BARNETT: Drought can cause serious structural damage

Q: Watching the news, I notice some areas of the country are receiving unprecedented amounts of rain but where I live there is an ongoing drought and it has been suggested that I water the foundation to prevent damage. Is this true and, if so, can you explain why?

A: Should you water your foundation? Yes, if water is available and the drought has not limited the municipal water supply. A drought dewaters the soils, allowing the soil to shrink to a point where severe settlement of the home can lead to serious structural damage.


Drastic changes to the amount of water in the soils will alter the soil's characteristics.

In areas with heavy rains and flooding, the soils become unstable and are unable to bear the weight of the structure. Sink holes form under homes or foundations settle unevenly, causing structural damage.



The combined financial loss to homes from soil damage is greater than that of earthquakes, flooding, hurricanes and tornadoes combined.

There's not much you can do during a drought where water use is restricted unless you can reduce personal use. However, if this is an annual occurrence you might consider a well to maintain the soils with a foundation watering system.

If your home has been damaged by flooding or drought, a series of steel piers or helical piers can be installed to support the foundation independent of the soils. Both solutions are expensive and you should contact a structural engineer before deciding on any type of foundation repairs.
