Is Your Foundation Shifting in Leawood, KS? Understand the Cause & Solution

The soil beneath your home is constantly moving, even if you don’t see it.

In Leawood, KS, expansive clay, heavy rains, and seasonal freeze-thaw cycles all contribute to foundation movement. Over time, this can weaken your home’s structure, leading to costly repairs.

Let’s jump into what causes foundation shifting and how you can protect your home.

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What Causes a Shifting Foundation in Leawood, KS?

Several environmental factors contribute to foundation movement in Leawood. The most common culprits include:

1. Clay-Rich Soil & Expansive Clay

Much of the soil in Leawood contains expansive clay, which reacts dramatically to moisture changes.

During wet seasons, the soil absorbs water and expands, putting pressure on your foundation. In dry conditions, it shrinks and pulls away, creating gaps that lead to foundation settlement. This cycle of expansion and contraction causes significant problems.

2. Hydrostatic Pressure from Heavy Rains

Leawood experiences significant rainfall, which increases hydrostatic pressure around your home’s foundation.

When excess groundwater accumulates in the soil, it exerts force against basement and foundation walls. This can lead to foundation damage.

3. Poor Drainage & Erosion

If your home lacks proper drainage, water can pool around the foundation, softening the soil and accelerating foundation movement. This is particularly common in neighborhoods with older homes or properties built on sloped terrain. Over time, erosion can remove soil from beneath your foundation, causing it to sink.

4. Seasonal Freezing & Thawing

Kansas winters bring freeze-thaw cycles that impact the soil beneath your home.

As the ground freezes, moisture expands, causing the soil to push against your foundation. When it thaws, the soil contracts, sometimes creating voids under the foundation. This repeated movement leads to foundation damage.

Signs That Your Foundation is Shifting

If you suspect foundation movement, watch for these common warning signs:

Cracks in Walls, Floors, or Foundation – Horizontal, vertical, or stair-step cracks in drywall, basement walls, or exterior brickwork indicate shifting soil.
Uneven or Sagging Floors – Floors that slope or feel soft may signal foundation damage.
Doors & Windows That Stick – Misaligned doors and windows often occur when the foundation shifts, causing frames to warp.
Bowing Basement Walls – Walls that lean inward are a clear sign of hydrostatic pressure and foundation instability.
Water Seepage in the Basement – If water is leaking into your basement, it could be due to cracks caused by foundation movement.

Foundation Repair Solutions for Leawood Homes

At Foundation Recovery Systems, we offer expert foundation repair solutions tailored to the unique soil conditions in Leawood, KS.

Depending on the severity of the foundation movement, we may recommend:

Foundation Piering

For homes experiencing foundation settlement due to expansive clay, we install push or helical piers deep into stable soil layers. These piers help prevent further movement and may even lift your home back to its original position.

Wall Anchors & Braces

If your home has bowing basement walls caused by hydrostatic pressure, wall anchors or braces can stabilize and gradually straighten them, preventing future movement.

Crawl Space & Basement Waterproofing

To reduce hydrostatic pressure, we install interior drainage systems, sump pumps, and vapor barriers to keep your foundation dry and stable.

Soil Stabilization & Proper Drainage

To prevent ongoing shifting, consider installing downspout extensions and proper yard grading to direct water away from your foundation.

Don’t Ignore a Shifting Foundation—Protect Your Home

Foundation movement is a common problem in Leawood, KS, but it’s not one you have to live with.

If you’ve noticed foundation cracks, bowing basement walls, or sagging floors, acting now can prevent costly repairs down the road.

At Foundation Recovery Systems, we understand the local soil conditions and offer proven foundation repair solutions to protect your home. Schedule a free foundation inspection today and ensure your home stays safe and stable for years to come.

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Shifting Foundation Related Resources

What Is Backfill in Construction?

After construction is complete, foundations and trenches are filled with a material that’s known as backfill.

Drought Can Cause Gaps in Your Foundation

Drought can cause many problems, but the most insidious starts in the soil beneath your home.

Cold Effects on Your Home’s Foundation Over Time

Learn more about how the cold could be impacting your foundation.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.