If you’ve noticed a new or growing crack in your foundation wall, know you are not alone. Foundation cracks are quite common for Kingston-area homeowners, and many times, the reason isn’t poor construction or unbelievably bad luck.
It is the seasons.
From icy winters and wet springs, to dry summers and rainy falls, our region puts foundations to the test.
Fortunately, once you understand how seasonal changes impact your home’s structure, you can identify problems early and address problems before they get worse.
Why Kingston’s Climate Is Tough on Foundations
Seasonal transitions in Southeastern Ontario are anything but mild. Homeowners in the greater Kingston area experience shifts from cold, snowy winters, soggy springs, humid summers, and rain-soaked falls. That kind of variability puts stress on the soil surrounding your foundation and that stress puts pressure on your foundation walls.
On top of this, the area’s clay-heavy soil expands and contracts with changes in moisture levels, creating an environment where foundations can move or crack over time.
How Seasonal Changes Cause Foundation Cracks
Winter: Frost Heave and Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Winter can be one of the toughest seasons on foundations.
When moisture in the soil around the foundation freezes, it expands. This is known as frost heave.
The expanded soil pushes against the foundation walls with force. As temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing, the soil freezes and thaws repeatedly, expanding and contracting over and over again.
This freeze-thaw cycle is one of the most common causes of foundation cracks. The repeated pressure can weaken the concrete and create foundation cracks or cause existing hairline cracks to widen.
Spring: Saturated Soil and Hydrostatic Pressure
When snow and ice melt, in combination with heavy spring rains, the soil around your foundation can become saturated. This saturation causes hydrostatic pressure which is, essentially, the force of water pushing against the foundation from the outside.
If your home’s grading or drainage systems are not keeping pace, this pressure can force the water into the foundation through small cracks or vulnerable parts of the foundation.
Spring is often the time when homeowners first notice signs of water in the basement.
Summer: Soil Shrinkage and Drying
In the summer, as temperatures rise and rain is less frequent, the soil can dry out and shrink.
This shrinking can pull soil away from the foundation walls, reducing support and sometimes causing settling or shifting, especially around homes with clay-heavy soil.
Long dry spells, followed by sudden torrential rains, can lead to rapid expansion and contraction, further complicating things.
Fall: Preparing for the Cycle to Repeat
With fall comes increased rains and decreased temperatures, setting the stage for the freeze-thaw cycles of winter.
Any cracks that developed over the spring and summer, can get worse as the ground begins to freeze.
This means that fall is an important time to inspect your foundation and address any issues or concerns before winter arrives.
Signs of Seasonal Foundation Damage
Looking for foundation damage is something you can do all year round, especially after seasonal changes.
Here’s what to watch for:
- New cracks in foundation walls, or existing cracks that appear to have increased in numbers or grown wider or longer
- Stair-step cracks in masonry or block foundations
- Doors and windows that stick or don’t close properly
- Uneven or sloping floors
- Gaps between walls and the ceiling or floor
- Water stains, dampness, or efflorescence (white and chalky mineral deposits) on foundation walls
- Musty odours in the basement
Not all cracks are a major issue. Small, hairline cracks are common in poured concrete foundations. But cracks that are growing, horizontal, wider than a quarter-inch, or accompanied by water intrusion should be assessed and addressed by a foundation specialist.
What to Do If You Notice a Foundation Crack
- Monitor the crack: Note the size, location, and direction of the crack. Take photos over time, with a ruler for scale, to track any changes.
- Check for water intrusion: Look for signs of dampness, staining, or active leaks around the crack, especially following rain or significant snowmelt.
- Don’t rely on DIY patch kits on their own: Surface patches can temporarily hide a crack but they will not address the underlying cause meaning they are likely to reappear or worsen if not corrected at the source.
- Get a professional assessment: A qualified foundation repair company can identify if the crack is structural or cosmetic, determine the cause, and recommend the appropriate solution.
Protecting Your Foundation Through the Seasons
While it is impossible to control the weather or the change in seasons, there is still a lot you can do to minimize seasonal stress on your foundation:
- Maintain proper grading. Soil should slope away from your foundation, directing water away rather than letting it sit near the walls.
- Ensure gutters and downspouts are clear and extended away from the foundation, especially during spring and fall.
- Install or maintain drainage systems to manage hydrostatic pressure.
- Inspect your foundation twice a year, during spring and fall, to identify any new or worsening cracks.
- Address small cracks as soon as you can. A minor crack repaired right away is less costly than mould, a flooded basement, or structural issues that can grow through continued seasonal cycling.
Loyalist Waterproofing: Foundation Crack Repair Done Right
Foundation cracks caused by seasonal changes should not be ignored. But, there is no need to stress out about them.
Loyalist Waterproofing understands your concerns and brings their experience to keep your foundation safe and secure.
We have been repairing foundations and protecting basements in the Kingston area for over 20 years, bringing local knowledge to each job, ensuring we match the right solution to your specific conditions.
Every foundation crack we repair comes with a lifetime transferable warranty, no fine print, so you can have peace of mind no matter what seasonal shifts throw your way.
If you notice new or worsening foundation cracks, do not wait for the next season to make the call.
Contact us for an assessment or get your quote, today.