If you’ve noticed stair-step cracks in your bricks, gaps around your windows, or doors that no longer close properly, you could be dealing with foundation settling due to shifting soil. These issues might seem cosmetic at first, but they often signal movement beneath the surface that can get worse over time. As foundation repair contractors, we’ve helped hundreds of Kansas City homeowners identify and correct this exact issue before it leads to structural damage.
In this blog, we’ll explain what causes soil to shift, why it affects your foundation, and the most effective ways to fix it. Whether you’re seeing early warning signs or more serious damage, we’ll help you understand your next steps.
What Causes Soil to Shift Beneath Your Foundation?
Natural Expansion and Contraction
Clay soils, which are common throughout the Midwest, are highly reactive to moisture changes. When they absorb water, they expand. During dry periods, they contract. This constant push and pull creates movement beneath your foundation, which can lead to settling or heaving.
Poor Drainage Around the Home
Downspouts that discharge too close to the house, sloped landscaping that funnels water toward the foundation, and clogged French drains can all saturate the soil. Over time, that excess moisture weakens the support underneath your home and increases the risk of foundation movement.
Inadequate Soil Compaction During Construction
When homes are built on fill dirt or areas where the soil wasn’t properly compacted, settling is more likely. As the ground compresses under the weight of the home, it causes sections of the foundation to sink unevenly.
Signs You May Be Dealing With Foundation Settling Due to Shifting Soil
Look for These Common Indicators:
- Cracks in exterior brick or concrete block walls
- Diagonal cracks over doors and windows
- Floors that slope or feel bouncy
- Sticking doors and windows
- Gaps between walls, ceilings, or floors
If you’re noticing more than one of these symptoms, the issue is likely more than cosmetic. It’s a sign that the soil supporting your foundation is no longer stable.
How We Fix Foundation Settling Due to Shifting Soil
Step 1: Identify the Cause and Severity
The first thing we do is inspect your home and the surrounding property. We look at the soil types on your lot, check for drainage issues, and measure vertical displacement across the foundation. This helps us understand whether you need stabilization, lifting, or both.
Step 2: Stabilize with Piers or Anchors
For most homes in Kansas City dealing with foundation settling due to shifting soil, we recommend using one of the following:
- Steel Push Piers: Installed deep into stable load-bearing soil or bedrock, these provide a permanent solution for homes with ongoing settlement.
- Helical Piers: Ideal for lighter structures or areas with poor surface soils, helical piers are screwed into the ground until they reach stable soil layers.
- Wall Anchors: Used when lateral soil pressure causes basement walls to bow or lean inward. These anchors pull the walls back into place over time.
Each of these methods is designed to stabilize the structure and, in many cases, lift settled areas back to their original position.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Fix a Settling Foundation
The Longer You Wait, the More It Costs
Foundation problems rarely stay the same. Cracks widen, floors shift more dramatically, and wall structures weaken. The longer you wait, the more invasive and expensive the foundation repairs tend to become. Addressing the problem early can save you from major reconstruction down the road.
Protect Your Investment
Your home is one of your largest investments. Left unchecked, foundation issues can affect resale value, cause ongoing repair bills, and even void parts of your homeowner’s insurance policy if not properly addressed.
Is Your Foundation Settling? We’re Here to Help
If you think your home may be experiencing foundation settling due to shifting soil, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Our team at KC Pier offers free inspections and honest, expert recommendations based on your home’s specific conditions. We’ll walk you through every option so you can make a confident, informed decision.
Contact us and schedule your inspection today, and let’s protect the structure that protects your family.