What Homeowners Should Know About Shrinking Soil

Arkansas continues to experience extremely dry conditions, and that lack of moisture can affect your home’s foundation.

Dry weather has been building across Arkansas since fall 2025. While parts of the state received rainfall in June and more recent rain has reached portions of northern and western Arkansas, much of the state remains significantly short on moisture.

Currently, 92% of Arkansas is experiencing moderate drought conditions or worse, while soil moisture across much of the state is around 50% or less, with many areas at 30% or below.

For homeowners, these conditions are more than just a concern for lawns and landscaping. Prolonged dry weather can also affect the soil supporting your home’s foundation.

How Dry Soil Can Affect Your Foundation

Much of Arkansas is known for its expansive clay soils, which can shrink as they lose moisture.

When the soil around your home dries out, it can contract and pull away from the foundation. This loss of soil support can contribute to foundation settlement and movement.

Over time, homeowners may notice signs such as:

  • New cracks in walls, ceilings, floors or brick
  • Existing cracks becoming larger
  • Doors or windows that suddenly stick
  • Uneven or sloping floors
  • Gaps appearing around doors or windows
  • Cracks in the foundation itself
  • Separations between walls and ceilings or floors

These changes don’t necessarily mean your home has a serious foundation problem. However, new or worsening symptoms are worth having evaluated, particularly after an extended period of drought.

What Happens When Dry Conditions Continue?

With temperatures approaching 100° and little substantial rainfall expected, soil moisture levels may continue to decline in some areas.

The longer the soil remains dry, the more opportunity there is for expansive clay soils to shrink. If the soil beneath or around your foundation is moving, your home can move with it.

That’s why paying attention to changes around your home is important during prolonged dry periods.

Don’t Wait for Foundation Problems to Get Worse

Foundation problems don’t always happen overnight. In many cases, homeowners first notice a small crack, sticking door or uneven floor before the problem becomes more noticeable.

If you’ve seen changes around your home following months of dry weather, having them evaluated can give you a better understanding of what’s happening and help you determine whether repairs are necessary.

Foundation Pro has been helping Arkansas homeowners protect their homes for decades. Locally owned and operated, Foundation Pro has repaired thousands of homes and buildings throughout the region.

When you need foundation expertise, Go with the Pro.

Call Foundation Pro today at 501-753-1009 to schedule an evaluation.

Foundation Pro — Locally Owned. Regionally Recognized.