Causes of Foundation Failure
Hot and dry conditions may cause soil to pull away from the foundation. Settlement due to this foundation moisture imbalance could cause cracks to appear throughout the structure.
Tree roots could dehydrate the soil beneath a home causing soil shrinkage and settlement of the home.
Water from leaky plumbing is often a major contributor to foundation problems.
Poor Soil Conditions:
Poor soil, organic components, debris, etc., may cause expansion or consolidation, which contribute to foundation failures.
Improper drainage will lead to excess moisture build up, which could erode or consolidate soils. Excessive moisture may cause upheaval or settlement.
Poor Building Site Preparation:
Cut and fill situations, where soil is removed from part of the lot and stacked on another, must have proper soil stabilization before the structure is constructed; otherwise unexpected movement of the soil beneath the foundation may occur.