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| Sept. '08 Expansive Soil |
If you are reading this, there is a very good chance that YOU HAVE EXPANSIVE SOIL! Here’s a map that
can illustrate point: GREATER PHOENIX/TUCSON SHRINK/SWELL MAPS
So, what the heck is expansive soil? Well, it's fine grained clay which is found in many areas throughout
the Valley and it has the potential to cost you thousands in damage. Do I have your attention?
As water is initially introduced into the soil (by rainfall or over-watering), the soil swells like a sponge. If
dried out, the soil will contract. This excessive wetting and/or drying can result in damage due to
differential settling of your foundation, driveway, patios and walkways, and pool. Once damage occurs,
the repairs are costly and extensive!
Here are five tips that can help minimize the detrimental effect of the expansive soil on your home. If you
are a landlord, you might want to share these tips with your tenant.
1. Proper drainage after a rain is the most important single factor. Rainfall should run off the
property as fast as possible following a storm. About an hour or two after the next storm you should
inspect your yard for "ponding", especially next to the building. If you have ponding, the lot drainage
should be improved as soon as practical, as ponding water could saturate the foundation and cause
major structural damage. Re-grading of the lot and/or installation of a drainage system may be
necessary to alleviate the drainage problem.
2. Installation of rain gutters and downspouts can help in the elimination of a drainage problem, but
be sure that the downspout outlet does not discharge close to the structure, as this could cause a
problem.
3. In the summer water your lawn lightly two or three times a week. Heavy watering is not
recommended as this could saturate the foundations. However, it should be emphasized that a uniform
moisture condition around foundations should be maintained throughout the year. This will prevent
periodic drying (shrinkage) and wetting (expansion) which will cause damage to structures.
4. Monitor your water consumption. An unexplained increase in your water bill could indicate a
plumbing leak. If there's a leak, call a plumber!
5. Don't plant trees, even small ones, within 10' of the house. Trees tend to extract moisture from
soil causing shrinkage. Greater separation is appropriate for larger trees. Plants that require a large
amount of moisture are also not recommended near buildings.
If you think you 're having a problem with expansive soil, it would be in your best interest to contact a soil
engineer who specializes in expansive soil problems. If you wish, you may contact the County Building
Department for a list of soil engineers who have analyzed expansive soil problems in your area. A soil
engineer can investigate the problem and make specific recommendations for elimination of the problem
and repair of your home.
Copyright © 2008 Christopher R. Prickett. All rights reserved worldwide
can illustrate point: GREATER PHOENIX/TUCSON SHRINK/SWELL MAPS
So, what the heck is expansive soil? Well, it's fine grained clay which is found in many areas throughout
the Valley and it has the potential to cost you thousands in damage. Do I have your attention?
As water is initially introduced into the soil (by rainfall or over-watering), the soil swells like a sponge. If
dried out, the soil will contract. This excessive wetting and/or drying can result in damage due to
differential settling of your foundation, driveway, patios and walkways, and pool. Once damage occurs,
the repairs are costly and extensive!
Here are five tips that can help minimize the detrimental effect of the expansive soil on your home. If you
are a landlord, you might want to share these tips with your tenant.
1. Proper drainage after a rain is the most important single factor. Rainfall should run off the
property as fast as possible following a storm. About an hour or two after the next storm you should
inspect your yard for "ponding", especially next to the building. If you have ponding, the lot drainage
should be improved as soon as practical, as ponding water could saturate the foundation and cause
major structural damage. Re-grading of the lot and/or installation of a drainage system may be
necessary to alleviate the drainage problem.
2. Installation of rain gutters and downspouts can help in the elimination of a drainage problem, but
be sure that the downspout outlet does not discharge close to the structure, as this could cause a
problem.
3. In the summer water your lawn lightly two or three times a week. Heavy watering is not
recommended as this could saturate the foundations. However, it should be emphasized that a uniform
moisture condition around foundations should be maintained throughout the year. This will prevent
periodic drying (shrinkage) and wetting (expansion) which will cause damage to structures.
4. Monitor your water consumption. An unexplained increase in your water bill could indicate a
plumbing leak. If there's a leak, call a plumber!
5. Don't plant trees, even small ones, within 10' of the house. Trees tend to extract moisture from
soil causing shrinkage. Greater separation is appropriate for larger trees. Plants that require a large
amount of moisture are also not recommended near buildings.
If you think you 're having a problem with expansive soil, it would be in your best interest to contact a soil
engineer who specializes in expansive soil problems. If you wish, you may contact the County Building
Department for a list of soil engineers who have analyzed expansive soil problems in your area. A soil
engineer can investigate the problem and make specific recommendations for elimination of the problem
and repair of your home.
Copyright © 2008 Christopher R. Prickett. All rights reserved worldwide
| Copyright © 2008 Christopher R. Prickett. All rights reserved worldwide |