Why Foundation Cracks Appear After the Spring Thaw
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Winter creates the stress, and spring reveals it. Edmonton’s clay-rich soils hold water, and frost heave pushes soil upward and stresses foundations all winter. When snow melts, water pressure against the walls rises and pushes water through any crack. So spring is when many homeowners first notice cracks, sticking doors and a wet basement.
What happens in winter
Clay holds water. Edmonton has clay-rich soils. Clay soaks up water and holds it against your foundation.
Frost heave. When that wet soil freezes, it expands and pushes upward and against the foundation. Freeze-thaw cycles repeat that stress through the winter.
What happens in spring
The thaw. As the ground thaws, the stress that built up shows itself: new or wider cracks, doors that stick, floors that feel different.
Snowmelt. Melting snow and spring rain raise water pressure against basement walls and push water through cracks. A crack that was dry all winter can start leaking in April.
What to do when you find one
- Photograph it with a tape measure beside it, and mark the ends with the date.
- Note any water, and when it appears.
- Check doors and windows nearby for sticking.
- Look outside at grading and downspouts. Water pooling against the wall makes it worse.
- Read the crack. See is my foundation crack serious?
- Send us a photo for a free assessment.
Fix it before next spring
Leaks that show up in spring usually come back every spring. A leaking crack can be sealed from inside with crack injection. Horizontal cracks need assessment for reinforcement.
Insurance
The City of Edmonton says insurance generally doesn’t cover damage from infiltration through cracks. See does insurance cover foundation cracks?