The extended drought across the Southeast is causing home foundations to sag and crack, sometimes causing loud pops that the homeowners can hear.
Clay soils that have sustained homes for decades are drying and shrinking, causing sinking foundations, cracking walls and sticking doors. Other effects from excessive drought include collapsed concrete slabs and chimneys that have pulled away from houses.
Contractors are reporting their call volumes up 200 percent. "We have people reporting right now that they are literally hearing the brick crack," said Mark Beckham, owner of foundation repair service Ram Jack of Charlotte. "It holds on as long as it can, then lets go."
The problem can occur anywhere there is a layer of clay beneath a home’s footing. Contractors say they are seeing problems with dwellings of all ages, and that houses on slabs as well as those built over crawl spaces are at risk.
