Independent homeowner guide · Kansas City · Missouri & Kansas

Kansas City homeowner reference

Foundation repair glossary

Five definitions with sources, local context and practical questions. Each distinguishes the general concept from a property-specific finding.


5 terms shown.

Soils and site assessment

Plasticity Index

The difference between a soil sample’s liquid limit and plastic limit.

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Soils and site assessment

Expansive Soil

Soil that can change volume substantially as its moisture content changes.

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Movement and crack patterns

Differential Settlement

Unequal downward movement between parts of a structure’s support.

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Movement and crack patterns

Frost Depth

The depth of ground freezing, or a jurisdiction’s stated design criterion.

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Foundation components

Footing

A foundation element that spreads structural loads to supporting soil.

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For the numbers behind the local context, read the Kansas City statistics reference.