Winter Weather and Your Foundation

As winter draws near, it's essential to prepare for the potential damage that winter storms and cold weather can cause to your home’s structure. Freezing temperatures and winter precipitation can threaten the integrity of your home's foundation, leading to long-term issues. Taking proactive steps now can help prevent problems from worsening during the colder months.

How Freezing Temperatures Impact Your Home

When temperatures dip to freezing, the moisture in the soil around your home freezes, forming ice. This ice then exerts pressure against your foundation. As the weather warms, the ice melts, allowing moisture to seep deeper into the ground. This freeze-thaw cycle repeats, continually pushing against your home's foundation.

The ongoing expansion and contraction from this process can stress your foundation slab, leading to cracks or shifts. This can cause uneven floors and visible cracks in your walls. To maintain the structural stability of your home, addressing these issues promptly is necessary.

Winter-Related Foundation Problems

Here are some common foundation problems that can arise due to winter weather:

Frost Heave
Frost heave occurs when freezing temperatures cause water in the soil beneath your home to freeze and expand. This expansion pushes your foundation upward, potentially causing severe structural damage. The upward movement of the foundation can lead to damage in walls, ceilings, and floors.

Foundation Leaks and Seepage
Melting ice, snow, and rainfall can seep into the soil surrounding your foundation. When temperatures rise, the water may flow into your basement, especially if there’s insufficient drainage. This seepage can lead to water damage inside your home.

Ice Dams
After snowfall, the accumulated snow on your roof may begin to melt and flow toward your gutters. Since gutters tend to stay cooler than the roof, the water may refreeze. Over time, this creates an ice dam along your roofline, preventing proper drainage. As the ice melts, the resulting water can pool around your foundation, potentially leading to leaks inside your home.

Frozen Discharge Line
If your home has a sump pump, be aware that the discharge line may freeze during winter. The sump pump expels excess water through this line, and if it freezes, the water can back up into your home, potentially causing flooding.

Frozen Pipes
Cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and thaw repeatedly, leading to expansion and contraction. This cycle can weaken the pipes’ seals, causing leaks or even bursts. A burst pipe can lead to significant water damage inside your home, requiring costly repairs.

Taking steps to safeguard your home’s foundation and plumbing systems before winter hits can help prevent these common issues and preserve your home’s structural integrity.

In the event of any Winter damage to your home, call Liberty Basement Systems for your free inspection and estimate. We are the area's leading professional in basement and crawlspace waterproofing and foundation repair. You can reach a friendly professional at 1-570-998-4540.