Soil Related Issues Can Lead To Big Construction Defect Problems

Soil Related Issues Can Lead To Big Construction Defect Problems

Soil can lead to construction defect problems, whether that is with pipes, metal or a structure. For example, if the soil is corrosive, it can easy away at pipes below the ground, which can lead them to burst or leak over time. If this occurs, it will be an extensive and expensive fix.  

When placing any metal or piping into the ground, a developer or contractor should be testing the soil. If the soil test comes back that the soil is corrosive, then the materials need to be wrapped I plastic so that soil does not come in contact with the pipes.  

Another common soil problem is expansive soil, which can also cause damage to a property. Expansive soil has a high concentration of clay. It is natural and commonplace throughout the southeast United States and much of Southern California. Expansive soil will absorb water and expand during rainy seasons, then during dry seasons, the soil will also dry out and contract. This expansion and contraction can damage slabs and foundations. Construction and grading must be done carefully to avoid such problems.  

To prevent this type of soil from damaging a property, a geotechnical engineer will assess a site before construction, making recommendations to the developer. Typically the developer can do one of two things. He or she can remove the top three feet of high expansive soil and replace it with three feet of low expansive soil. The second option is to increase the thickness of the foundation slab and footings. If the developer fails to follow these recommendations significant damage can occur. 

You can tell if you have expansive soil if doors and windows become hard to operate. Significant cracks at interior drywall, exterior stucco, floor tile, hardwood flooring or the garage slab can occur. 

If you found a construction defect because of soil, call us right away. Our construction defect lawyers can help.  

If you are a homeowner or homeowner association seeking representation in construction defect litigation, our law firm based in San Diego can help represent you. Along with San Diego, we work with clients in Los Angeles, Orange County, Riverside, San Bernardino.   

We have more than 35 years of experience handling and winning all types, including difficult, construction defect cases. Construction defect cases can get complex, so it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible to help you through the process. We will let you know if your issue is a construction defect, what caused it, who is responsible, how much it will cost to fix, and how and if insurance will cover it.   

To contact us, call 844-492-7474 or visit our San Diego construction defect contact page for more information.