Soil that’s susceptible to shrinking and swelling can cause foundation issues, as it can create voids beneath the foundation that lead to settling.
Poor compaction during construction can also contribute to settling, as it creates weak spots in the soil that can’t support the weight of the structure above. Erosion around the foundation is another factor that can cause settlement. When water flows around a home’s foundation, it erodes the soil away from underneath it causing gaps or spaces between soil layers which leads to settling.