Master Service Companies' Home Repair Guide

CAUSES OF FOUNDATION DAMAGE
There are many causes of foundation damage and settlement. Here is a guide to a few of the
most common that may be impacting your home.
SOIL MOISTURE
Heavy rain and floods cause the soil
surrounding your home to become wet and
hold water. This makes the soil very soft and
weak, causing the home to sink or shift
down into it. Drought can also causes the
soil to shrink, creating voids in which your
home can settle.
IMPROPER FILL SOIL
During conctruction, the area around the
home must be filled with loose dirt. When
this fill soil is not compacted properly, it can
compress under the weight of the home,
causing settlement. Even the best job of
compaction will not compress the soil
equally with the undisturbed soil.
ACTIVE ZONE
The active zone refers to the soil beneath the surface that is most affected by changes
in moisture. The density and moisture level of this area shifts as the seasons and climate
change. The active zone may be just a few feet below grade or more than 30 feet below
grade, depending on the geography beneath your home.
HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE
Hydrostatic pressure is the pressure exerted
by fluid due to the force of gravity. As water
saturates the soils around your home’s
foundation, that water puts pressure
against the walls, impacting the stability
of your home’s foundation.
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