PFAS Contamination in North Carolina: How It Could Impact Your Home’s Foundation

PFAS, specifically PFAS contamination in North Carolina, gets a lot of attention, and rightly so. These “forever chemicals” make headlines for drinking water contamination and health risks.

However, there’s another layer to the story that is particularly concerning for North Carolina homeowners in areas near the Cape Fear River, Greensboro, and Pittsboro: PFAS impact on homes and their stability.

This article covers hot topics such as PFAS in groundwater, foundation damage from groundwater, and foundation repair in Raleigh, NC, so you can make the best decisions for your home. Here’s what you should know:

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are synthetic compounds used in many products due to their resistance to heat, water, oil, grease, and stains. They break down slowly or not at all, threatening humans and animals, as they are widespread throughout the environment. For example, PFAS are prevalent in air, water, fish, and soil.

PFAS chemicals often seep into soil and groundwater from industrial runoff or firefighting foam—commonly near factories or military bases.

Is There a Connection Between PFAS and Foundation Damage from Groundwater?

water from a downspout collecting near a foundation

PFAS in groundwater don’t just stay in the water or underground. It can lead to:

Oversaturated soil
Poor water drainage around homes
Increased hydrostatic pressure on basement walls and foundations
Foundation settlement

Prolonged soil saturation can trigger serious structural problems and potential water contamination foundation issues, such as wall cracks, excessive humidity, and water intrusion.

When Should I Be Worried About These Problems?

Not every foundation flaw is cause for concern, but it’s important to treat symptoms of damage seriously before they evolve into safety hazards.

Let’s break down signs of foundation damage from groundwater into simple checklists you can use to conduct a home foundation inspection in Raleigh, NC:

Early, Minor Symptoms

Hairline cracks under ¼ inch that remain stable over time
Windows or doors that stick slightly due to seasonal humidity or temperature shifts
Gently sloping floors with no recent changes
Small, stable cracks in tile flooring
Temporary puddles near the foundation after rain

Serious Structural Issues

uneven floor with a gap between the wall and floor

Foundation or basement wall cracks wider than ¼ inch
Basement walls that show signs of bowing inward
Floors that feel noticeably uneven, soft, or bouncy
Windows and doors that are difficult or impossible to open or close properly
Moisture issues, including crawl space humidity and wood rot or basement flooding

💡 Side Note: More Moisture, More Mold:

Damp crawl spaces or basements create ideal conditions for mold growth. Add environmental toxins like PFAS, and the risks extend beyond your foundation. Indoor air quality and family health can also be affected.

It’s important to be aware of your foundation’s condition, so regularly check your home for signs of potential water contamination foundation issues. Don’t panic if you’re unsure what to look for or how to proceed. You can talk to a foundation repair expert for advice and a thorough evaluation.

Digging Deeper Into the Causes of Foundation Damage from Groundwater

Let’s take a closer look at PFAS in groundwater and what might be causing foundation damage.

Soil Shifts & Foundation Trouble

Areas like central and eastern North Carolina already face challenges from moisture-sensitive, expansive clay soils. When pollutants alter how water moves through the ground, these problems can get worse, leading to:

Uneven foundation settling
Severely sloped or warped floors
Cracks in drywall or brickwork

If your home is near a known PFAS-contaminated site, especially close to streams, rivers, or with a shallow foundation, your risk for structural shifts could be higher.

What Can I Do To Protect My Home?

PFAS contamination in North Carolina and foundation damage from groundwater are serious issues, but you can take steps to safeguard your home and family, including:

Get a Foundation Checkup

If you’re in or near an area affected by PFAS, have a local foundation specialist like Tar Heel Basement Systems inspect your home for early warning signs of water damage or shifting soil.

Repair and Protect Your Foundation

Ditch the DIY quick fixes like caulking cracks. They’re temporary bandages that don’t tackle the root of the problem. Instead, invest in lasting professional foundation repair in Raleigh, NC. Solutions tailored to your home include foundation piers, crawl space jacks, and wall repair methods, such as carbon fiber straps or wall anchors.

crew members encapsulating a crawl space

Install Moisture Control Systems

Crawl space encapsulation or a basement waterproofing system can go a long way toward managing ground moisture, especially in homes in high-risk areas.

Invest in Water Filtration

To lessen the PFAS impact on homes, a reverse osmosis or whole-home water filter can lower PFAS levels in your drinking water while also helping protect plumbing and home systems.

Keep Up With Local Updates

Stay informed on environmental and legal developments in your area. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be to protect your home and health.

Structural Peace of Mind Starts Here

Tar Heel Basement Systems inspector meeting with a homeowner

Your foundation’s stability depends on the ground beneath it. And with pollutants like PFAS in groundwater, the risks extend beyond just tap water. Crawl spaces, basements, and even the air inside your home can be impacted.

If you suspect your property is vulnerable to water contamination foundation issues, especially in PFAS-affected regions, early action can make a big difference. Don’t hesitate to contact a foundation repair professional like Tar Heel Basement Systems for a full, free home assessment.

Schedule Free Inspection

Foundation Repair in Raleigh, NC, FAQs

Can the clay soil around my foundation be replaced?

Clay soil around your property causes many issues, but no matter what kind of soil you have around your foundation, there will always be some issues with it. Replacing the soil around your foundation requires lifting your home, digging a deep hole, replacing the soil, and rebuilding the foundation. This is expensive and unnecessary. Waterproofing and stabilizing your foundation are simpler, more effective solutions.

When should I worry about foundation cracks?

Every crack in your foundation or walls should warrant some concern, as they typically indicate foundation issues. Horizontal, diagonal, and stair-step cracks growing in width and gaps around windows and doors should be examined. Cracks accompanying bowing walls and uneven floors are of even more concern. Additionally, if you live in a coastal area of North Carolina with sandy soil and rising sea levels, you may be at higher risk of foundation issues.

How much does foundation repair cost?

The cost of foundation repair varies depending on the extent of the damage, the chosen repair method, and other factors. Tar Heel Basement Systems provides a free consultation and estimate to help you plan your financial investment in your foundation.

Related Resources

Cracks in Foundation: Knowing When to Worry in North Carolina

Seeing foundation cracks in your home? Learn the difference between cosmetic issues and foundation cracks to be concerned about.

A Complete Guide to Foundation Settlement: Types, Causes, Signs, & Solutions

Foundation settlement leads to damage and instability that endangers your home and family. Learn how to fix it in our guide.

House foundation with visible cracks and erosion, surrounded by dirt and tangled yellow cables.

Erosion and Shifting Foundations in Raleigh, NC? Tips from the Pros

Worried about shifting soil in Raleigh? Learn about cracks in foundations, house settling, and when to call a foundation expert.

crew member installing push piers for foundation repair

A Complete Guide to North Carolina House Foundation Repair

Your complete resource for house foundation repair in North Carolina—from spotting problems to finding permanent solutions.

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.