Frost Heave Damage: A Foundation’s Winter Nemesis

Frost heave damage is a serious concern for homeowners, especially in regions where snow and freezing temperatures are uncommon.  Although winter storms and snow are rare in southern states, unpredictable weather patterns are becoming more common, bringing wintry weather further south than usual. While the snow can create a serene winter landscape, it also hides a potential threat to your home’s foundation. The freezing and thawing cycles beneath snow and ice can lead to frost heave, a problem that can cause significant foundation damage if not properly managed.

What is Frost Heave?

Frost heave occurs when moisture in the soil freezes and expands, pushing portions of the foundation upward while leaving others in place. This uneven movement can create cracks, misalign structures, and cause long-term damage to your home. When temperatures rise and the ice thaws, the soil settles unevenly, which can lead to further shifting and instability. Over time, this can result in costly repairs if the problem is not addressed early.

Warning Signs:

• Cracks in Walls or Foundation  Keep an eye out for new cracks in your foundation, whether inside or outside your home. Cracks that appear after winter storms could indicate movement caused by frost heave.  While foundation cracks are the most common sign, exterior wall cracks can also be a sign of structural damage due to shifting soil.
• Uneven or Tilting Concrete Surfaces If you notice fissures or tilted slabs in your concrete flooring, driveway, or patio, frost heave may be the culprit. The expansion and contraction of frozen soil can push up one section of a surface while leaving another untouched, causing hazardous unevenness.
• Sticking Doors or Raised Decks  Doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open or close may indicate changes in the foundation’s level due to frost heave.  Decks and porches supported by foundation posts can shift upward, creating instability and safety concerns.

Preventing Frost Heave Damage

Although you can’t control the weather, you can take proactive steps to minimize the risks of frost heave:

• Improve Drainage: Ensure your yard has proper drainage to prevent excess moisture from accumulating in the soil around your foundation.
• Insulate the Ground: Using insulation, mulch, or other protective barriers can help regulate soil temperature and reduce the chances of freezing and expansion.
• Monitor Soil Moisture Levels: Keeping soil moisture consistent can help prevent drastic freezing and thawing cycles.
• Schedule a Foundation Inspection: If your home has experienced shifting or cracking, a professional foundation expert can assess potential damage and recommend solutions.

Repairing Frost Heave Damage

If signs of frost heave damage are present, acting quickly can prevent further deterioration. Foundation repair specialists can provide solutions such as pier systems, slab jacking, and reinforcement techniques to stabilize your home and prevent future movement.

Protecting your foundation from seasonal changes is crucial to maintaining the safety and integrity of your home. If you suspect frost heave has impacted your home, reach out to a foundation repair professional for an inspection and customized solutions.

Tar Heel Foundation Solutions is a full-service specialty foundation pier contractor dedicated to quality, professionalism, flexibility, and affordability. You can find a sample of our foundation repair options here.

For residential foundation repair questions, call Brandon Fender at (803)-818-7194.

For commercial and/or engineered foundation repair questions, call Larry Wittmer at (803)-246-5480.