Does Cold Weather Affect Home Foundation?

Living in Texas means many of us are strangers to freezing cold weather. The intense winter storm in February 2020 was a good example of that. Many homeowners were surprised to find out that a freeze can have many lasting effects on a home, especially on its foundation. 

We at Baird Foundation Repair believe homeowners shouldn’t have to find out about foundation issues only after they happen. Keep reading to learn more about how cold weather can affect your home’s foundation this winter.

Frost Heave

If you’ve ever left a can of soda in the freezer then you know that the soda expands inside the can as it freezes. This same reaction is what happens to homes when the weather hits freezing temperatures. Water found in soil beneath a home will freeze and move upwards, putting pressure on a home’s foundation. This can lead to cracks in floors, walls, and even ceilings.

If you notice these cracks, it’s best to have foundation professionals repair them as quickly as possible. Cracks progress slowly but if you let too much time pass, they can be quite difficult (and costly) to repair.

Foundation Settlement

This one might seem obvious, but it still takes many homeowners that aren’t used to cold weather by surprise. Once the cold weather passes, the ground starts to thaw. This means that as the soil settles, so will your foundation. But because now there’s extra space, your foundation won’t be able to settle back to where it once was. In severe cases, this can cause homes to sink.

If you notice your floors are slightly uneven after the winter months, make sure to have your foundation examined by a professional. 

Ice Dams

If your roof wasn’t properly installed, then there might be inadequate insulation in your attic. When this happens, heat rises through to the attic and melts snow that can make its way to your rafters (also known as eaves or overhang). This water can then enter your home and freeze again, causing a buildup of water (or dams) on your roof. As you can imagine, this can cause serious damage such as cracks or rotting within your walls. If you notice any musty odors in your garage or basement, don’t wait! Mold spores can cause respiratory issues if inhaled for too long.

When to Call a Professional

If you live in an area that experiences several freeze-thaw cycles, or you’ve noticed signs of cracking or flooding after a big freeze, the best thing you can do is contact foundation repair experts. They will be able to help you assess the severity of the problems and teach you other ways to fight back against foundation damage. Baird Foundation Repair would be happy to serve this role for you! Contact us today!