Atlanta, GA

Unsuitable Soils in Atlanta, GA

Why Certain Soils Cannot Properly Support a Home

Not all soils provide the firm, stable base a foundation needs. Some are too loose, some hold too much water, and others change drastically with the weather. When a home is built on these types of soil, the foundation can shift, settle, or move as the ground beneath it changes.

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Soil Types That Commonly Cause Foundation Problems

Different soil compositions have different weaknesses. Understanding the traits of each helps explain the types of movement and damage a home might experience.

Expansive Clay Soils

Expansive clays swell when they absorb moisture and shrink when they dry. This constant cycle of movement pushes and pulls on foundations, leading to cracking and shifting.

Loose or Uncompacted Fill

Fill soils made of loose materials like construction debris, topsoil, or ungraded dirt may not have been compacted properly. Over time, they settle under the weight of the house.

Sandy or Easily Eroded Soils

Sandy soils drain quickly but are also prone to erosion. Heavy rains or water flow can wash sand away from under the foundation, leaving voids and causing sections of the house to sink.

Organic or Peaty Soils

Soils rich in organic matter break down and compress over time. As the organic material decomposes, the ground loses volume and can no longer offer consistent support.

Silty, Water-Retaining Soils

Silty soils hold onto water, becoming soft and unstable when saturated. This softness can reduce the soil’s ability to carry the weight of the structure above.

Signs You May Have Problems from Unsuitable Soils

Homes built on problematic soils often show recurring, seasonal, or widespread symptoms:

Cracks in walls, ceilings, floors, and exterior masonry that appear and reappear
Visible changes in crack width depending on wet or dry weather conditions
Slabs or walkways that tilt, sink, or lift over time
Sections of the foundation higher or lower than others
Doors and windows that go out of alignment seasonally