reacts dramatically to changes in moisture. And when that soil dries out, it pulls away from your foundation, creating pockets of unsupported space beneath your home.
Over time, this lack of support can cause your foundation to crack, settle unevenly, or shift entirely. At Atlas Foundation, we see this issue escalate every summer. Fortunately, with a little education and the right prevention steps, you can protect your home before irreversible damage sets in.
Why Does Soil Drying Cause Foundation Problems?
Clay-rich soil is common in DFW. This type of soil expands when it absorbs moisture and shrinks when it dries out. When hot, dry weather hits, the soil shrinks and separates from your foundation. That shrinking isn’t uniform—some areas may lose more moisture than others, creating an unbalanced support system. This results in differential settlement—one of the primary causes of foundation stress and damage.
It’s not uncommon for homeowners to notice small warning signs during spring and early summer—cracks forming, gaps widening, or floors feeling uneven. These signs almost always correspond to soil drying out and changing shape.
Warning Signs Your Soil Is Too Dry
Here’s what to watch for:
- Gaps between the soil and your home’s slab or pier and beam skirting
- Large cracks in driveways or sidewalks near the home
- Dry, powdery soil that pulls back from the perimeter
- Interior cracks in drywall or tile that weren’t there in spring
- Uneven flooring or doors that suddenly stick
How to Protect Your Foundation
Prevention is key. Here’s how to protect your home from dry soil damage:
- Start a Foundation Watering Program – Use soaker hoses around the perimeter to keep soil moisture consistent.
- Mulch Landscaping Beds – This helps retain moisture and protects root systems from stealing water from the soil near your foundation.
- Avoid Over-Irrigating Lawn Areas – Focus on deep, controlled watering near the home—not random sprinkler saturation.
- Maintain Grading – Ensure the soil slopes gently away from the house to prevent sudden water intrusion when rain finally arrives.
- Schedule Seasonal Inspections – Have a professional evaluate your foundation each spring or early summer to track soil movement.
Why Atlas Foundation?
We know the unique behavior of Texas soil and how it affects foundations in both slab and pier-and-beam homes. Atlas Foundation has served DFW homeowners for over 65 years. Our free inspections provide clear insight into your foundation’s condition—and we won’t recommend repairs unless they’re truly needed.
If you see gaps forming or cracks spreading, don’t wait. Let our experts assess your soil conditions and foundation stability so you can enjoy peace of mind through the heat.
FAQ
Q: Is dry soil really more dangerous than wet soil?
A: Yes. Rapid drying causes soil shrinkage, which leads to loss of support. Over time, this is more damaging than short-term moisture.
Q: Can’t I just water my lawn more to fix it?
A: Lawn watering is not the same as targeted foundation watering. Soaker hoses and consistent perimeter moisture are more effective.
Q: How fast does soil dry out in Texas summers?
A: Very fast. Depending on the week, moisture loss can occur in just days, especially with wind and sun exposure.
Q: What’s the best time of day to water?
A: Early morning or evening when evaporation is lowest.
Glossary
Clay Soil – Soil with a high clay content that expands when wet and contracts when dry.
Soil Separation – The visible gap between your foundation and the surrounding earth caused by dryness.
Differential Settlement – Uneven sinking or shifting of a foundation due to inconsistent soil support.
Foundation Skirt – The area where a pier and beam foundation meets the ground, often vulnerable to soil shrinkage.Perimeter Hydration – A targeted watering method to stabilize soil around a home’s foundation.