Seasonal Effects on Home Foundations in Michigan: Why Spring Thaw and Freeze Cycles Require Special Attention

If you own a property in Michigan, you’re probably used to the significant weather changes that our state experiences. The cycle of winter’s ice and snow giving way to spring’s thaw is predictable but potentially harmful. If not immediately addressed, this freeze-thaw cycle can damage home foundations resulting in significant repair needs.

If you’re a homeowner in Michigan, you’re likely no stranger to the various weather changes that occur occasionally. Winter’s significant ice and snow give way to spring’s thaw, which can cause considerable problems for your home’s foundation. If these problems aren’t addressed properly, you can find yourself with substantial foundation repair bills. If you have foundation problems, don’t hesitate to contact a company like Tom’s Basement Waterproofing for a free foundation repair quote.

How the Type of Soil You Have Can Affect Your Foundation

Most soil in Michigan is rich in clay which is quick to expand when wet and compress when dry. This shift can cause the ground underneath your home to move and, in turn, cause additional stress on your foundation.

How to Recognize Foundation Damage Around Your Home

When soil shifts underneath your home, it can cause all sorts of damage to your home’s foundation, including sticking doors, foundation cracks, and even bowing walls.

If you’ve started to see things like sloping floors, wall cracks, improperly closing doors, and other signs of foundation shifting, you likely have a problem. You’ll often notice many of these problems during the change of seasons due to the change in soil composition.

It’s also important to pay special attention to the area around your home’s foundation after significant rain or snowfall. If you see water pooling around your home, then this likely means that your foundation is not properly draining, which can also lead to further damage.

Best Foundation Repair & Preparation Techniques

As is the case with most home repairs, prevention is essential. Below are a few tips to help avoid common foundation issues:

• Keep Gutters Clear – If possible, keep your gutters clear from any debris. Clogged drains can cause water to overflow and pool at your foundation. Eventually, this moisture can pass through your foundation, causing significant damage. Keeping your gutters clean is an inexpensive way to prevent costly home repairs.
• Check Grading Around Your Home – Along with gutters, looking at the dirt around your home’s foundation periodically during a hard rain is essential. The water must drain properly away from your home’s foundation. Similar to overflowing gutters, improper grading can also cause foundation damage.
• Contact a Professional If You Notice Foundation Problems – If you notice any signs of foundation damage, it’s best to call a foundation repair expert as soon as possible. Waiting will often only worsen the problem, so it’s always best to reach out at the first signs of trouble.

Contact the Professionals at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing for Foundation Repair Help

If you’re convinced you need foundation repair, reaching out to a team with extensive experience throughout Michigan is critical. At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we have been helping homeowners across Michigan repair their foundations for over 40 years. This experience helps to ensure your foundation issues are handled quickly and adequately. In addition, we offer a lifetime warranty on our foundation repairs.

Don’t let Michigan’s ever-changing weather cycles ruin your home’s foundation. Instead, contact Tom’s Basement Waterproofing team today at (586) 949-7826 for a free foundation repair consultation.