Drought Causing Foundation Problems in Iowa Homes

This year’s record drought is hurting more than crops and lawns. Experts say it’s also hurting Iowa homes’ foundations.

The Des Moines Register reports that the drought has caused the ground surrounding homes to pull away from their foundations. That’s led to widening cracks in walls, sticking windows and doors and nails popping from everywhere.

Costs for fixing a foundation are far from cheap. The bill generally starts at $5,000 and runs up, depending on the size of the structure and damage to the foundation.

Tom Henderson, marketing director of Midwest Basement Systems, says structural problems tend to worsen under drought conditions as severe as those seen this year.