How to Prevent Winter Foundation Damage

Winter can be a joyous time, full of cozy fires, festive gatherings and beautiful snowfalls. On the other hand, winter weather can put various aspects of your home at risk of damage — including your foundation. As the temperature decreases and the ground freezes, your home's foundation becomes susceptible to several issues that, if ignored, could result in expensive repairs and lasting structural problems.

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How Foundation Damage Happens in Winter

During the winter season, your home’s foundation is vulnerable to damage from the cold weather, moisture and soil conditions. Here's how these elements can affect your foundation:

Frost Heave

When the water in the soil under your foundation freezes, it expands and pushes against the foundation, leading to cracks and movement. When the ice thaws, the soil contracts, potentially causing uneven settling of your foundation and structural problems.

Frozen Pipes

When water freezes in pipes, it expands and can cause them to burst. This can result in water leaking into the foundation, weakening it and causing cracks or even flooding in your basement.

Melted Snow

As snow melts around your home, the melted snow saturates the soil around your foundation, leading to oversaturation. This excess moisture can cause soil movement that may result in cracks or bowing of foundational walls.

How to Prevent Winter Foundation Damage

Inspect the Foundation

Begin by thoroughly inspecting your foundation for any existing cracks, openings or signs of deterioration that may worsen in low temperatures. Winter weather can worsen cracks and other damage because of the freeze-thaw cycle. When water enters a crack or opening and freezes, it expands and causes the damaged area to widen and deepen. This process can lead to significant structural issues over time. Pay special attention to the corners of your foundation, as they are particularly susceptible areas.

While you can typically seal cracks under 1/4 inch wide yourself (see more below), cracks larger than that may indicate more significant structural issues, and it's advisable to seek guidance from a professional. A foundation specialist can evaluate the extent of the damage and suggest necessary repairs before winter sets in.

Seal Foundation Cracks

While larger cracks require professional intervention, you can often seal cracks under ¼ inch wide yourself to prevent water infiltration. Sealing the cracks also helps keep cold air out of your basement or crawl space, which can worsen freezing conditions indoors. Use a high-quality polyurethane or silicone-based caulk that is flexible, durable and can withstand the expansion and contraction of freeze-thaw cycles.

To add an extra layer of protection, consider applying a waterproof sealant to your foundation, if possible. This added barrier can aid in keeping moisture at bay and lowering the risk of frost heave.

Inspect Insulation

To prevent pipes from freezing, make sure all exposed pipes in your house are properly insulated. Utilize foam pipe insulation or heating tape on pipes located in unheated spaces like basements, crawl spaces or garages. This will help prevent water inside the pipes from freezing, bursting and causing damage.

Adding insulation to your basement and crawl spaces can also deter cold air from seeping into these areas and impacting your foundation. To avoid ice dams, which can cause water buildup along your roof's edges and potentially damage your home's foundation, ensure that your attic has adequate insulation and ventilation to maintain a steady roof temperature.

Check Gutters and Downspouts

Make sure your gutters and downspouts are free of debris to prevent blockages and overflowing water. Also, consider extending your downspouts so that water is directed at least 10 feet away from your foundation to avoid pooling.

Check Soil Slope

The ground near your house should slope away from the foundation to prevent water accumulation and soil seepage. To determine if the ground around your home is properly sloped, use a level and tape measure to see if the ground slopes at least 6 inches away from the foundation over a span of 10 feet.

Additionally, you can observe the area after heavy rain to see if water flows away from the foundation or if it pools. If necessary, consider regrading the landscape to improve the slope or installing a drainage system like French drains.

Consider French Drains

Installing a French drain system can help divert excess water away from your foundation, especially during heavy snowmelt and on homes that don’t have adequately sloped soil. This system involves a trench filled with gravel or rocks and a perforated pipe that redirects water away from the house, which can be beneficial in areas with poor drainage.

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Plant Strategically

The plants around your home can either protect or harm your foundation during winter, depending on their placement and type. Well-positioned plants can help by absorbing excess moisture, reducing the risk of frost heave.

However, plants with large root systems placed too close to the foundation can cause soil displacement, potentially leading to cracks or exacerbating existing damage. For example, boxwood shrubs are a great choice for planting near foundations, since their shallow roots pose little risk to the structure. Hostas are also excellent, providing ground cover that stabilizes soil and manages moisture. Junipers, with their low-growing and drought-resistant nature, help absorb excess moisture without causing soil displacement. On the other hand, willow trees have aggressive root systems that can damage foundations, and silver maples are notorious for their expansive roots. Ivy, while visually appealing and a popular choice, can trap moisture and worsen foundation cracks over time.

Prepare Plumbing for Winter

Winterize your plumbing system by draining outdoor faucets and turning off water supply lines to outdoor fixtures. This step can help prevent pipes from freezing, bursting and causing water damage to your foundation.

Monitoring Indoor Humidity

Keeping indoor humidity levels well balanced is crucial for preventing moisture-related issues with your foundation. Using a dehumidifier in your basement or crawl space can help control excess moisture that might lead to mold growth and compromise your foundation's integrity.

Clear Snow

Regularly clear snow from around your home and foundation. Allowing snow accumulation near the foundation raises the risk of moisture seepage into the soil, potentially leading to frost heave.

Clear the area using a snow blower or shovel, making sure to relocate the snow to a spot where it won't melt and flow toward your foundation.