What Every Homeowner Needs to Know During a Dry Middle Georgia Summer
If you live in Macon, Warner Robins, Milledgeville, or anywhere in Middle Georgia, you’ve seen it happen:
One week it’s sunny. The next, your yard is cracked, dry, and dusty – that signature red clay shrinking back from the foundation like it’s giving up on the summer, too.
Your lawn will bounce back.
But what’s under your home? That damage could last forever.
Georgia’s infamous red clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry. During a drought, the moisture below your foundation evaporates, leaving air pockets and gaps in the soil.
Your home was built on compacted ground. But now that support is literally vanishing beneath your foundation.
When that happens, your foundation doesn’t stay level. It sinks, shifts, and cracks. You might not feel it right away, but the signs always come.
Foundation settlement caused by drought typically leads to:
Diagonal cracks in drywall and ceilings
Exterior foundation cracks in bricks or blocks
Uneven or sloped floors
Doors and windows that stick or won’t latch
Trim separating from walls or ceiling
Soil pulling away from the foundation
Gaps between mulch beds and walls
A homeowner in Gray called us because “the floors just felt weird.” During our inspection, we discovered the back corner of the home had settled more than 1.5 inches due to severe soil shrinkage.
We installed foundation piers and leveled the slab. They avoided major damage—but if we’d caught it six months earlier, it would’ve cost far less.
Had we been called six months earlier? The job would’ve been even simpler and more affordable.
There’s no perfect fix—but a few things can reduce your risk:
A client in Perry, GA reached out in late August for what they thought was just a “routine check.” There were no visible cracks, but under the home, we found signs of soil separation, minor shifts in weight load, and early-stage cracking in the block foundation.
We installed a few foundation piers and adjusted the downspout extensions. Six months later, after a winter storm rolled through, the structure was still perfectly intact.
Had they waited until the next season? Their floors and framing may have already begun to sag.
At Stapleton Foundation Systems, we know Middle Georgia soil, homes, and weather.
If anything feels off—sloping floors, a sticky door, or cracks that weren’t there last season—schedule a free foundation checkup.
We’ll give you honest answers and only recommend what you truly need. No scare tactics. No pressure. Just help.
Is drought really that dangerous for foundations in Georgia?
Yes. In Middle Georgia, our red clay soil is especially vulnerable to drying out. As it shrinks, it pulls away from your foundation—causing cracks, sinking, and long-term structural problems.
What’s the best way to protect my foundation during a dry summer?
Use soaker hoses to maintain soil moisture, keep your drainage systems clear, and monitor for signs like cracking or sticking doors. A foundation inspection is the best way to catch issues early.
Can foundation cracks from drought be fixed?
Absolutely. We use steel foundation piers, slab stabilization, and drainage improvements to correct settlement and prevent further damage.
Is foundation repair expensive?
It depends on how early the problem is caught. Minor drought-related settlement can be addressed for a few thousand dollars, while major structural damage may cost more. We offer financing options to make it affordable.
How fast can foundation issues appear after a drought?
Sometimes within a few weeks. Especially if a major storm hits after a long dry spell, the rapid soil expansion can make existing damage worse.
