Margaret Whitten says the cracks in her walls used to come and go, but this summer, they're staying.
"I saw cracks coming back up and I was watering and it was just like it wasn't enough water. No matter what you did," Margaret says.
Now a crew from Advanced Foundation Repair is leveling Margaret's home. General Manager Jimmy Meeks says Margaret's watering didn't work because her foundation was too far gone. Thanks to the drought.
"The ground will shrink quickly...so if the dirt shrinks quickly during a drought, you've got a gap between the foundation and the soil," Jimmy explains.
There are tell-tale signs that your foundation may be in jeopardy. For starters, the dirt around your house will start pulling away from the concrete. And there are obvious signs when the foundation is in bad shape, cracks inside and outside of your home.
"When you can start sticking your fingers inside the cracks, this house has gotten to the point where rain's not going to bring it back and close it up and save it," says Jimmy.
Homes like that will have to be professionally repaired. Most repairs can be completed in one day and depending on the damage, it will cost between $3,000 and $8,000.
An investment Margaret says she had to make for her home. "You have to take care of your house. If you don't take care of your house, it will not take care of you."
The key to protecting your home is moisture. Experts recommend you invest in a soaker hose. Lay it all around the base of your home, about 20 inches from the wall, and allow it to run every 30 days for about 30 minutes. This will create a consistent moisture content to protect your home.
Reporter: Ashley Goudeau / Photographer: Rocky Bridges
