Foundation Heaving in Montgomery, AL

Foundation heaving occurs when soil expands and pushes a foundation upward. In

Montgomery, Alabama, heaving is most often caused by the same expansive clay that causes

settlement—but under wet conditions rather than dry. Understanding foundation heaving helps

you recognize its signs and choose appropriate repairs.

Causes of Heaving in Montgomery

Heaving is triggered when the clay soil beneath your foundation absorbs water and swells. This

can happen after prolonged heavy rain, a broken water or sewer line, or over‑watering of

landscaping. It can also occur if a tree root grows under the foundation and lifts it as the root

thickens. Unlike settlement, which tends to be gradual, heaving can be relatively sudden,

especially after a major storm. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co has investigated cases

where a slab heaved 2 inches overnight following a 5‑inch rain.

Signs of Foundation Heaving

The symptoms of heaving are often the opposite of settlement. Look for cracks that are wider

at the bottom than the top, doors that stick at the bottom or refuse to close, and floors that are

higher in the center than at the walls (a “hump”). You might see a gap under baseboards or a

crack that closes slightly when the soil dries. In basements, heaving can push the floor slab

upward, cracking tiles. Unlike settlement cracks that are often vertical or diagonal, heaving

cracks may be horizontal or show displacement upward. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co

uses laser levels to measure the direction of movement.

Repair Options for Heaving

Repairing heaving depends on the cause. If a broken pipe is saturating the soil, the first step is

fixing the leak. If over‑watering is the cause, adjust irrigation. If tree roots are the culprit,

remove the tree and grind the stump, then fill the void. In severe cases where the foundation

has permanently lifted, we may need to remove the high section and repour it at the correct

elevation. For ongoing heaving caused by expansive clay, deep piers can anchor the

foundation, preventing future movement. Montgomery Foundation Repair Co will determine

whether the heaving is a one‑time event or likely to recur.

When Heaving Is Temporary

Sometimes heaving is temporary. If your foundation lifts after heavy rain but returns to normal

as the soil dries, no repair may be needed. However, repeated cycles of heaving and settling

can fatigue the concrete, leading to cracks and eventual failure. Montgomery Foundation

Repair Co recommends monitoring with crack gauges. If you see the same crack open and

close with the seasons, the soil is actively moving. Piers are still the best long‑term solution,

even if the movement is reversible, because the constant cycling damages the foundation over

time.

Frequently Asked Questions