Indiana, like most states, has a variety of soil types that were determined by geological factors over many eons. Some areas have more glacial deposits, and others are more affected by nearby rivers or streams. Having a good understanding of your local soil types will provide some perspective on the natural forces acting upon the foundation of your home.
Miami soil: This soil type is the “state soil” of Indiana and is considered highly productive for agriculture. It drains well and does not expand and contract as much with moisture, which means if left undisturbed, foundation issues are less dramatic.
Sandy soil: This type of soil is found largely in the regions near Lake Michigan and also in the southwest part of the state. However, this does not mean that pockets of sandy soils are not found elsewhere, such as near river bottoms or flood plains. Sandy soils drain well, but can sometimes be washed away, potentially leaving gaps in support of the structure above.
Clay soil: This soil type is also found widely around the state. It drains poorly and is also easily compactable. Throughout the year, this soil is very affected by rains and can expand and contract, leading to more foundation problems than some of the other soil types.
What about localized soil factors?
Even though your home might be built on a more favorable soil type, it is possible that during construction, it was necessary to use fill soil to even out where a foundation was laid. If not properly compacted, the variance in soil can cause settling issues which may lead to problems with the foundation, including cracks or other larger issues.
Additionally, some other factors that might affect your home site is whether or not there is a nearby river, if it sits in a low-lying area, or if the water table is higher in the region where the home is situated. In these cases, in particular, it is more likely that you may experience problems with water in your basement or crawlspace that may require professional attention. Our experts will look at all of these factors when recommending your best course of action to protect your home.
