When Seasons Change, So Does Your Foundation

Homeowners throughout the Mid-South are used to unpredictable weather. One season brings weeks of rain, and the next is filled with long stretches of dry, intense heat. This year has been a perfect example, a wet, rainy spring and early summer followed by months of high temperatures and virtually no rainfall. That drastic shift in moisture levels doesn’t just affect your lawn or garden. It also has a powerful impact on the ground beneath your home and your foundation.

At American Standard Foundation Repair Memphis, we see seasonal changes like these cause some of the most common foundation issues in our region. As the weather transitions from wet to dry, the soil expands and contracts, creating movement under your home. That movement often leads to cracks, settling, and uneven concrete signs that your foundation needs attention before small issues become major structural problems.

Why Weather Causes Foundations to Shift In Memphis

Your home’s foundation depends on the soil beneath it for stability. When that soil changes, your foundation does too. During wet months, heavy rainfall can cause the ground to absorb water and expand. The increased pressure can push against basement or crawl space walls, sometimes leading to cracks or bowing.

When the weather turns hot and dry, the opposite can happen. The soil can lose moisture, shrink, and pull away from the foundation. This creates voids and pockets of air under your home where support used to exist. As the foundation settles into those gaps, it can crack or become uneven.

That repeated cycle of expansion during rainy seasons and contraction during dry ones causes the foundation to move over time. The more extreme the weather, the greater the stress on your foundation.

Common Signs of Foundation Problems in Weather (Or Year-Round)

Seasonal shifts can cause visible warning signs both inside and outside your home. Some of the most common include:

• Stair-step cracks in brick or masonry on the exterior of your home.
• Cracks near door frames and windows, often running diagonally toward the ceiling or floor.
• Doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly, a sign that the frame has shifted.
• Gaps forming between walls, ceilings, and trim that weren’t there before.
• Uneven or sloping floors that may feel soft or unstable in certain spots.
• Cracks in concrete slabs, driveways, or patios.
• Moisture or musty odors in crawl spaces, which can indicate settling or poor ventilation.

These changes might seem minor at first, but they are often the first indicators that your foundation is moving. Once that movement begins, it rarely stops without professional intervention.

Common Causes of Foundation Problems

While seasonal weather is a major factor, other issues often contribute to foundation movement and damage:

• Poor Drainage: When water collects near your home instead of flowing away, it soaks the soil and increases hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls. Over time, that pressure can cause cracks or even bowing.
• Improper Grading: If the land around your home slopes toward the foundation rather than away from it, runoff water can erode soil and weaken the foundation’s support system.
• Plumbing Leaks: Hidden leaks under the slab or within the crawl space can saturate soil and create uneven moisture levels that cause movement.
• Tree Roots: Large trees near the home can draw moisture from the soil, drying out sections around the foundation and leading to differential settlement.
• Soil Composition: There are multiple unique soil types found across the Memphis area and Mississippi River Valley. Layers settle at different rates, and can cause foundation stress over time.

The Importance of Proactive Care

Foundation issues don’t resolve themselves, they worsen over time as the soil continues to move. Addressing small cracks or settlement early often saves homeowners thousands in future repair costs. It also protects the value, safety, and comfort of your home.

Maintaining a healthy foundation isn’t just about structure; it’s about peace of mind. Knowing that your home is stable allows you to focus on what matters most. At American Standard Foundation Repair, we believe caring for your home is an extension of caring for your family.

Our approach combines advanced technology, skilled craftsmanship, and a commitment to doing what’s right for our customers. As the region’s trusted local experts, we take pride in helping homeowners protect their investments and feel confident year-round.

Schedule a Free Foundation Inspection

If you’ve noticed cracks in your brick, doors that stick, or uneven floors after this year’s hot, dry summer, now is the time to schedule an inspection. Seasonal changes are hard on foundations, but early action can prevent major damage.

Contact American Standard Foundation Repair, the largest locally owned and operated full-service foundation repair company in the Mid-South. From foundation and crawl space repair to encapsulation and concrete lifting, our team has the expertise to keep your home safe and stable through every season.