Spring temperatures this season have varied drastically, with some days stretching above 70 degrees and others sinking low into the 20s. Fluctuating temperatures can be a nuisance, and even a costly one to your home. In this blog, we discuss the freeze-thaw cycle and it's impact on your home's foundation. 

What is the Freeze-Thaw Cycle?

The Freeze-Thaw cycle occurs when groundwater freezes and thaws repeatedly. When temperatures drop and groundwater freezes, it expands by as much as 9%. This expansion exerts a tremendous amount of pressure on your home's foundation, causing the foundation walls to crack, lean, or bow. 

When temperatures begin to rise and the groundwater thaws out, it can create gaps in the soil beneath your home's foundation, causing the foundation to settle unevenly. This can lead to cracks in the foundation and walls of the home.

Once there are cracks in your home's foundation, groundwater can begin to work its way in. As the freeze-thaw cycle begins again, it will cause the cracks to deepen over time and may eventually lead to groundwater leaks in your basement or crawl space.

How to Address Freeze-Thaw Foundation Problems

There are several approaches to address foundation problems caused by the freeze-thaw cycle. Mid-State Basement Systems offers expert repairs for bowing, leaning, and cracked foundation walls.  Depending on the extent of the damage, we may recommend the following repairs:

• > Downspout extension and gutter repair/replacement to direct rain water away from the home. This keeps less water in the soil and therefore less groundwater to freeze and thaw. 
• > Seal cracks with our FlexiSpan system: A patented polyurethane sealant that moves with the foundation to resist drying out or re-cracking. 
• > Foundation settlement repairs such as helical piers or SmartJacks to stabilize the foundation, prevent further movement, and even correct previous movement.
• > Structural wall repairs such as PowerBrace or GeoLock stabilizers to correct bowing, leaning foundation walls. 

If your home's foundation has any signs of settlement, cracks, leaks, or flooding, give Mid-State Basement Systems a call today for a free inspection and no-obligation quote of service!