What are the most common causes of foundation damage?
Dan Navarro • April 1, 2025
The most common causes of foundation damage include:
- Soil Moisture Issues:
- Too Much Moisture: Excessive water can cause soil to expand, leading to foundation uplift or settling. This often results from poor drainage, rain, or plumbing leaks137.
- Too Little Moisture: Dry conditions cause soil to shrink, pulling away from the foundation and leading to cracks and instability57.
- Soil Types:
- Expansive Soils: These soils, like clay, expand when wet and shrink when dry, causing foundation stress and damage468.
- Soil Erosion: Water can erode soil beneath the foundation, creating voids that undermine its support12.
- Improper Construction:
- Poor Site Preparation: Inadequate soil compaction or incorrect foundation design can lead to future problems148.
- Inferior Materials: Using substandard materials during construction can weaken the foundation4.
- Environmental Factors:
- Sinkholes: Natural or man-made voids can cause sudden foundation collapse17.
- Tree Roots: Large trees can dry out the soil, leading to shrinkage and foundation issues4.
- Drainage and Plumbing Issues:
- Poor Drainage: Clogged gutters or improperly graded yards can lead to water accumulation around the foundation37.
- Plumbing Leaks: Unnoticed leaks can saturate the soil, causing erosion and foundation movement48.
Citations:
- https://www.bullseyeleak.com/blog/5-causes-of-foundation-problems/
- https://www.bayareaunderpinning.com/resources/foundation-repair/types-of-foundation-problems-in-california-homes/
- https://www.bayareaunderpinning.com/resources/foundation-repair/the-link-between-foundation-damage-and-excess-soil-moisture/
- https://www.drymich.com/resources/foundation-repair/most-common-causes-of-foundation-cracks/
- https://foundationprosfl.com/top-5-causes-of-foundation-problems/
- https://anchorfoundationrepair.net/blog/why-my-home-foundation-problem/
- https://stratumrepair.com/blog/foundation-repair/causes-of-foundation-damage/
- https://www.ramjack.com/jackson/residential/foundation-repair/causes/
- https://www.rocketmortgage.com/learn/buying-a-house-with-foundation-issues
- https://bouldercontractors.com/causes-of-foundation-damage/
- https://anchorfoundationrepair.net/blog/top-causes-foundation-problems/
- https://foundationprosfl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/dv6wK_wZ.jpeg?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiYs8H_lYOMAxVIrVYBHQ6GFvoQ_B16BAgCEAI
- https://www.foundationsupportspecialists.com/resources/foundation-repair/common-foundation-problems-and-how-to-spot-them/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/homeowners/comments/ic1v61/those_of_you_who_bought_homes_with_foundation/
- https://permapier.com/blog/signs-of-foundation-issues/
- https://edensstructural.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/the-major-causes-of-foundation-damage-01.jpg?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi_3sP_lYOMAxWQTmwGHTY8HGsQ_B16BAgHEAI
- https://edensstructural.com/the-major-causes-of-foundation-damage/
- https://www.baycrawlspace.com/10-critical-signs-you-might-have-foundation-issues/
- https://ecoscapefoundation.com/blog/what-causes-foundation-problems/
- https://foundationprosfl.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/dv6wK_wZ.jpeg?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjonLv_lYOMAxUxD0QIHUzHCpcQ_B16BAgCEAI
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Signs that a foundation needs repair can include the following:
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