Is Winter Damaging Your Foundation? Signs of Structural Shifting and Drainage Problems Homeowners Should Not Ignore
- cathy carone
- Feb 6
- 3 min read
Winter weather does more than make driveways slippery. Beneath the surface, freezing temperatures and snowmelt can cause the ground around your home to shift, expand, and settle in ways that put stress on foundations, masonry structures, and drainage systems.
Many homeowners in Hunterdon County and surrounding areas do not realize that foundation movement, footing failure, and drainage issues often begin during the coldest months of the year. The damage usually becomes noticeable as temperatures change and the ground thaws.
Understanding the warning signs early can help prevent larger and more expensive structural repairs.
Why Winter Causes Foundation and Masonry Problems
When temperatures drop, moisture in the soil freezes and expands. This process, often called frost heave, creates upward pressure beneath foundations, footings, sidewalks, retaining walls, and driveways. When the ground thaws, soil can settle unevenly, leaving structural components unsupported.
At the same time, melting snow introduces large amounts of water into the soil. Without proper grading and drainage, that water collects around foundations, increasing hydrostatic pressure and the risk of water intrusion or structural shifting.
These seasonal changes can affect:
• Foundation walls
• Footings for additions and structural supports
• Retaining walls
• Masonry steps and walkways
• Concrete sidewalks and driveways
• Older homes and barns without modern drainage systems
Signs Your Structure May Be Shifting
Small changes can signal larger structural issues.
Watch for:
• Cracks in foundation walls or masonry
• Pooling water near your home after snow melt
• Water intrusion in basements or crawlspaces
• Doors that suddenly stick or do not close properly
• Windows that are difficult to open or close
• Sidewalks that buckle or lift
• Driveways that sink, crack, or shift
• Retaining walls that lean, separate, or show movement
These symptoms often point to foundation settlement, footing movement, soil instability, or drainage failure.
Why Drainage and Grading Matter More Than You Think
Improper grading directs water toward your home instead of away from it. Over time, saturated soil weakens support under foundations and increases the likelihood of cracks and movement.
Corrective work such as excavation, regrading, drainage solutions, and masonry repair helps stabilize soil conditions and protect structural elements from future damage.
Older Structures and Barns Are Especially Vulnerable
Many homes and barns in this region were built before modern drainage practices and foundation reinforcement methods were standard. As a result, they are more susceptible to shifting caused by freeze and thaw cycles.
Interior structural movement, cracked masonry, and footing deterioration can often be addressed with specialized masonry repair and stabilization techniques.
Local Experience Matters
Properties in Hunterdon County face unique soil conditions and seasonal weather patterns that influence how foundations behave. Soil composition, drainage patterns, and freeze-thaw cycles can vary significantly from one property to another, making local knowledge an important part of diagnosing structural and masonry issues.
With decades of hands-on work in this region, Rob and his team have extensive experience with the soil conditions, grading challenges, and foundation movement common to this area. That familiarity helps them identify the underlying cause of issues and recommend practical, long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes.
Do Not Ignore the Warning Signs
Structural problems rarely fix themselves. Early evaluation of cracks, drainage concerns, or shifting surfaces can help prevent larger foundation repairs and long-term damage.
NOTE: Please be aware that every condition is specific to the cause. In some cases simple repair procedures can be put to use for mitigating problems. In other cases uninspected (often older) structures did not have components provided for longevity. I.E. reinforcement, subgrade drainage, proper sized materials, and comprehensive design planning.
If you have noticed changes around your foundation, retaining walls, walkways, or interior structure, it may be time to have your property evaluated.
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