If you’re about to invest in foundation repair, you’re probably thinking that high-quality materials are the cornerstone of a good repair. However, this is only partially true. The materials used during the repair will help to reinforce the foundation and ensure that you can enjoy a more solid foundation. However, if you don’t take the time to understand the soil on which your foundation is built, all the work, time and money you put into your foundation will be for nothing.
How different soils affect foundations
Soils aren’t alike. Different soil types have unique properties. These properties can have a profound impact on your foundation. One of the most important properties to consider is your soil’s water retention.
All soils retain water. However, some soils retain more water than others. Many soils expand when they absorb water. The particles in clay soils, for example, expand to many times their original size when they absorb water. This results in the soil pushing against the foundation. The pressure can cause damage to your foundation walls.
On the other hand, when soils lose water, they shrink. Soils such as clay and grave are known to shrink away from foundations when they lose moisture during the dry season. This can result in a gap between the soil and the foundation wall. The foundation, therefore, loses the support that the soil provided previously and becomes unstable.
Soil maps for better foundation repair
Considering the role that soils play in foundation damage, it is important to identify the soils on which your foundation has been built. This information will help your repair contractor determine the best preventative measures for foundation damage and how to best to correct the current damage.
A physical examination of the soil isn’t enough. Some soils look alike. In many cases, soils are a mixture of different soil types. They will, therefore, have a unique combination of properties.
One of the best and easiest ways to get more information about the soil in the area is by using a soil map. These are maps that were created by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. They provide information such as:
- The physical and chemical properties of the soils in your area
- Drainage patterns in your area
- The accurate slope of the land
A good foundation contractor will take the time to consider your soils before providing a repair solution. This will ensure long term results.
Rob VanSuilichem
Serving Michigan homeowners for over 32 years, Everdry is one of the Nation’s largest and most experienced waterproofer.
Locally owned, operated and staffed, Everdry professionals take a personal one-on-one approach in educating homeowners so they truly understand all their options for creating a safe, dry, healthy and usable space in their basements.
What Sets Us Apart
- Unbeatable quality due to the experience of the owners and staff.
- Unbeatable value due to the efficiency and expertise of more than 32 years of experience.
- Unbeatable value due to the purchasing power of being one of the largest waterproofers in the nation.
- Unbeatable service due to the fact that EverDry is a locally owned and operated company.
Credentials Include:
- Members of the Home Builders Association
- H.U.D. evaluated
- I.C.C. evaluated (Report #94-07)
- Better Business Bureau Accredited with the Eastern and Western Michigan BBB
- Fully Licensed and Insured
The aforementioned memberships are important because we benefit from the constant exchange of information and knowledge. We are updated on everything from installation techniques, to customer service improvements. You benefit in the knowledge that these third party inspection agencies require us to meet stringent requirements to remain members in good standing.
Better Business Bureau
We have been nominated and won the prestigious Better Business Bureau’s Torch Award for Ethics many times, Chosen as a W.Mich.BBB Torch finalist in 2014 & 2015, Won the Torch Award for Ethics in 2016, Won the Eastern Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2019 and was also chosen as a Western Michigan BBB Torch finalist in 2019. Won the Eastern Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2023 and Finalist for the Western Michigan BBB Torch Award in 2020 & 2021!
Mission Statement
To create raving fans of our customers and employees through frequent contact, constant training, a commitment to excellence and unlimited opportunity.
