Whether you pay attention to it or not, your home’s foundation is one of the most important parts of the structure. It keeps the floors level, reduces the risk of warping walls, and provides a solid base for the bulk of the house. However, it’s not invulnerable, and as the seasons change, the foundation is placed under stress, increasing the risk of issues that need emergency foundation repair. Here’s what you need to know about seasonal changes and how they impact your home.

Temperature Changes Can Lead to Foundation Repair

During sunny conditions in winter, snow on the ground will start to melt and soak into the soil. Once night falls, the temperatures drop further, causing the water inside the soil to refreeze. As the moisture goes deeper beneath the surface, the constant freeze and thaw put a strain on the foundation itself. The cement of the foundation contracts in the cold conditions of the frozen soil. Once the weather warms up a bit, the foundation expands, allowing cracks and damage to become more apparent.

During summer, intense heat can damage the concrete just as easily. During the heat of the summer, the moisture levels in the soil decrease. When this happens, the soil loses some of its volume and can settle underneath the foundation. This causes a loss of support for the cement and can lead to cracks throughout the foundation. When left unrepaired, the cracks can spread up the exterior of the home, threatening the supports and damaging the siding.

What You Can Do

Luckily, foundation damage is relatively easy to spot, even without looking at the cement itself. After extreme weather conditions, check the profile of your roof. If there’s damage, the roofline will start sagging. Additionally, as the foundation cracks and warps, doors and windows will become harder to open and close. If you suspect damage to your home’s foundation, schedule an inspection immediately. The sooner foundation repairs are taken care of, even in extreme weather conditions, the better off your home will be.

Don’t put off foundation repair until the damage is extensive. Contact The Dwyer Company. Their experienced staff has helped residents in Lexington and Louisville, KY, and West Chester, OH, keep their foundations in good condition since 1973. Whether you’ve noticed signs of damage or want a concrete repair expert to check things out after extreme weather, they’re ready to help. Learn more about their services online. To schedule a free concrete repair or basement waterproofing estimate, call their Lexington office at (859) 231-0998, their Louisville office at (502) 489-5438, and the West Chester branch at (513) 777-0998.