What Are the Dangers of Soil Shrinkage, Compaction, and Settling?

When you first hear of soil shrinkage, compaction, and settling, you may think it’s a distant worry. Of course, the problem signs don’t show up right away, and it may take several months or years before your property sustains any damage. 

However, once you realize that your soil is having problems, it’s important to act fast. The longer you leave the soil to affect your concrete structures as it pleases, the more dangers you’ll encounter, and the more expensive repairs can be. 

Structural Damage 

One of the most common consequences of soil shrinkage, compaction, and settlement is damage to your property. This can mean both your landscape and the structure of your house. You may find plants struggling to grow, sheds or garages beginning to tilt, and concrete slabs forming cracks all throughout your yard. If the problem continues, it can eventually damage the foundation of your home, jeopardizing your living space.   

The damage won’t just be unsightly. It can be inconvenient and dangerous. Door and window frames can become misaligned, preventing you from closing them properly. Uneven concrete underneath your house can break up the flooring inside your house, letting in moisture and pests. If mold, dust, chemicals, and other elements seep up through these cracks, your health could be in danger.   

Water Intrusion 

Once cracks have formed throughout your driveway, garage, sidewalk, and even your foundation, water can gain access. That’s especially true if compaction and shrinkage have caused your soil to become weak. Once the soil is weakened, its ability to absorb water is disrupted, increasing the likelihood of water pooling up on top of it—and making its way right through any cracks. 

Surprisingly, there are a wide variety of soil contaminants that can be detrimental to human health. Carried in by the water, your home may be exposed to issues such as dust, pesticides, asbestos, petroleum hydrocarbons, and creosote. They can result in symptoms and illnesses such as: 

• Nervous system damage 
• Blistering, peeling, reddened skin 
• Irritation of nose, throat, lungs 
• Headache or dizziness 
• Drowsiness 

• Loss of coordination 
• Nausea 
• Skin irritation 
• Labored breathing 
• Pneumonia 

• Increased risk of cancer 
• Damage to nose, throat, lungs, and eyes