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GJ MacRae Foundation Repair

Foundation Warning Signs To Monitor in Winter

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Written and Edited By Gavin MacRae

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One of the most—if not the most—affected parts of your home during the winter is its foundation. It is extremely important to monitor your home and foundation during the winter months—especially when it comes to these three warning signs: new foundation cracks (exterior and interior), basement moisture levels, and frozen water pipes. Keep reading to earn more about these three foundation warning signs!

1. New Exterior or Interior Foundation Cracks

The freezing ground that surrounds the majority of homes in the Greater Toronto Area during the winter months can potentially cause problems for any foundation. The most common type of foundation issues a homeowner will experience during the winter are commonly referred to as “cracks in the slab.”

As the ground continues to freeze, it will expand and apply pressure on the home’s foundation. Unfortunately, this unwelcome amount of pressure is likely to result in damage and cracks—especially for homes with older and aging foundations. If such damage is spotted, it’s important to contact a foundation specialist in order to determine the severity and what measures need to be taken to repair the issue.

2. Basement Moisture Levels

Just as the ground can cause problems for your home when it freezes, it can also cause issues when it begins to thaw. The increased moisture levels are problematic for the soil underneath the slab or basement of your home. An increased moisture level surrounding the base of your foundation can potentially cause it to shift. If your home’s foundation begins to shift or adjust, the shifting can create structural issues that will require a foundation specialist to resolve the issue.

3. Frozen Pipes

Having exposed or uninsulated pipes can be extremely dangerous, especially during the cold, winter months. When the temperature begins and continues to drop below zero, the water within the pipes will freeze immediately. As the warmer months approach, the ice within the pipes will melt and potentially cause the pipes to rupture—leaving water underneath your home. Any water below your home or near its foundation can prove to be troublesome as hydrostatic pressure will force any liquid through your foundation’s cracks and into your home. If you suspect you have a ruptured pipe, it is important to contact a foundation specialist to determine if that is the case and if so, to rectify the issue immediately in order to prevent any additional damage to your home.

When the winter weather in full effect, it is important to take preventative measures and monitor for the above warning signs to ensure you don’t experience a flooded or leaky basement. Review the three warning signs above to thoroughly examine your basement and foundation. If you suspect any damage to your home or foundation, contact our specialists to learn how we can keep your home secure and dry. For more information please visit our website, follow us on Facebook, or call us at 905-824-2557.

Gavin MacRae is a professional foundation repair and basement waterproofing expert with over 20 years of experience in the field. He has extensive knowledge about foundation issues such as settlement, and cracks as well as expertise in repair techniques. Gavin is also highly skilled in basement waterproofing using interior and exterior methods. He has worked with hundreds of homeowners to provide permanent solutions to foundation and basement problems.