Foundation Watering: A Summer Drought Protection Guide

During a prolonged summer drought, your lawn turns brown and your plants wilt. But the biggest threat may be an invisible one: the soil shrinking beneath your home. This seasonal soil movement can exert immense pressure on your foundation, leading to cracks and structural damage that can cost upwards of $15,000 to repair. A few dollars spent on water now can save you from one of the most expensive and disruptive home repairs imaginable.

This guide is for homeowners whose properties are built on expansive clay soils, common in states like Texas, Oklahoma, California, Colorado, and much of the Midwest and South. It is particularly critical for those with homes older than 10 years who are experiencing intense summer heat waves and drought conditions, which can accelerate soil shrinkage and put their slab or pier-and-beam foundations at significant risk.

Not all soil is created equal. Sandy or loamy soils have particles that are relatively stable, with plenty of space between them for water to drain through. Expansive soils, however, are rich in clay minerals that act like a sponge. When they absorb water, they swell in volume. When they dry out during a drought, they shrink dramatically.