When Nashville homeowners invest in outdoor structures like decks, patios, retaining walls, pergolas, or even detached garages, they often focus on design and appearance. However, the real strength and longevity of those structures exist beneath the surface. The foundation and footings are what truly hold everything up. Foundation failure is one of the costliest and most dangerous issues a homeowner can face. Whether it’s cracked concrete, sinking slabs, or slanted structures, these problems usually point to a deeper issue: poorly constructed or absent footings. Greenway has over 15 years of expertise in creating stable, supportive foundations, and we’ll help you understand the signs of foundation failure, why foundations need footings, and how Greenway’s expertise ensures lasting support for your outdoor structures.

What Is Foundation Failure?

In the simplest terms, foundation failure occurs when the base of a structure can no longer support the load above it. While this is a serious concern for homes, it also affects outdoor structures like patios, retaining walls, sheds, or staircases. Foundation failure can be gradual or sudden, depending on the cause and severity. The good news? It can often be avoided by investing in quality footings and professional installation from experienced contractors like Greenway.

Common Signs of Foundation Failure

Nashville’s soil is rich in clay and prone to shifting due to seasonal changes. Heavy rains in summer and fluctuating winter temperatures cause soil to expand and contract. Without the proper footings in place, your outdoor structures can settle unevenly or start to fail. If you’re a homeowner, be on the lookout for these signs of foundation failure:

• Cracks in concrete surfaces, especially those widening over time
• Gaps forming between joints in patios or staircases
• Uneven surfaces or tilting retaining walls
• Water pooling near foundations or around support posts
• Loose railings or wobbling steps
• Doors or gates that no longer align properly on outdoor sheds

These issues may seem small at first, but they’re often early indicators of a deeper structural problem. Addressing them early with professional help is crucial.

Why Do Foundations Need Footings?

A footing foundation is the load-bearing base that spreads the weight of a structure evenly across the ground. Footings act like snowshoes for your structure and keep it from sinking into soft ground, and help manage pressure from lateral forces, like soil pushing against a retaining wall. Here’s how footing foundations help keep structures safe and sound:

• Distribute Load Evenly: A narrow or shallow base can’t support a heavy structure for long. Footings spread that weight over a broader area to prevent sinking or cracking.
• Prevent Shifting and Settlement: In areas like Nashville with clay soils, seasonal changes can lead to movement. Properly installed footings extend below the frost line to reduce the risk of heaving or settling. 
• Increase Lifespan: Footings make structures more stable, reducing the need for future repairs and increasing the overall return on your investment. 
• Meet Building Code Requirements: Footings are often required by building codes, particularly for retaining walls, decks, and detached garages. Skipping them may result in code violations or fines, not to mention structural failure.

How Are Footings Built?

Not all footings are created equal, but the best ones focus on proper planning and execution that’s specific to the location, situation, and goals. The construction of the footings depends on the structure being supported and the soil conditions at your property. Here’s a general overview of how footings, foundations, and concrete work together and how setting up an outdoor structure for success takes place.

• Site Evaluation: Soil type, slope, drainage, and the weight of the structure are all assessed. For example, the clay-heavy soil around Nashville expands when wet and contracts when dry. This is something Greenway’s team accounts for during the extensive evaluation process. 
• Excavation: Ground is removed to a depth below the frost line, usually between 12 and 18 inches deep. Being below the frost line protects the footings from the freeze-thaw cycles that can affect the material. This ensures stability year-round.
• Rebar Reinforcement: Steel reinforcement bars may be added depending on the type of structure to increase strength and prevent cracking. 
• Concrete Pouring: High-strength concrete is poured into the trench to form the footing. It’s then leveled and allowed to cure for several days before further construction begins.
• Foundation Attachment: Once cured, the footing serves as the solid base upon which the rest of the structure is built, whether it’s a post-and-beam setup, a concrete wall, or a raised patio.

What Happens When Footings Are Skipped or Poorly Installed?

Cutting corners on footings may save money in the short term, but the long-term consequences can be devastating. You could suffer sinking or slanting patios, retaining walls that collapse under pressure, cracked or broken steps, erosion under slabs or walkways, and costly rework and repairs. These issues are not only expensive to fix but can also be dangerous. Working with professionals like Greenway is the easiest path towards stability and safety you can rely on.

Nashville’s Trusted Partner for Footings and Foundations

Greenway’s hardscaping and drainage experts have decades of experience designing and installing reliable footings, foundations, and concrete structures throughout Tennessee. From the beginning, we take into consideration the complex soil conditions of your property and plan the build for long-term performance. Retaining walls to concrete patios, each footing will be engineered specifically for its structure and the surrounding environment. The consultation provides you with a clear and honest estimate up front – no hidden fees or unexpected delays. You know from the start what the cost will be without the surprises that other companies drop on you. 

It’s easy mode with us from the moment we start. Greenway handles all necessary permits and ensures every project meets Tennessee’s building code requirements, so you’re not trying to figure out confusing processes to get approved. Greenway handles everything from site prep and drainage to final finishes and landscaping integration.

Protect Your Investment With Proper Footings

Whether you’re building a new outdoor staircase, adding a retaining wall, or upgrading your backyard with a concrete patio, the foundation footing is not something to overlook. With us, you get structures that last because we build from the ground up, the right way.

Don’t wait until cracks appear or walls start leaning. If you’re considering any outdoor project, make sure your footings are professionally planned and installed. The cost of doing it right is always less than the cost of doing it twice.
If you’re searching for reliable, professional foundation and hardscaping contractors in Nashville, Greenway is your go-to expert. We bring deep knowledge, durable materials, and customized service to every job. Get set up now for a free consultation with Greenway.