How a Winter Wonderland Can Ruin Your Concrete
The winter season can bring with it a host of problems–colds, closures, and, yes, foundation damage. The snow, however, isn’t always the issue in and of itself. When the weather gets a little warmer is when problems become clear. The freezing and thawing of ice and fallen snow will take advantage of the cracks in your foundation and can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation.
Water Damage
No matter how well poured and maintained, almost every foundation will crack, caused by dry soil and temperature changes. Water from melted snow and ice can seep into these cracks, damaging the home’s crawl space or basement. On top of that, the water that leaks into the foundation can build up, causing more water damage.
Freezing and Thawing
Once that water gathers in your foundation, it is also susceptible to freezing again. The ice that forms expands and puts pressure on the concrete. This can lead to the foundation shifting or even cracking as the ice expands. However, the temperature doesn’t have to be below freezing to cause damage. Even if the temperature falls under 40 degrees for consecutive days, the likelihood of damage is heightened. The damage builds on itself, forming additional, smaller cracks as the ice swells and pressure builds. Once the temperature rises and the ice thaws, the water can move into these new cracks. Then, the temperature will drop again, repeating the process.
Take Care of Your Concrete
A heavy layer of snow on your home may seem like a cause for concern. However, this doesn’t have to always be the case. Being aware of how fluctuating temperatures can affect your home’s foundation can help you address problems quickly. Want to have an expert take a look? WTX Foundation Repair offers free consultations and a 100% lifetime warranty. If you are wary of the condition of your foundation, give us a call.