While You're Soaking Up the Sun This Summer, Your Foundation May Be Suffering

Though the residents of Southern California have been blessed with a few weeks of rain this winter, the temperatures in Castaic and around the state are already rising, and many homeowners are preparing for the heat of summer. Before you head out shopping for the perfect spring wardrobe, consider how the past five years of drought may have affected your home, even after the rains.

Long Periods of Drought Leave Your Foundation Vulnerable to Soil Issues, Cracks, and Sinking

Whether a drought is followed by a period of rain, or it continues for months or years, a raised or slab foundation will experience the ramifications. Extremely hot and dry climates cause the soils beneath and around a foundation to contract, pulling away from the concrete. This leaves a home less supported, causing bowing walls, cracks, and sinking into the ground. In California especially, sandier soils are even less stable in these conditions, losing their adhesiveness and ability to stick to itself.

If rains eventually do come, many homeowners may experience the ‘false hope’ of seeing cracks close and sinking concrete slabs elevate as the soil absorbs the moisture. However, a foundation issue is never fixed naturally. It is inevitable that the soils will dry out again, causing a foundation to sink. Over the years, the pattern of sinking and raising, expanding and contracting, will only worsen problems.

Spring and Summer Rays Put Your Foundation’s Feet to the Fire

Even if you aren’t seeing cracks in your walls, doors aren’t yet hard to open or close, or your floors aren’t uneven, you should still make note of any slab cracks and fissures. The heat from drought conditions causes concrete to crack, and just because the crack is on your garage floor and not the wall, doesn’t mean you should be any less worried.

Don’t wait for cracks to spread, or for more symptoms to occur. Even with the change of seasons and the onset of rain, consider having a FREE foundation inspection on your home by Saber. Our trained specialists will not only be able to diagnose your foundation problems, but provide you with a comprehensive free estimate that same day.