The Climate’s Affect on Homes in Hattiesburg
Of all the regions in Mississippi that we service here at Olshan, Hattiesburg is by far one of the busiest. That’s a lot of foundation problems for a city with a modest but growing population of around 50,000 people. So what’s causing all the damage?
One of the biggest reasons is the city’s humid subtropical climate which often leads to long periods of heat and high levels of humidity. The dry climate coupled with an abundance of expansive soils can be harmful to a home’s foundation, causing the soil underneath the home to shift. To make things worse, these adverse conditions are amplified during periods of drought, an all too common occurrence in Forest and Lamar County.
Just how bad is the problem?
Recently the Mississippi Department of Transportation was assigned to the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center to test the soil known as “Yazoo” clay.
The researchers went on to confirm the volatility of the soil. “The shrinkage and swelling phenomenon of Yazoo clay has been documented in the public press, especially in the metro Jackson area. Numerous articles in Jackson’s paper, the Clarion Ledger, have been written regarding its damaging effects on foundations and buildings.”
While the median home price in Hattiesburg is favorable compared to most of the country, when you factor in the likelihood for foundation problems you could be in for more expenses if you ignore signs of foundation damage.
The unique climate of Hattiesburg combined with an abundance of Yazoo clay can make life difficult on local homeowners. Fortunately, Olshan can help repair and prevent structural issues.
Affordable, Warranty-Backed Solutions Available
e proudly service Hattiesburg, MS from our nearby Jackson office. We offer a free, no-obligation assessment, experienced technicians, an Available Lifetime Warranty and several convenient payment options.
To address the unique soil composition found in Hattiesburg, our Certified Structural Technicians will carefully inspect your home to develop a custom, budget-conscious repair plan that fits the unique needs of your structure. In order to offer the best possible solution, we offer a variety of different piling systems designed to provide durability and strength in the presence of Yazoo clay.
This includes our patented Cable Lock ST Plus which combines the penetrating power of steel with the durability of concrete and is only available at Olshan Foundation Solutions. As well as other industry-leading pilings, drainage and structural support technology.