09/12/2026
Great information regarding Drought & your Foundation
☀️ OKLAHOMA DROUGHT CONDITIONS CAN BE TOUGH ON YOUR FOUNDATION
When Oklahoma goes through extended periods of hot, dry weather, the soil surrounding your home begins to lose moisture and shrink.
Many Oklahoma homes are built on expansive clay soils. As that soil dries and contracts, it can pull away from the foundation and reduce the support beneath portions of the footing or slab. If moisture levels become uneven around the house, the foundation can experience differential movement—one area may move more than another.
Signs to watch for include:
• Cracks in brick, drywall, or masonry
• Doors and windows beginning to stick
• Gaps around exterior doors or windows
• Separation between the soil and foundation
• Uneven or sloping floors
• New cracks developing around the home
💧 A SOAKER HOSE CAN HELP MAINTAIN MORE CONSISTENT SOIL MOISTURE
During prolonged hot and dry conditions, consider using a soaker hose around the perimeter of your foundation.
Foundation Watering Protocol:
1. Place the soaker hose approximately 12–18 inches away from the foundation—not directly against the house.
2. Water slowly enough that the moisture can soak into the soil instead of running off.
3. Start conservatively, approximately 20–30 minutes per zone, 2–3 times per week, then adjust based on your soil, drainage, rainfall, and local watering restrictions.
4. The goal is consistent soil moisture, not saturated or muddy soil.
5. Pay special attention to areas receiving intense afternoon sun or where the soil is visibly pulling away.
6. Avoid suddenly flooding extremely dry soil. Reintroduce moisture gradually.
7. Make sure gutters, downspouts, grading, and drainage are functioning properly. You don’t want standing water against the foundation.
⚠️ Consistency is the key. You’re not trying to keep the ground soaking wet—you are trying to reduce extreme moisture swings between wet and dry conditions.
If you’ve noticed the soil pulling away from your home, new cracks, sticking doors, or other signs of foundation movement, give Firm Foundation Repair & Construction a call.
We can inspect your foundation and help determine whether you’re seeing normal seasonal movement or something that needs to be addressed.
FIRM FOUNDATION REPAIR & CONSTRUCTION
Protecting Oklahoma homes from the ground up.
