Give the Heave-Ho to Frost Heave

During the summer months, we think of ice as our friend – a refreshing way to keep our drinks cold. But when winter arrives, ice takes on a much different role, becoming a destructive force for your foundation. As temperatures drop, the water beneath the ground freezes and expands. This expansion can cause your basement or foundation slab to buckle and crack, leading to increased water seepage into your basement. This phenomenon, known as frost heave, can result in long-term damage if left unchecked.

What is Frost Heave? 

Frost heave occurs when moisture in the soil freezes and expands. As temperatures dip below freezing, the water in the soil turns into ice, causing it to expand. This expansion puts pressure on the surrounding soil, which can push upward and outward, disturbing anything above it, including your foundation. The force of this swelling can result in cracks, bowing foundation walls, and shifts in your slab. If you notice these signs, we recommend that you consult a foundation repair specialist as soon as possible .

Why Frost Heave is Dangerous for Your Home

Frost heave doesn’t just cause aesthetic damage. The pressure from the expanding ice can affect the structural integrity of your home. Over time, the continued expansion and contraction of the soil can lead to significant foundation issues, such as:

• Cracks in foundation walls or floors: As the soil shifts, it can create visible cracks in your foundation.
• Bowing or leaning walls: The swelling of soil can put pressure on foundation walls, causing them to bow inward.
• Water infiltration: Cracks and shifts in the foundation can lead to water entering your basement, potentially causing flooding and mold problems.

If these issues are visible in your home, it’s important to seek professional help before any damage worsens.

How Tar Heel Foundation Solutions Can Help

At Tarheel Foundation Solutions, we specialize in identifying and solving foundation problems caused by frost heave. Our team of experts can assess your unique foundation issues and recommend a tailored solution to protect your home.

We offer a variety of repair options, depending on the extent of the damage:

• Helical tiebacks: These are used to stabilize and reinforce foundation walls that have been pushed out by frost heave.
• Slab brackets: If your foundation slab has been heaved, slab brackets can help raise and level it back into position.
• Pressure grouting: This method involves injecting grout into the soil beneath your foundation to fill voids and stabilize the ground, preventing future shifting.

Whether you’re dealing with minor cracks or major foundation movement, we have the tools and expertise to restore your home’s foundation to its original stability. Our team is committed to ensuring that frost heave doesn’t cause long-term issues for your home.

Protect Your Home from Frost Heave

Don’t wait until frost heave has caused irreversible damage to your home. Contact Tarheel Foundation Solutions today to schedule an inspection. Our specialists will carefully evaluate your foundation, diagnose any frost heave concerns, and provide a customized solution designed to prevent future issues. We are here to help and look forward to restoring your foundation to a level of stability that will ensure your home remains safe and secure for years to come.