The term “expansive soil” describes clay as a broader category of soil. These soils react to the presence of water differently than silt or looser soils due primarily to their structure. The soil molecules beneath your home, for example, are both closely packed together and paired in the earth alongside a broad collection of minerals. These minerals, including but not limited to smectite clays, absorb water at a far more rapid rate than their cousins. If there are sulfate salts present in the soil, as well, then changes in temperature can just as readily cause your soil to expand. Partner rising temperatures with rain, and you may find yourself contending with unexpected and dangerous soil expansion beneath your home.
The good news is that no two expansive soils have the same mineral to soil ratio. You may not necessarily live in a location where your clay is partnered with both sulfate salts and smectite clays. If you’re not sure what kind of composition you’re living on top of, though, it may be worthwhile to check. You can reach out to area professionals for a soil assessment at your leisure. If you find that you’re contending not only with tightly packed clay but with a composition like the one referenced above, then you may be able to trace some of the problems with your foundation back to your soil. In turn, the professionals you come out to your property can equip you with waterproofing measures and repairs that keep expansive soils in mind.