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Snowball fights, snow angels, snowmen and hot chocolate is a part of the romantic, intimate side of winter. These are the moments that get talked about and posted on Facebook. The dark side of winter is getting into a cold car in the morning, shoveling the driveway (again) and constantly blowing your nose. And then there is the nightmare situation when you spot the telltale signs of foundation problems that can be caused by freezing temperatures.

Preventing moisture damage and foundation problems in winter
Shoveling snow from your foundation could prevent foundation and structural damage and moisture issues.

Shovel snow away from your foundation

Cracks in your foundation is never a good sign. But combining that crack with snow and ice, a tiny crack can become a big problem for homeowners. When snow builds up around your foundation, and the ground freezes solid, a tremendous amount of pressure is applied. Cracks in your foundation wall will begin to build up with moisture, and the more that moisture melts and freezes inside the cracks, the bigger it gets.

When water freezes, it expands. It expands inside cracks, but the pressure that frozen ground will put on your foundation can cause new cracks to form. These horizontal cracks caused by soil expansion due to excess moisture will grow rapidly, often resulting in structural repairs.

Tips to preventing winter moisture damage to your Colorado home
Call a professional contractor at the first signs of foundation damage or moisture issues.

Frozen ground can put pressure on your foundation

The frost will cause your cracks to grow, but once that ice and snow melts, all of that moisture will find it’s way into each crack causing further damage to you home. If there’s a will, there’s a way. And water will find a way into your home. It can be through a leaky window or a crack in the foundation wall.

A little extra snow shoveling can help prevent foundation damage and a whole slew of other problems. And since you shoveled extra snow, you don’t have to feel guilty about adding whipped cream and marshmallows to your hot chocolate once you get back inside.