How Autumn Rainfall Can Impact Your Foundation

  After a long, dry summer, the arrival of fall can bring welcome relief in the form of cooler temperatures and much-needed rain. However, the same rainfall that revives your lawn can pose a significant threat to your home's foundation, especially in regions with expansive clay soil like Illinois and Missouri.

Here’s why autumn rainfall can be a cause for concern and what you can do to protect your foundation.

The Dangers of Saturated Soil

The primary risk to your foundation during the autumn is soil expansion. When dry clay soil, which has shrunk and pulled away from your foundation during the summer, suddenly absorbs a large amount of water, it swells and expands. This process, known as hydrostatic pressure, exerts immense force against your basement and foundation walls.

This pressure can cause:

• Cracks: As the soil pushes inward, it can create or widen cracks in your concrete or block foundation walls.

   

• Bowing Walls: In severe cases, the pressure can cause basement walls to bow inward, a sign of significant structural stress.

   

• Water Intrusion: Any cracks, old or new, become an easy entry point for water, leading to basement leaks, seepage, and a greater risk of mold and mildew.

   

The Problem with Erosion

While swelling soil is a major issue, the opposite problem—erosion—can also occur. Heavy runoff from your roof and yard can wash away the soil directly supporting your foundation. This can create voids beneath the foundation, causing it to settle unevenly and potentially leading to cracks in your home’s walls and floors.

Key Steps for Autumn Foundation Maintenance

Protecting your foundation from autumn rainfall is all about proactive water management. Here are a few essential steps you should take:

• Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Clear all leaves and debris from your gutters to ensure water can flow freely. Clogged gutters can cause water to overflow and dump directly against your foundation.

   
   

• Extend Your Downspouts: Make sure your downspouts are long enough to direct water at least 5 to 10 feet away from your foundation.

   

• Inspect Your Yard's Grading: The ground around your home should slope away from the foundation to promote proper drainage. If you notice any areas where water pools, you may need to add soil to improve the grade.

   

• Seal Cracks: Before the heavy rains begin, inspect your foundation for any existing cracks and have them sealed by a professional. This is a critical step to prevent water from entering and freezing inside, which can cause them to widen.

By taking these preventative measures, you can help your home’s foundation withstand the challenges of the season and prevent minor rainfall issues from becoming major, costly repairs.