The Hidden Threat of Heiden clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded for Homeowners in Mesquite

What is Heiden clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded?

Heiden clay, 2 to 5 percent slopes, moderately eroded is a highly expansive clay soil formation common in Mesquite. It is characterized by a high silica content that causes it to absorb water and swell volume by up to 12.1%. Engineers value it for agriculture but fear it for construction due to its "shrink-swell" volatility.

Why Mesquite Foundations Fail

If you live in Central Mesquite, Mesquite Heights, North Mesquite, or surrounding areas, your home is interacting with this critical geology. Unlike stable sandy loams, Heiden clay moves.

The defining metric is the Plasticity Index (PI) of 40.0. A PI over 25 is "Severe." The soil acts like a sponge—expanding with tremendous hydraulic force when wet and shrinking away from the slab when dry. This cycle snaps concrete beams.

The "Active Zone" Depth

In Mesquite, the "Active Zone"—where moisture levels fluctuate—extends 12-15 feet deep. Standard builder piers often stop at 8 feet. This mismatch is why we see repetitive failures in 75150.

3 Signs of Heiden Soil Failure

• Diagonal Shear Cracks: Extending from door/window corners (45-degree angles).
• Friable Soil Gap: Soil pulling 1-2 inches away from the foundation perimeter in summer.
• Sticking Doors: Specifically on the exterior walls relative to the center of the home.

Engineering Protocol: Correct vs. Incorrect

Neighborhood Watch

We are monitoring elevated PI readings in these areas: