Winter is here! Is your home’s foundation safe?

frost heave

If you’re a homeowner living where the weather is freezing, a cracked concrete foundation can result in leaks, wall cracks, and other structural damage. Uncovered foundations that are exposed to the air can freeze the ground several feet, causing frost heave under pavements, homes, and buildings. The results are destructive structures and serious foundation problems, causing you to spend money on major repairs. The best solution is to reduce frost penetration and keep water out of the soil. It is important to know what frost heaving is so you can prevent it.

Foundation damage can occur even before the temperature reaches the freezing point. If the temperature falls below 40 degrees for three consecutive days, the likelihood of foundation damage is high.

So what is “frost heaving” and why is it destructive? Frost heave is caused by freezing temperatures that can damage structures in two ways.

Frost heave is an act of nature, therefore it cannot be eradicated. However, it can be prevented. Frost heaving mainly occurs in low-lying areas in the ground where there are depressions or dips. To prevent frost heaving, reduce the amount of water in the soil to prevent freezing from occurring by combining the soil with compost. Also, apply mulch into the soil to help regulate the temperature in the ground. There are also other methods to prevent heaving such as:

  • Driving the footing deep into the soil
  • Create a ‘bell’ shaped fitting at the bottom of the footing to prevent the soil from moving the footing
  • Install reinforcing steel in the middle of the concrete slab

There are a variety of methods used by foundation contractors the specialize in frost heave foundation repair. Find the best preventative method for your property to eliminate the effects of frost heave. If you have visible damage caused by frost heaving in your concrete foundation, contact a foundation repair professional to assess your damages. They will determine the cause and provide the best repair method for the situation.

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