The Freeze-Thaw Cycle and Your Home Foundation
The cold temperatures of winter are here, and with it, a whole different set of challenges for the average homeowner. The freeze-thaw cycle happens as temperatures fluctuate between above-freezing and below-freezing. The soil around your foundation contains water, and as that water freezes, it expands, and then melts, and then freezes again, expanding further. If water is seeping into your foundation, this can lead to your foundation cracking and settling. Don’t worry, Summit Waterproofing Solutions can help. We offer foundation crack repair services in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, and Fredericksburg, as well as proper exterior drainage services to keep water away from your home. Contact our team to get started today with a FREE estimate at 703-291-1516!
What is the Freeze-Thaw Cycle?
The freeze-thaw cycle starts when temperatures get below freezing. The soil around your home contains water, and as that water freezes due to the cold, it expands, putting pressure on home foundations which can cause cracks to form. The temperatures get above freezing again, the water melts and infiltrates the cracks, and then when the temperatures go below freezing, the water in those cracks expands, widening the cracks and continuing the cycle. The freeze-thaw cycle is especially dangerous in areas like Virginia, due to our heavy clay soils. You might notice that the dirt in your yard is a heavy red clay, and unfortunately, clay soil can hold more water and expand and contract more, which can make the freeze-thaw cycle even worse.
How Does the Freeze-Thaw Cycle Affect My Foundation?
As the freeze-thaw cycle creates and expands cracks in your foundation, it can begin letting water into your crawl space or basement. The cracks caused by the freeze-thaw cycle will also weaken the overall structure, and the soil expanding and contracting can lead to the foundation cracking and settling. You might experience this as uneven floors, or doors that can’t close properly. The pressure formed from the soil expanding and contracting can make your foundation walls bend inward, which can let more water in and even lead to structural failure.
Effects of Foundation Cracks and Leaks
When the foundation is cracking and settling, letting water into the basement or crawl space, it can create several negative effects on the home. Water seeping into the home can lead to water damage, including the growth of mold and mildew, which can have a negative effect on your family’s health, as mold spores can cause allergy symptoms. Moisture accumulating in the basement or crawl space can also create an environment conducive for pests like rodents, cockroaches, silverfish, and even termites. An infestation of wood-destroying termites can ruin your home’s property value, making it difficult to sell or refinance. If your home’s foundation is cracking or settling due to water infiltration, this can also have a negative effect on your property value.
How To Prevent Foundation Cracks
The best way to prevent foundation cracks as a result of the freeze-thaw cycle is to make sure you have proper exterior drainage. Make sure all gutters and downspouts are functioning optimally, keeping debris out of the gutters with a gutter guard. A drainage system like a sump pump can help keep water away from the foundation, as well as an exterior drainage system. Additionally, having your basement waterproofed or your crawl space encapsulated and outfitted with a vapor barrier can prevent water infiltration in your home.
Foundation Repairs and Exterior Drainage in Northern VA
Summit Waterproofing Solutions offers several different services and solutions to prevent extensive damage as a result of the freeze-thaw cycle in Virginia. We offer foundation waterproofing, as well as exterior drainage services, basement waterproofing, and sump pump installation. We can stabilize your foundation with wall anchors, braces, and other similar techniques. Summit can install a steel post to offer crawl space joist support, and we also offer comprehensive crawl space encapsulation services to keep moisture from accumulating. If you are worried that your home isn’t prepared for the freeze-thaw cycle this winter, then contact Summit Waterproofing Solutions today for a FREE estimate!
