Soil washout, or erosion, is one of the most common reasons a Florida and South Georgia property might need concrete lifting services. Washout causes damage to concrete structures, driveways, and even a property’s foundation when it is left unchecked.
Many homeowners are unaware of the causes and signs of soil washout. Unfortunately, that is why many end up in need of repair services, especially after a rainy season.
What Causes Soil Washout?
Soil washout is a specific and yet widespread issue that is made up of two main factors: soil type and climate. When the right weather conditions occur, your soil can quickly erode and become unsupportive for your home’s exterior concrete slabs.
Here are the main factors that contribute to soil washout.
Soil Type and Texture
The soils that are most prone to washout and erosion are lightweight, loose soils. Soils made up primarily of loam and sand, for example, are less stable than soils made up of clay or peat. They are also less expansive, meaning that they are less likely to simply absorb water that they come into contact with. As a result, they can be washed by strong currents of water or blow away in high winds when they are dehydrated.
Since Florida and South Georgia are mostly comprised of sandy soils, this is a major issue for homeowners in the region. On top of that, the region experiences heavy amounts of rainfall per year. That brings us to our next point.
Climate and Weather
Rainfall or heavy storms such as thunderstorms and hurricanes can cause massive amounts of water to permeate the soil below your home. If the soil below your home is loose and sandy, it has a much greater chance of being washed away.
In this case, your foundation settles into the void created and becomes damaged. Weather in Florida and South Georgia can play a major role in soil washout.
Signs of Soil Washout
Recognizing the problem signs of soil washout on your property could save you a huge amount of trouble down the line. Some of these signs are very subtle and others less so, but you are likely to see more than one crop up as the issue advances.
- Exposed Roots
- Trouble in Your Garden
- Exposed Foundation
- Sinking Exterior Steps
- Sinking Driveway or Patio
Soil Washout FAQs
Soil washout and erosion are often connected to deeper issues within your home. This should come as no surprise because the health of your property is tied to the soil below. Soil erosion is intimately connected with many issues, including:
- Effects of Soil Washout
- Sinking, Uneven Slabs
If the soil under your driveway or sidewalk is loose and weak, a heavy storm or period of flooding could cause washout. This could then cause the formation of gaps that allow your concrete slabs to crack and sink.
Many Florida and South Georgia homeowners will often try to repair any damage they see around their home by themselves. While some projects like painting can be completed by homeowners, foundation repair is not something you should DIY.
Leave these complicated repairs to the experts at Alpha Foundations. We can offer your home free concrete inspections and give our professional opinion on how to go about the repairs. Our experts will be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your foundation damage, offering free quotes on all our powerful repair solutions while we are there, too. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have about our various systems and solutions during this visit as well.
Our polyurethane injection material can help protect against soil washout. This durable material is waterproof and can support the weight of your home’s exterior concrete slabs with ease.
The SettleStop PolyRenewal™ system utilizes an innovative polyurethane foam material that is incredibly effective for concrete lifting and stabilization. The foam, made from polyurethane, is very lightweight, so it will not exacerbate soil and concrete settlement, and is also waterproof, so that it can protect the soil underneath concrete slabs against the humid and rainy Florida and South Georgia summers. The material can also protect chemicals from leaking through into your home, such as weed killer or fertilizers. Furthermore, SettleStop PolyRenewal™ foam cures within 20 minutes, so you can reap the benefits in less than a day.
Alpha Foundations Can Help
If you think that your property is being affected by soil washout, call an expert as soon as possible. Alpha Foundations has the tools to lift, repair, and protect the concrete surfaces and structures on your property.
It all starts with a free inspection and repair quote. Our inspectors will inspect your property at a time that suits you and assess the damage. After that, we can provide you with a tailored solution and a written estimate. This will help you to make an informed choice about the best route for you and your property. This appointment comes with no obligation to book work with us, so call with confidence. Contact us today to get started!
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