Whether you’re dealing with a residential home or a small commercial building, one thing remains constant: the structure relies on the underlying soil for support. Over time, this soil can experience vertical movement, which significantly affects the stability of your foundation.
Beneath every structure are multiple layers of soil, each varying in thickness, density, and load-bearing capacity. Many of the deeper soil layers in Colorado have been in place for thousands of years, deposited naturally by wind, water, or glacial activity.
In addition to these native soils, construction crews often add engineered fill to create a level, workable surface during the building process. While this fill material serves a purpose, it often behaves differently than native soils under changing weather and moisture conditions.
Colorado soils are primarily composed of three particle sizes:
Among these, expansive clay soils—particularly those containing bentonite—are especially common along the Front Range, which includes major cities like Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs. These regions are known for having some of the poorest soil conditions for construction in the country.
Bentonite clay forms through the natural weathering of volcanic ash in seawater or from hydrothermal activity. It has the unique ability to absorb large quantities of water, expanding up to eight times its original volume. This swelling and shrinking cycle leads to foundation heaving and settlement, depending on moisture levels.
The vertical movement of a foundation—whether from settling or heaving—is a direct result of soil expansion and contraction. These changes occur due to:
When soils become saturated and expand, foundations may heave upward. Conversely, when soils dry out and shrink, they may settle, causing the structure to sink.
HomeStrong offers the highest quality, permanent solutions to these problems. Contact us for a free foundation inspection and recommendation.
Vertical movement in a foundation can be a serious issue that may lead to various structural problems in a building. Detecting signs of vertical movement early on is crucial for addressing the underlying causes and preventing further damage. Here are common signs that may indicate vertical movement in a foundation:
If you observe any of these signs, call HomeStrong to assess the extent of the issue and recommend appropriate solutions. Early detection and intervention can help prevent further damage and ensure the long-term stability of your home.
Sometimes, the signs you need foundation repair are quite apparent but others can be more subtle. One thing’s for sure: the longer you leave damage untreated, the more complicated and costly repair becomes. Contact HomeStrong today if you’ve noticed any of these potential indications of foundation damage.
Don’t let foundation problems compromise your home, reach out to HomeStrong today. We’d love to help you identify and solve problems with your foundation, so reach out to us and get started today. Give us a call or complete our online quote form to learn more!
