My house is already built. Is there any way to minimize the effects of shrink swell soils without having to support my foundation?

There are some ways to minimize problems associated with shrink-swell soils without resorting to redesigning the foundation. These techniques involve keeping expansive soils from either expanding or shrinking too much around the foundation of a house by maintaining a relatively constant moisture content. Here are a couple of ways to help maintain soil moisture content:

1. Remove large trees and bushes that grow within about 10 feet of the house. Large plants tend to dry out the soil especially during the summer months.

2. Utilize drip irrigation systems to water vegetation. This minimizes the use of large volumes of water at one time.

3. See that down spouts and roof gutters disperse run-off away from the foundation. If possible, direct roof water into closed pipes that empty onto the street or other suitable location away from the foundation. This is the single most important step that can be taken to help minimize the average expansive soil problem.

4. Slope grade away from the foundation a minimum of 6” in the first 10’ of grade (0.5%). This aids runoff and helps prevent water from puddling or seeping into the ground. This simple step can significantly decrease a problem.

Show All Answers

1. Do shrink-swell soils go by other terms?
2. Why Do These Soils Expand?
3. I want to build a house in an area with Shrink Swell. Should I reconsider?
4. Can someone from your agency come look at my property?
5. What is an engineered soil report?
6. When is an engineered soil report required?
7. How come I have never heard of shrink-swell soil?
8. My house is already built. Is there any way to minimize the effects of shrink swell soils without having to support my foundation?
9. Where did the Goochland County map information come from?
10. Why did Goochland County update their shrink swell soil policy in 2019?
11. My foundation is settling. What can I do?
12. What enabling legislation/authority allows Goochland County to require a shrink swell soil report?