The Hidden Cost of a Hot Summer: Foundation & Driveway Damage
Summer in Northern Nevada is one of the most beautiful times of year. With endless sunshine, dry mountain air, and quick weekend trips to Lake Tahoe, it’s no wonder so many people choose to call this region home. But while you’re enjoying the season, your home’s foundation and concrete surfaces might be working overtime — and not in a good way.
At Madole Construction, we’ve spent over 40 years helping homeowners across Northern Nevada protect and repair the very structures their homes sit on. Let’s break down how our local climate and soil conditions can lead to foundation damage, cracked driveways, and concrete settlement — especially during the heat of summer.
The Unique Soil Challenges of Northern Nevada and Tahoe
What Summer Heat Does to Soil (and Your Foundation)
As temperatures rise into the 90s and beyond, the moisture in the soil around your home begins to evaporate. In clay-rich areas like parts of Reno, Sparks, and Carson City, the soil shrinks and pulls away from the foundation. This leaves your home with less support, especially in isolated spots where soil drying is more severe. Over time, this causes uneven settling, cracks in the foundation, and even structural shifting.
In sandy or granular soil areas, often found in new developments or around the outskirts of town, the issue is less about shrinkage and more about erosion and lack of support. Without consistent moisture, the soil becomes unstable, and concrete slabs or footings can begin to sink.
In the Tahoe area, the higher elevation means more intense UV radiation and quicker moisture evaporation, especially in shallow soils or sloped lots. And while Tahoe doesn’t always reach the same highs as the valley, the combination of dry heat, steep terrain, and variable soil composition makes foundation and concrete issues just as common.
Concrete Driveways, Patios, and Walkways Are Affected Too
It’s not just your home’s foundation at risk. Concrete slabs (whether it’s your driveway, walkway, or backyard patio) are highly vulnerable to summer conditions.
Here’s how:
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Soil shrinkage under your driveway can lead to large voids that cause the slab to crack or sink.
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Uneven drying can cause one corner of a patio to settle more than another, leading to a dangerous trip hazard.
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Water intrusion after a summer storm can erode loose or sandy soils, causing hollow areas beneath your walkways.
If you’ve noticed new cracks, dipping corners, or sections that feel spongy or unstable underfoot, it’s time to take a closer look.
What You Can Do About It
There’s no way to control the weather, but there are steps you can take to protect your home from summer soil shifts.
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Monitor for Signs of Damage
Look for cracks in drywall, gaps at trim or baseboards, sticking doors, or uneven floors. Outside, check for sinking concrete, visible soil pulling away from your foundation, or pooling water near your foundation. -
Maintain Consistent Moisture Around Your Foundation
Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, but also don’t flood it with overwatering. A slow, deep watering every few days during peak heat can help keep the soil stable. -
Direct Water Away from the Foundation
Make sure your downspouts and drainage systems move water away from the base of your home. Water should flow out and away, not sit and soak. -
Call Madole Construction for a Free Inspection
If anything seems off, or you’re just not sure what to look for, our team offers free, honest assessments. We’ll let you know what’s happening and how to fix it, if it even needs fixing.
How Madole Construction Can Help
We specialize in permanent solutions for foundation and concrete problems, including:
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Helical Piers to lift and stabilize settled foundations
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Push Piers for deeper structural support in unstable soils
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PolyLevel® Foam Injection to lift and level sunken driveways and patios
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Crawl Space Support Jacks to reinforce sagging floors
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Concrete Sealing and Crack Repair to protect and restore damaged surfaces
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Basement Waterproofing to prevent moisture intrusion during storms or snowmelt
All of our solutions are designed for the unique conditions of the Sierra Nevada region and backed by industry-leading warranties.
Your home is one of your biggest investments. Don’t let the summer heat take a toll on it. Whether you live in the Reno valley or up the hill in Tahoe, we’re here to help you protect what matters most!
Schedule your free inspection with Madole Construction today, and let’s make sure your foundation and concrete are ready to handle whatever the Nevada summer brings.
