Common foundation problems in Frontenac, MO

1. Structural stress from large homes

In many parts of Frontenac, original mid-century homes have been replaced by much larger, heavier modern estates. If the new foundation was not piered to bedrock or if the soil was improperly compacted during the "teardown and rebuild" process, the sheer weight of the new structure can cause differential settlement.

• The Sign: Large cracks in finishes, such as tile flooring or heavy crown molding, often indicate the foundation is sinking under the building's own weight.

2. Lateral pressure on large-span walls

Frontenac homes often feature expansive basements with long, uninterrupted foundation walls. These long spans are statistically more vulnerable to lateral (sideways) pressure. As Frontenac's dense clay soil saturates during spring rains, it exerts thousands of pounds of force against these walls.

• The Sign: Horizontal cracking or inward bowing, particularly on walls that face a hillside or slope.

3. Hydrostatic seepage in deep basements

High-end Frontenac builds often feature extra-deep basements (10-12 foot pours). The deeper a basement goes, the more hydrostatic pressure it encounters from the water table.

• The Sign: Water "wicking" up through the concrete floor or seeping through the cove joint (where the wall meets the floor) after heavy West County storms.

4. The "clay bowl" effect in manicured landscapes

Extensive landscaping, common in Frontenac, can inadvertently trap water against the foundation. If the grading is not perfectly maintained or if large planter beds sit right against the house, the loose backfill soil around the foundation acts as a "clay bowl," holding water against the concrete and accelerating structural degradation.