Minnesota's severe drought damaging homes' foundations

[NickB79]

http://www.twincities.com/ci_22507937/severe-drought-is-damaging-homes-foundations-across-minnesota

Homeowners are learning that when soil dries up, it shrinks -- so foundations shift, twisting and cracking the houses on top of them.

Five contractors contacted by the Pioneer Press said their foundation-repair business increased 25 percent to 100 percent in 2012.

"Business has exploded," said John Newman, co-owner of RamJack Minnesota, based in Norwood.

The cost is not usually covered by insurance, because the damage is blamed on an "act of God."

The U.S. Drought Report, cited on the state Department of Natural Resources website, said that as of Jan. 24, more than 80 percent of Minnesota was experiencing severe or extreme drought.

Precipitation was more than 7 inches below normal in much of central Minnesota from last August through the end of January.

The drought is hurting Minnesota's homes even more than in hotter parts of the country, Newman said.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

1. Our foundation re-cracked this summer, here in Oregon.

We had nearly 3 months without rain, and then got slammed with 3 inches in 2 weeks. The old crack that had been repaired 30 years ago reopened, and now we have a basement leak.

[rurallib]

2. had that happen to mine about 25 years ago

earlier severe drought in Iowa.
Now I have mulch around the house abour 4 inches deep and water the foundation every now and then.