The foundation is one of the most important aspects of your home. If it doesn’t hold up well over time, you can be facing serious problems, which is why the foundation experts at Hillside Landscaping in Anchorage, AK stress the importance of checking the soil. The ground the foundation is poured on has a major impact on how it holds up. Ensuring you’re working with proper soil gives you the confidence that your foundation will stay strong over time.

3 Soil Factors to Determine Before Pouring a Foundation

1. Drainage

Standing water can quickly wear down your foundation. If you have a basement, this can create even worse problems. Check that the soil you’re pouring on drains well. This will prevent flooding, and more importantly, ensure that water doesn’t build up and damage the walls of your foundation. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, focus on rocky soils. These will provide the best runoff to keep your foundation dry.

2. Compact

Loose soil will eventually shift under weight when wet. This creates unstable ground that will cause your home’s foundation to move off-kilter. As the foundation becomes imbalanced, it may begin cracking. The cracks can impact the whole house, damaging flooring and exterior walls. If you aren’t certain of the soil’s integrity, consult with foundation experts so they can survey the ground.

3. Strength

A home is a heavy burden to bear, and if you’re building on soft soil, it won’t adequately support your foundation. Foundation experts refer to this as “bearing capacity.” Soil needs to be able to sustain a certain amount of weight and ensure that it is evenly distributed. Limestone, bedrock, and shale are particularly sturdy, so look for these soil types, especially if you’re building a larger structure.

If you need advice on soil assessment, turn to the foundation experts at Hillside Landscaping. They offer comprehensive foundation repair services if you’re dealing with problems, as well as foundation and basement waterproofing to avoid future issues. Call (907) 522-4457 today to speak with their staff and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about their services.