As the long, scorching summer days in Arizona give way to the monsoon season, homeowners often welcome the cooler temperatures and the much-needed rain. However, this dramatic shift in weather brings more than just relief from the heat; it also introduces potential issues for your home’s foundation. The intense downpours and the clay-rich soil in many parts of Arizona can lead to significant structural problems.
In this blog, we’ll explore how Arizona’s monsoon season can lead to foundation issues and what you can do to protect your property.
Get To Know Arizona’s Weather Seasons
Arizona is known for its diverse and sometimes extreme weather, which can significantly impact the stability of home foundations. Homeowners like you should know the state’s weather patterns to help safeguard your investments.
What Is A Monsoon?
According to National Geographic, a monsoon is a seasonal shift in a region’s dominant wind patterns that brings significant weather changes. These shifts are responsible for the distinct wet and dry seasons experienced in many areas. Monsoons are commonly linked to the Indian Ocean, where they have the most dramatic effects. The winds consistently move from cooler regions to warmer areas, driving the monsoon cycle.
Based on an article from Arizona State University, several areas in southwestern North America, such as Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and sometimes California, Nevada, and Texas, experience the North American Monsoon. The North American Monsoon is defined by a seasonal shift in wind direction from westerly to southerly winds. This shift is triggered by the development of the Monsoon Ridge, a high-pressure area that forms around late June or early July in the Four Corners region of the southwestern United States. The strength and position of this ridge are crucial for initiating monsoonal activity. In 2008, Arizona defined its monsoon season from June 15 to September 30. Dew points averaging 55°F or higher over three consecutive days signal the onset of monsoonal conditions.
What Happens During The Monsoon In Arizona?
- Heat and Sunshine: The season begins with intense triple-digit heat and relentless sunshine during the day.
- Patterns of Thunderstorm Activity: During monsoon season, thunderstorms follow distinct “burst” and “break” cycles:
- Burst: Times of intense thunderstorm activity driven by significant surface heating and increased moisture moving into Arizona.
- Break: Periods with minimal or no thunderstorm activity, typically due to the stabilizing influence of an extended subtropical high-pressure ridge.
- Precipitation and Lightning: The season contributes over 32% of Arizona’s annual rainfall and features around 500,000 lightning strikes.
- Heavy Rainfall: Sudden and intense thunderstorms bring significant rainfall, predominantly in the afternoons and evenings. These storms can lead to localized flooding, particularly in low-lying areas or washes.
- High Humidity: As moisture from the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico moves into the area, humidity levels increase, creating a significant shift from Arizona’s usual dry climate.
- Flash Flooding: Heavy rainfall frequently causes flash floods, mainly in regions with inadequate drainage or desert landscapes that struggle to absorb water quickly.
- Strong Winds: Monsoon storms frequently bring high winds, which can sometimes lead to downed trees, power outages, and damage to structures.
- Lightning: Frequent lightning strikes accompany thunderstorms during the monsoon, increasing the risk of wildfires, particularly in dry areas.
- Dust Storms (Haboobs): Strong winds can generate large dust storms, seriously reducing visibility and posing risks to drivers and air quality.
Get To Know Arizona’s Soil
In our previously published article entitled Top Foundation Issues in Arizona, we discussed Arizona’s soil characteristics. In a nutshell, here’s what you need to know:
- Clay Soils: Common throughout Arizona, clay soils absorb moisture and expand, then shrink as they dry. This continuous cycle of swelling and contracting can cause considerable damage to foundations.
- Caliche Soil: Known for its concrete-like hardness, caliche is difficult to excavate and can lead to serious foundation challenges.
- Rock and Granite: These soil types often contribute to foundation settlement and lateral movement in Arizona’s northern, mountainous regions.
Additionally, the root systems of certain trees can lead to severe foundation damage. In Arizona’s hot and dry climate, tree roots aggressively seek out moisture, often finding it beneath homes. Problematic trees include:
- Sissoo: Known for its strong roots that can shift concrete footings.
- Asian Elm: Also has an invasive root system capable of causing major foundation issues.
How Arizona Monsoon Season Can Cause Foundation Problems?
Arizona’s monsoon season can seriously impact the stability of home foundations due to the heavy and rapid influx of rainwater.
