Most major foundation movement can be prevented if the moisture level in the soil supporting your foundation is uniformly maintained. Foundation problems associated with expansive clay are usually caused by a lack of moisture in the soil. As the soil dries, it shrinks and can cause foundation settlement. In some instances, too much moisture in the soil can also cause foundation movement. As the soil absorbs moisture, it expands and can cause foundation upheaval.

Think of the soil as a sponge. Place the sponge under a faucet, and then squeeze the water out. Although a majority of the water is gone, the sponge is still moist to the touch. The ideal condition of the soil around your home is like that sponge - not drippy wet, not bone dry, moist to the touch.

The best way to maintain a consistent moisture level is with a properly regulated automatic sprinkler system. If you are more disciplined than most of us, the same result can be accomplished by placing soaker hoses eighteen inches from the foundation and regulating the water flow to one-fourth inch in height until water is observed standing on the ground. This process should be repeated as often as necessary to maintain the uniform moisture level described above. During hot and dry seasons, the South and West sides may require more watering than the North and East sides, which are shaded and not exposed to as much direct sun. On gabled end or sides of the house, there is no run-off; so more watering will probably be required.

No amount of structural work on a foundation will overcome poor drainage. Surface water, whether from rain or watering, should not be allowed to accumulate around or under your foundation. Proper drainage may require recontouring the existing grade, placing soil around the perimeter of the foundation, extending downspouts and placing splash blocks to prevent soil erosion or other specifics peculiar to the site. Care should be taken to insure that soil is at least one to two inches below the top of the perimeter grade beams. The soil should be sloped approximately one inch per foot to drain at least eighteen inches from the perimeter of the foundation. Guttering is not necessary where proper drainage is provided. Improper drainage will make it virtually impossible to maintain a consistent moisture level around the entire perimeter of your foundation.

Most flowers and small shrubs do not cause foundation problems. However, trees and large shrubs with shallow root systems can cause foundation problems. These root systems can grow under the foundation, and as they grow in diameter, produce an upheaval. These large trees and plants also remove tremendous amounts of water from the soil. In certain instances, root severing at the foundation may be recommended. Ideally, trees should be planted far enough away from your home to keep the roots of mature trees away from your foundation.