Causes of foundation Settlement
June 8, 2021

When you see that your property is developing cracks, uneven flooring, and tilting walls, then there is a high possibility that your foundation is damaged. This structure is the only thing that is keeping your home from sinking underground. Although it would be ideal that it could withstand all types of pressures, placing too much stress on it will surely make it break. However, the age of the foundation is the least of your worries, because there are other external elements that could weaken its form.

Trees and Vegetation

If you like tending to your garden, then you should start thinking about where you place your plants. When trees and other big shrubberies are planted too close to your foundation, their roots can penetrate it as they grow. Once this happens, cracks and other fissures are formed, allowing foreign debris (e.g. dirt, vermin, and rocks) to enter the foundation’s core weakening its structure.

Moisture Content of the Soil

When a foundation is being built, workers make sure to keep it compact so that a sturdy base can hold it. However, if your area often experiences heavy rain and floods, the moisture can weaken the soil. With the support of the ground slipping, your foundation can also sink or shrink, bringing your property with it.

Poor Compaction

Soil compaction is an important step when creating a foundation because it helps keep the foundation’s bearings steady. If it was created poorly (meaning that there are still air pockets after the compaction job) it is not strong enough to hold the accumulated weight of your property and foundation causing your foundation to weaken and sink.

Weak Soils

Not all soils are ideal for property development. Depending on its molecular composition, the soil can be too soft to be constructed on. However, there are some people who still insist to build on such situations and thus, must face the risks that come after damaging their foundations.

Soil Consolidation

Soil consolidation occurs when weight is added and compresses the lower, weak clay soils. The pressure forces moisture out of the clay soils, which causes it to be densely spaced. This downward movement can be experienced at an uneven rate that can stress the composition of your foundation.

Inspect Your Foundation Regularly

The causes of foundation settlement vary. Some can be detected immediately, while others do not. Whatever the cause, it is best that you contact the professionals immediately, to have the situation dealt with pronto.

At KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair, we are just the people you need to solve such a task. We are well-equipped and are knowledgeable about all things that deal with your foundation and its problems. With our services available to the Greater Kansas City Area, contact us today for a free consultation to determine the cause of your foundation problem and offer up our expert solution.

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Great team, worked very hard and stayed after hours to install a basement window as they knew a huge storm was on the way. Our basement was super dry following a lot of rain after install/fixing of foundation proving the job was done well! I recommend this company for foundation repair and water proofing to cinder block foundation in old home.
Mario came out to seal a crack on my stairs and fill a settlement crack in the basement. He was very professional and friendly. He did an amazing job and I was very impressed.
Didn't waste any time. I have a big problem and he told me from the beginning that they couldn't handle it. He helped give me some advice and direction... and did not try to sell me on something he knew they couldn't deliver. I appreciated his upfront honesty and advice.
They are a fantastic company and really went above and beyond to make sure we got the information we needed.
Mario was great! He very informative and helpful! I would highly recommend him!
Mario came out to check the sump pump. After cleaning the pit out and checking both the main and backup pump he wiped everything done and left the area cleaner than when he got there. Very friendly and knowledgeable guy!
Don Derry with KC Waterproofing has been our "go-to" foundation repair specialist since 2005! We have had him to our homes multiple times. The project always wraps up with us having peace of mind. This past time with 14 piers installed, was no exception. His crew was polite and respectful. They cleaned up our property perfectly at the conclusion of the project. I highly recommend this foundation repair company.
Tech was on time completed the repair as necessary, and the experience was great.
We recently had KC Waterproofing out at our home in North Kansas City, and I cannot say enough great things about Ryan Marshall and his team (Austin & Jacob). They worked at our property over the week of July 17/2025 - and absolutely blew us away with their professionalism, work ethic, and transparency.

Ryan took the time to thoroughly explain the problems we were facing, what caused them, and exactly how they were going to fix them. His honesty and willingness to go the extra mile truly set him apart.

Ryan and his assistant worked hard, were respectful of our home, and made sure everything was done right the first time. It's rare these days to find that level of care and craftsmanship. Because of professionals like Ryan, we’ll continue to turn to KC Waterproofing for future needs.

Highly recommend this company—especially if you get the chance to work with Ryan and his crew! When it comes to foundation issues we will always recommend KC Waterproofing. They have been in the business, are trusted, and will do the job correctly.