RAM JACK FLORIDA FOUNDATION REPAIR – JACKSONVILLE

14403 North Main Jacksonville FL 32218

(904) 427-4651

https://www.ramjack.com/jacksonville/

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cf6kqwhybRyyHZQF6

The ground under your home might seem like the least of your concerns, but it plays a major role in how well your foundation holds up. When the soil shifts, expands or settles unevenly, it can lead to serious foundation issues that catch homeowners off guard.

Read on as we walk you through how soil types and layers influence your home’s structure. You’ll also see how Ram Jack approaches these challenges with engineered repair strategies designed for real-world soil conditions.

Although most people think of soil as just dirt, it’s actually a mixture of minerals, moisture, organic materials, and tiny air pockets. Since the balance of these ingredients varies from one place to another, soil can behave quite differently depending on where your home is built.

Some soils shift or wash out when exposed to water, while others expand and contract as moisture levels change. When clay becomes wet, it swells and presses on anything above it. But, once it dries out, it tends to shrink, which often causes the ground to settle unevenly. Sandy soils, by contrast, allow water to drain quickly, although they can lose their strength unless they’re packed tightly.

Because each of these conditions can lead to movement under your home, it’s important to understand what kind of soil you’re dealing with, especially if you’re starting to see signs of foundation trouble.

Each type of soil has its own set of challenges. While some can support a home reasonably well, others create conditions that may put your foundation at risk. Here’s a quick overview of the most common foundation soil types and how they typically behave:

• Peat. This soil is soft and holds a lot of moisture, which means it compresses easily and is usually a poor choice for foundation support.
• Clay. Known for holding water, clay expands when wet and shrinks when dry, creating movement in the ground over time.
• Silt. While smooth in texture, silt retains moisture and drains poorly, which often leads to pressure building against the foundation.
• Sand and Gravel. These types drain well and, when compacted correctly, can offer decent support, although they may shift or erode when saturated.
• Loam. A balanced mix of clay, silt, and sand, loam offers moderate drainage and structure, making it better suited for supporting foundations.
• Rock. Soils containing bedrock or other hard formations tend to provide the strongest support, especially when the surface is compact and relatively even.

Although each soil has its own pros and cons, knowing what’s under your home helps you understand the risks and plan for better support if needed.