Here are the top foundation problems during this season:
- Foundation Settlement: Foundation settlement occurs when a building’s base begins to sink or shift downward. During monsoon season, the sudden, heavy rainfall saturates the soil surrounding your foundation system, causing it to soften and compact. Homes with poor drainage or improper grading are especially vulnerable to accelerated settlement, as water tends to pool and seep into the soil, creating instability beneath the structure.
- Foundation Heave: Foundation heave refers to the upward movement of the foundation caused by increased soil moisture. In Arizona, homes are often built without gutters, leaving rainwater to pool around the base of the foundation instead of being directed away. This pooling water causes the clay-rich soils to absorb moisture and swell, pushing the foundation upward. Over time, this heaving can lead to uneven floors, wall cracks, and significant structural damage.
- Foundation Spalling: Spalling occurs when moisture infiltrates concrete pores, causing it to break down over time. During monsoon season, excessive moisture can penetrate the foundation’s surface, leading to chipping, flaking, or even larger cracks. While not as common as settlement or heave, spalling is another potential issue for foundations exposed to prolonged moisture.
How To Repair Foundation Problems In Arizona?
Arizona’s unique soil conditions and intense monsoon seasons require specialized techniques to address foundation problems effectively. Here are three commonly used methods for repairing foundations in the region:
Push Piers
Push piers are a robust solution for stabilizing and lifting settling foundations. These steel supports are inserted into the ground until they anchor in a stable layer of soil or bedrock. The installation begins with excavating small sections around the foundation to expose the footing. Once the footing is exposed, foundation brackets are attached. The steel push piers are then hydraulically driven through these brackets into the ground until they reach a stable base. Each pier is load-tested to ensure it can support the structure adequately. If necessary, adjustments are made to lift the foundation, and the piers are securely anchored. Finally, the excavated areas are backfilled.
Push piers can be installed year-round, offer permanent stabilization, and typically cause less landscaping disruption than other methods.
Helical Piers
Helical piers, equipped with screw-like plates, provide a reliable means of supporting foundations experiencing settlement or instability. The installation starts with digging small holes around the foundation to access the footing. The helical piers are then screwed into the ground using hydraulic equipment until they reach a stable, load-bearing layer of soil. Brackets are attached to connect the piers to the foundation. The foundation is lifted and stabilized, and the surrounding soil is replaced.
This method suits areas with limited access, works well for new and existing structures, and provides immediate load-bearing capacity.
Deep Injection Polyurethane
Deep injection polyurethane is a less invasive technique for stabilizing soil and lifting foundations. It entails injecting high-density polyurethane foam into the ground to stabilize and elevate the foundation. The process starts with drilling small holes around the affected area. Polyurethane foam is then injected through these holes into the soil, which expands to fill voids and compact loose soil. The expanding foam lifts the foundation and stabilizes the surrounding area. The foam cures quickly, providing solid support with minimal disruption. This method is quick, precise, and environmentally friendly, with a fast curing time that minimizes disruption.
How To Protect Your Arizona Home During Monsoon Season?
Arizona’s monsoon season brings heavy rains and flash floods that can threaten your home.
Here are key strategies to protect your property:
- Water Diversion: Start with water diversion. Ensure your home has well-installed gutters and downspouts to direct rainwater away from the foundation. Use splash blocks to channel water further, and consider rain barrels to collect rainwater for irrigation. These steps help prevent water accumulation around your foundation and reduce erosion.
- Proper Grading: Proper grading is also essential. Check for low spots around your home where water collects and regrade the soil to create a slope away from the foundation. Aim for a slope of about 1 inch per foot for at least 6 feet, and compact the soil to prevent settling. This approach helps keep water away from your foundation and prevents erosion.
- Drainage Improvements: Improving your drainage system can further safeguard your home. Install French drains to divert accumulated water from your property, use surface drains in water-prone areas, and consider swales and dry wells to manage runoff. These measures prevent standing water, protect your landscaping, and enhance water flow.
Your Foundation Pros During The Monsoon Season
During the monsoon season, your home’s foundation can be at significant risk due to heavy rainfall, which leads to soil expansion, contraction, and potential damage. Turn to Dalinghaus Construction—your foundation pros—to safeguard your home. With expert services like foundation repair, concrete lifting, and helical piers, we ensure your property remains stable and secure. Serving Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada, our experienced team is ready to provide you with a free inspection and the peace of mind you deserve. Contact us!