About This Episode:
In this in-depth conversation, Todd Horn—COO of ProChemical Soil Stabilization—explains the root causes of Texas foundation failures and how subsurface soil injection solves them. Drawing on over 30 years of field experience, Todd breaks down CH clay behavior, the science of soil treatment, and why early intervention is critical for long-term stability. Whether you’re a builder, developer, or homeowner, this episode offers real-world expertise on building stronger from the ground up.
Why Soil Movement Is a Major Problem in Texas (00:00)
“Texas is number one in foundation failures… if you’ve not done something to treat your foundation, you’re going to get movement.”
- Texas has more foundation repairs than nearly any other state.
- CH clay in North Texas swells when wet, shrinks when dry, causing major foundation movement.
The high concentration of CH (high plasticity) clay in Texas soils causes constant expansion and contraction. Without stabilizing the soil before construction, homeowners are likely to face costly foundation repairs. This section sets the stage for why soil treatment is critical in the region.
**SEO Link: **foundation movement in Texas
What Is CH Clay and Why Is It So Problematic? (02:50)
“It’s a fat clay… the water’s attracted to the clay, seeps into the clay, it attaches to the lattice inside the clay on a microscopic level.”
- CH clay has a high swell potential due to its chemical composition.
- Water binds to its microscopic structure, creating pressure and movement.
This section breaks down the science of why Texas soil moves and how CH clay behaves. It highlights the need for subsurface solutions that address the soil itself, not just surface-level symptoms.
**SEO Link: **understanding expansive clay soils
The Origin of ProChem and Its Soil Injection Process (03:16)
“My dad… pioneered soil injection where we can treat the soil in place without having to do moisture conditioning.”
- ProChem was founded to offer a faster, more efficient alternative to moisture conditioning.
- The injection method treats the soil without excavation.
This is the story behind ProChemical Soil Stabilization: a family business that innovated a faster, more cost-effective way to prepare soil before building. It’s a legacy of solving real-world construction problems with long-term impact.
**SEO Link: **ProChem soil injection method
Moisture Conditioning vs. Injection Treatment (04:00)
“They’ll put that dirt back into the same hole in 6 in layers… What could take weeks we can do in a couple of days.”
- Moisture conditioning involves digging and rebuilding soil in layers.
- Injection treatment is faster and less disruptive.
For developers and builders, time and efficiency matter. This section contrasts traditional methods with ProChem’s injection solution, showing how to cut weeks of work down to days while improving soil behavior.
**SEO Link: **moisture conditioning vs soil injection
How Soil Injection Works (04:50)
“We pump about 100 gallons a minute of water… then go back with a stabilization solution that ionizes the clay.”
- Injection includes both water and a chemical solution.
- The process changes the clay’s pH and structure.
Explaining the actual process builds trust and transparency. It also gives builders and engineers insight into how the treatment stabilizes soil from the inside out.
**SEO Link: **how soil injection works
Is It Like Fracking? What About Environmental Impact? (06:18)
“It’s done in such a way… the water pressure is low enough so it’s just seeping in.”
- Injection is gradual and controlled, unlike fracking.
- The solution is environmentally neutral and safe for plants and animals.
This addresses a common concern—whether ProChem’s injection harms the environment. The answer: it doesn’t. This part is key for EEAT (Expertise, Experience, Authority, Trust).
**SEO Link: **environmental safety of soil injection
What Homeowners Often Get Wrong About Foundation Repairs (08:10)
“If you just treat the movement… and don’t do something to treat the actual movement… you’ll probably have foundation issues again.”
- Cosmetic fixes don’t stop future movement.
- Treating the soil is the only way to solve the root cause.
This section helps educate homeowners on why cosmetic fixes or foundation lifts without soil treatment are short-term solutions. ProChem’s method addresses the core problem: unstable soil.
**SEO Link: **preventing repeat foundation repairs
When to Consider Soil Treatment vs Foundation Repair (09:56)
“Really anything more than 1 to 1.5 inches of movement… we can take that down to 1.2 inches.”
- Look for cracks, doors sticking, or shifting floors.
- Soil treatment can prevent or eliminate the need for major foundation work.
Knowing when to treat vs. repair helps homeowners make better decisions. This section empowers readers with practical thresholds and signs to watch for.
**SEO Link: **foundation repair signs
How Long Does It Last? (11:00)
“It lasts forever… one of the first companies we did work for, their parking lot is still holding up.”
- ProChem’s treatment is a permanent solution.
- Validated by 30+ years of results.
Longevity is a major value proposition. Once the soil is stabilized, it stays that way. That means fewer repairs, more peace of mind.
**SEO Link: **permanent soil stabilization
Commercial & Custom Applications Beyond Homes (12:53)
“We do work for schools, businesses, restaurants, warehouses…”
- Applicable in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Used where precision (like robotics) depends on stable floors.
This chapter expands the conversation beyond homes—ProChem’s solutions are essential for any structure that relies on soil consistency.
**SEO Link: **soil stabilization for commercial projects
How Hand Injection Works (15:14)
“Hand injection… is a lot like a car wash wand… manually pushed into the ground.”
- Used in tight or sensitive areas like under pools.
- Maintains the same soil treatment effectiveness.
Hand injection is a versatile technique ideal for retrofits and tight spaces. It shows how ProChem adapts to every job’s unique demands.
**SEO Link: **hand injection soil treatment
How Developers Use Geotech Reports (17:11)
“Those developers will contract with the geotechnical engineering group… and tell us what kind of soil is in the ground.”
- Soil testing drives depth and method of treatment.
- ProChem aligns its approach with geotechnical data.
This builds credibility with engineers and developers. Every job starts with data, and the process is fully aligned with geotechnical recommendations.
**SEO Link: **geotechnical soil testing for construction
Post-Testing and Retreatment If Needed (19:01)
“Our goal is 1%… we reach that 95% of the time on the first go.”
- Engineers retest after treatment to verify results.
- Retreatment is rare, but included when needed.
Post-job testing ensures quality and builds confidence in the results. It’s a layer of verification that meets EEAT guidelines.
**SEO Link: **soil swell reduction verification
History of the Industry and Injection Becoming Standard (21:34)
“The first 10 years my dad had no competitors… now there are over 100 applicators.”
- Injection started with skepticism, now it’s standard.
- ProChem led the way in making it a trusted solution.
This section adds authority—ProChem didn’t just join the industry; they helped build it. Their leadership gives weight to everything else.
**SEO Link: **evolution of soil stabilization techniques
Summary and Takeaway (26:44)
“We’ve created efficiencies… do things quicker, and less costly for the customer.”
- Faster, permanent, cost-effective soil solution.
- Root-cause focused, not cosmetic.
ProChem is solving problems before they start. For builders, developers, and homeowners alike, it’s about prevention—not just repair.
**SEO Link: **soil stabilization experts Texas