How Do Expansive Soils Damage My Home’s Foundation?

If you live in Pennsylvania, you may have heard about expansive soils and how they can affect your home’s stability. Many homeowners in North Huntingdon, Greensburg, and nearby areas experience foundation issues caused by soil that expands and contracts depending on moisture levels. But what exactly are expansive soils, and why are they such a concern for your foundation?

What Are Expansive Soils?

Expansive soils contain high amounts of clay, which reacts strongly to changes in moisture. When the soil becomes wet, it swells significantly. When it dries out, it shrinks and contracts. This constant cycle of expansion and contraction creates movement in the ground around your foundation.

Over time, this movement places stress on your home’s foundation, leading to cracks, uneven settling, and even structural instability if left unaddressed.

How Expansive Soils Affect Foundations

Expansive soils can damage your home in several ways:

• Foundation Cracks – As the soil pushes against your foundation walls, cracks can form in the basement walls or slab.

• Uneven Settling – Parts of the foundation may sink more than others, creating an uneven or sloped floor inside the home.

• Wall Bowing – In severe cases, basement walls may bow inward due to the pressure of swelling soil.

• Gaps Around Windows and Doors – When the foundation shifts, it can cause misalignment in the structure above.

  
  

Why Is This a Problem in Pennsylvania?

While expansive soils are most commonly associated with states like Texas or Colorado, parts of Western Pennsylvania, including Westmoreland and Allegheny Counties, also contain clay-rich soil. Combined with heavy rainfall and snowmelt, homes in areas such as Irwin, Greensburg, and North Huntingdon are at risk for soil-related foundation damage.

Seasonal weather changes make the issue worse. Wet springs and summers saturate the soil, while dry spells or cold winters cause shrinkage. This repeated cycle increases stress on foundations over time.

Warning Signs of Expansive Soil Damage

Homeowners should look out for these common indicators:

• Cracks in foundation walls or basement floors

• Bowed or leaning basement walls

• Sticking doors and windows that no longer close properly

• Uneven or sloping floors inside the home

• Gaps between walls and ceilings or baseboards

  
  

If you notice these signs, it’s important to act quickly before the damage worsens.

How to Protect Your Home from Expansive Soils

The good news is that there are solutions to prevent and repair damage caused by expansive soils. Some common approaches include:

• Foundation reinforcement to stabilize walls and prevent further movement

• Waterproofing systems to control moisture and reduce soil swelling

• Proper drainage systems like gutters and downspouts to direct water away from the foundation

• Soil grading and landscaping improvements to minimize water pooling near your home

  
  

Professional inspections can determine whether the soil around your home is causing damage and provide tailored solutions to keep your foundation safe.

Protecting Your Home’s Value

Foundation damage from expansive soils not only threatens your home’s structural integrity but also reduces its value. Buyers are often hesitant to purchase homes with foundation issues, and repairs can be costly if delayed. That’s why addressing the problem early with professional help is the best way to protect your investment.

Get Expert Help Today

If you suspect expansive soils are impacting your foundation in North Huntingdon, Irwin, or surrounding Pennsylvania areas, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Call A Better Choice Inc. at 1-800-343-2357 or fill out our online form today to schedule a free inspection and protect your home from soil-related damage.