Impact of Winter on Kansas City Foundations
- Eric Scheele
- Dec 7, 2017
- 2 min read
Your foundation plays an important role in the health of your home. It’s the base of your entire house, and any problems that occur there can have widespread consequences.
The seasonal temperature changes cause soil to contract and you also deal with occasional freezing as you move into the winter. These factors put your foundation’s integrity at risk.
The Impact of Winter
Kansas City can have variable winter seasons year to year, but the basic difference in temperatures is enough to cause the soil surrounding your home to shift. This movement can suffice to generate cracking in the foundation. If you already have a damaged foundation, these cracks could become worse as water flows into them.
Cracked Foundation Problems
Cracks in your foundation can range in size, from barely noticeable to big enough to trip over. Once a crack forms, your home no longer has a structurally sound base. After heavy rainfall, water may seep up through the foundation. Over time, this could cause water damage or mold in your home.
Since your house no longer has a stable platform to sit on, walls and ceilings may start to crack. Floors may lose their level, dipping down in some areas. Insects can travel through the soil and through the cracks, allowing many unwelcome visitors inside.
How to Prevent Winter Foundation Damage
A foundation repair is an extensive process, so it’s important to avoid it if possible. One way prevent foundation damage during winter is to water the ground near your home. The soil expands when it’s wet, which reduces its movement and fills in cracks that may be present from the shifting. You can do this by hand using a garden hose, or install an irrigation system.
Before winter begins, look for cracks in your foundation. Reach out to a professional contractor to inspect the slab and determine whether you have an issue. You don’t want to wait until you see obvious signs of damage before you take action. Schedule repairs and preventative maintenance during the summer or fall, if possible.
About KC Pier - Foundation Repair Experts in Kansas City
KC Pier - Foundation Experts provide foundation repair and basement waterproofing in Kansas City and the surrounding metro area. KC Pier specializes in pier installation to correct foundation settlement, waterproofing leaking basements, straightening or stabilizing bowing walls and correcting poor drainage, foundation piers, wall piering and ibeam support solutions.
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