Winter Woes: Protect Your Foundation from Frost Heaving

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winter is here, and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation. If you live in a colder climate, you’ve likely heard about the dangers of cracked foundations and the costly repairs they can bring. But did you know that one of the biggest culprits is a phenomenon called frost heaving? Understanding what it is—and how to prevent it—can save your home from structural damage and your wallet from expensive fixes.

What Is Frost Heaving?

Frost heaving occurs when freezing temperatures penetrate the ground, causing the water in the soil to freeze and expand. This expansion can push up the ground beneath your home, pavement, or other structures, leading to cracks, leaks, and uneven surfaces. It’s a slow but powerful force of nature that can seriously damage foundations.

Your foundation could be at risk even before temperatures hit the freezing point. If the temperature drops below 40°F for three consecutive days, the chances of foundation damage increase significantly.

Why Is Frost Heaving So Dangerous?

Frost heaving can damage your foundation in two major ways:

1. Vertical Movement – The frozen soil expands upward, lifting the foundation or pavement above it.
2. Lateral Pressure – Freezing soil pushes outward against walls, causing cracks and structural strain.

The result? Costly repairs to fix cracked walls, misaligned doors, and weakened structural integrity.

How to Prevent Frost Heaving

While frost heaving can’t be eradicated entirely, there are effective ways to reduce its impact. Prevention focuses on keeping water out of the soil and reducing frost penetration. Here are a few tips:

• Improve Soil Drainage: Mix the soil around your foundation with compost to improve drainage and reduce moisture.
• Apply Mulch: Cover the soil with mulch to regulate ground temperature and prevent freezing.
• Deep Footings: Drive foundation footings deep into the soil, below the frost line, to keep them stable.
• Bell-Shaped Footings: Create a bell-shaped footing base to distribute pressure and resist soil movement.
• Reinforced Concrete Slabs: Use reinforcing steel in concrete slabs for added strength and resistance to heaving.

When to Call a Professional

Foundation damage caused by frost heaving isn’t always obvious at first, but there are key signs to watch for that indicate it’s time to call a professional. Look out for:

• Cracks in your foundation or walls
• Uneven or sloping floors
• Gaps around doors or windows
• Sticking doors that are difficult to open or close

If you notice any of these issues, don’t ignore them. Frost heaving damage can worsen quickly, leading to more extensive and costly repairs. Acting early is the best way to protect your home’s stability.

Stay Safe This Winter with Tar Heel Foundation Repair

At Tar Heel Foundation Repair, we’re not just experts in frost-heaving solutions—we offer a full range of services to keep your home safe and secure. Whether you need foundation repair, crawl space encapsulation, or assistance with new construction, our team has the experience and tools to handle it all.

Protect your home from frost heaving and beyond. Visit our Contact Page to schedule an inspection and see how we can help with all your foundation and structural needs!