How Does Drought Affect Your Home?

What Is A Drought?

Drought is a natural disaster characterized by the lack of moisture for an extended period, lasting weeks, months, or years. What defines a drought is when the dry conditions deviate significantly from the norm for that particular region. That means droughts are not confined to naturally hot and dry areas like the western U.S.; they can and do happen right here in the Buckeye State.

Check out the Ohio map on the U.S. Drought Monitor site to learn whether your area is affected.

When precipitation is scarce, rivers and streams slow down, reservoir and lake levels decrease, and groundwater becomes less accessible. The soil also dries out and shrinks, vegetation withers, and the chance for brush fires increases.

Quick bursts of rain will not resolve a drought; it’s a gradual process. For a drought to be considered over, consistent and substantial precipitation is necessary over an extended period.

Drought and Your Property’s Soil

Common Foundation Problems Caused By Dry Soil and Drought

You’ll know there’s a drought if you see dry, crumbling, cracking, or eroding soil on your property. Additionally, telltale symptoms of foundation damage during a drought include:

Don’t neglect these warning signs. They’ll worsen with time and lead to additional issues and safety hazards that will become expensive to fix in the future. Contact a foundation repair specialist like Ohio Basement Authority as soon as you notice a problem.

Rain Does Not Always Spell Relief

While rain is a welcome sight to end a drought and get back to normal, it can have negative effects. Soil that has been dry too long cannot handle substantial rain all at once. Heavy precipitation inundates the soil, leading to flooding and even soil washout. Starved vegetation will also be the first to soak up the much-needed water.

Along with exterior flooding, water can infiltrate your home, leaking inside your basement or crawl space. This causes further structural damage and moisture and mold issues.

How to Protect Your Yard from Drought Damage

Here are several practical tips for safeguarding your property’s soil:

Next, it’s crucial to protect your home and its foundation.

7 Home Repair and Protection Tips

Whether you want to avoid foundation damage caused by drought or repair issues that cropped up, you have several options. Follow these tips:

While waterproofing and foundation reinforcement projects sound straightforward, they are not intended for DIY. It’s best to leave those tasks to experienced professionals like Ohio Basement Authority for effective results.

Trust Ohio Basement Authority for Lasting Foundation Repair

Drought and Foundation Damage FAQs

Can trees near my house contribute to foundation problems during a drought?

Yes, nearby trees can exacerbate foundation problems, primarily due to their root systems and how they interact with soil moisture. As tree roots absorb water from the soil, they can significantly deplete the moisture content, especially during a drought when water is scarce. This depletion causes the soil to shrink and compact, potentially leading to foundation settlement.

Is foundation damage from drought covered by homeowner’s insurance?

Generally, drought-related foundation damage is not covered by standard homeowner’s insurance policies. Most companies consider drought to be a gradual environmental condition rather than a sudden, accidental event like burst pipes or severe storms. Carefully review your policy and consider additional coverage options or riders.

Are certain types of foundations more susceptible to drought damage?

While all homes are susceptible to problems, some types of foundations are more vulnerable to drought-related damage than others. Slab foundations that sit directly on the ground are more affected by soil shrinkage, exhibiting problems like settling and slab cracks. Basements constructed with concrete block tend to suffer from wall cracks along mortar joints and inward bowing when the soil shifts.

Related Resources

Have Wet Clay Soil Under Your Home? Read This First!

Clay soil is prevalent in many parts of the country and can be problematic if you try to build on it. Read on to learn more about it and how you can protect your home.

Can Trees Damage Your Foundation?

Your foundation is a risk for damage caused by tree roots. Learn the reasons, what to watch for, and how to keep your home safe.

9 Reasons Why Your Home Has Foundation Cracks

Foundation cracks are common, resulting from several causes. Learn the sources of foundation cracks and what you can do about them.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.