Free tool
Check your home’s foundation soil risk
The short answer
Enter your address and we’ll look up the bedrock and soil beneath your home from USGS and USDA data, then estimate your foundation’s shrink-swell risk — from Low (Hill Country limestone) to Very High (Blackland Prairie clay). It’s instant, free, and a smart first step before an inspection.
Risk is estimated from USGS bedrock geology and USDA soil data at your location. It’s a general indicator, not a substitute for an on-site elevation survey.
How it works
When you enter your address, we geocode it and look up the bedrock formation directly beneath your home in the USGS Geologic Database of Texas, then translate that into a shrink-swell risk using USDA soil classes. It’s the same data professionals use — made instant.
Why your address matters so much in Austin
The Balcones Fault (roughly I-35) splits the metro into expansive Blackland Prairie clay to the east and stable Hill Country limestone to the west. Two homes a few miles apart can have completely different foundation fates — which is exactly why a ZIP-code answer isn’t enough. Want the bigger picture? See the soil risk by neighborhood map.
What to do with your result
If you’re High or Very High, it’s worth a free inspection — especially if you notice any warning signs. If you’re Low or Moderate, keep an eye on drainage and consider watering your foundation in summer. Either way, knowing your soil is the first step to protecting your home.
Frequently asked questions
How accurate is the foundation risk checker?
It’s a strong general indicator. We look up the bedrock formation at your exact coordinates in the USGS Geologic Database of Texas and pair it with USDA soil data and engineering shrink-swell thresholds. But soils vary within a single lot — and drainage, trees, and plumbing all matter — so the definitive answer is always an on-site elevation survey.
What do the risk levels mean?
Low means stable soils (usually Hill Country limestone west of I-35). Moderate means soils that move some — Austin Chalk and river terraces. High and Very High mean expansive Blackland Prairie clay (Vertisols) east of I-35, where foundation movement is common and repairs are frequent.
Is this really free, and do you store my address?
The checker is free. We only save your details if you choose to request an inspection. We don’t sell your information — your request goes to one vetted local specialist.