As temperatures rise and fall, your home is constantly affected by changing weather conditions. The balance between heat, cold, moisture, soil, and seasonal patterns impacts the ground beneath your home—and that can shift your foundation over time.
In his book, 'Foundation Repair Secrets: Learn How to Protect Yourself and Save Thousands,' Bob Brown, a seasoned Foundation Repair Specialist, helps property owners, contractors, and engineering professionals understand the connection between extreme weather and foundation stability.
From dry clay during hot months to the frozen ground of cold weather, moisture plays a big role in movement. "Heat and cold affect the moisture, and moisture is the catalyst for soil movement," shares Brown. "In warmer or dryer times, you may have clays drying up and shrinking in warm weather. In wetter, cold weather, you may have clays swelling or non-cohesive soils consolidating."
He adds, "Knowing the historical annual precipitation will help you understand performance given recent dry or wet conditions. In typically wet areas, like Houston or New Orleans, additional moisture is not going to do much; however, hotter dryer spells in these environments could have a large effect on inducing settlement."
"Similarly, in traditionally hotter, dryer climates, such as Phoenix, Western Washington, and Oregon, or California’s Inland Empire, additional moisture along with colder times could make a lot of difference in activating and adding additional moisture to dry clay soils inducing heave. Seasonal differences can make these soils yo-yo with downward and upward movement through the seasons."
How Water Affects Your Foundation
Water damage can lead to foundation cracks, movement, and other problems. When the drainage system around your home isn’t working well, excess water in the soil can build up around foundation walls. This often causes the soil to swell or shrink, putting pressure on the walls. Over time, this leads to shifting, and cracks and fractures.
Soil erosion is another issue. When water flows away from where it should be, it can wash away soil beneath or beside your home foundation, leaving weak spots.
A few chores and home improvements can help you reduce the risk:
- Use proper soil grading to prevent water pooling. Make sure the soil slopes away from the house.
- Install French drains in driveways and walkways to guide runoff.
- Keep an eye on gutters and downspouts so water flows away from your home.
- Inspect your irrigation system. If underground pipes are broken, they may be affecting yard drainage.
What to Watch For
Here are signs that may point to foundation settlement or other problems:
- Foundation cracks. Check both inside and outside. Look at the mortar and any stone or concrete slab surfaces that could warn of frost heave or water damage.
- Doors and windows that stick or won’t close right. This could mean shifting has already begun.
- Cracks in walls or drywall. You may also see them around windows or ceilings.
- Mold growth. You might see or smell mold caused by water seepage before you notice foundational damage.
- Sloping floors. Place a ball on the floor to see if it rolls. Try this in multiple rooms.
- Cracks in tile or carpeted floors. In basements, look for signs of unevenness across the entire foundation floor.
- Local history. Some neighborhoods have recurring issues. "For example, in some parts of Dallas or Houston it’s only a matter of time before every house has problems," warns Brown. "Some parts of Phoenix are problematic, and some parts are not. Knowing which are problematic can help you keep an eye out for problems."
FAQ
What’s the difference between water damage and water intrusion?
Water intrusion refers to any water that enters a home through unplanned paths like cracks or walls. Water damage is the result of that intrusion—rot, mold, or weakening structures.
Can a poor drainage system affect structural integrity?
Yes. Poor drainage can lead to moisture infiltration, soil expansion, and even foundational damage over time; I saw it firsthand during an on-site experience with Groundworks, a foundation repair company. Addressing the drainage system early can help avoid costly repairs later.
How does winter weather impact basement walls?
In colder months, the freeze-thaw cycles put extra pressure on basement walls. If water enters small cracks and freezes, it expands, making the cracks larger. Repeated cycles can lead to serious structural damage.
