Why Your Foundation Cracks Play Hide and Seek: The Seasonal Dance of Foundation Movement
If you’ve ever noticed that certain cracks in your home seem to appear and disappear like magic throughout the year, you’re not imagining things. Settlement can cause cracks in walls and brickwork to open and close throughout the year, creating a puzzling phenomenon that leaves many homeowners wondering if their foundation is playing tricks on them.
This seasonal foundation movement is far more common than most people realize, and understanding why it happens can help you determine when to worry and when to simply monitor the situation.
The Science Behind Seasonal Foundation Movement
The movement is primarily caused by the moisture content (or lack thereof) in the soil. Seasonal weather cycles cause soil expansion, contraction, and erosion, impacting foundation stability. The ground beneath your home is constantly responding to environmental changes, creating a dynamic relationship between your foundation and the earth that supports it.
Clay soils are especially vulnerable to moisture-driven expansion and shrinkage. Further settlement occurs during rainy and dry seasons where our clay soil expands when wet and contracts when dry again. This creates a predictable cycle where your foundation experiences different pressures throughout the year.
Winter’s Freeze-Thaw Challenge
Winter brings its own set of challenges through freeze-thaw cycles. As water freezes, it expands, pushing against your foundation. When it thaws, the soil contracts, potentially leaving gaps. Over time, repeated freeze-thaw cycles can cause your foundation to shift, leading to more severe structural problems.
Freeze-thaw cycles occur when water in the soil freezes and expands during freezing temperatures, then thaws and contracts as temperatures rise above freezing. These cycles can repeat throughout winter and spring, causing soil to shift and pressure foundations.
Summer Heat and Soil Shrinkage
Summer presents different challenges as when the temperature is high, the soil around your home loses moisture and shrinks. This shrinkage creates gaps or voids in the ground, causing the foundation to settle unevenly and form cracks. In Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina, high heat dries clay and other expansive soils. You may experience soil shrinkage, foundation soil gaps opening, and the soil beneath your home moving, which leads to uneven settling.
Recognizing Seasonal vs. Serious Issues
Not all foundation movement indicates a serious problem. You end up seeing some signs of foundation settlement during a certain time of year and then it improves as the moisture content of the soil changes. When someone calls something “seasonal settlement” it’s not a particularly severe or bothersome issue.
However, you should be concerned when you notice:
- New or widening cracks in basement walls, exterior bricks, or interior drywall
- As the foundation settles or shifts, frames become distorted. You may notice doors or windows that no longer open or close properly
- When soil beneath the foundation shifts, it can cause portions of the home to sink unevenly, resulting in sloping floors
- You should be worried about your foundation settling if you notice cracks wider than 1/8 inch. More specifically, horizontal, diagonal, or stair-step cracks indicate different types of concerning foundation movement
When to Call for Professional Help
For Long Island homeowners experiencing persistent foundation issues, professional Foundation Crack Repair Nassau County, NY services can provide lasting solutions. For over 25 years, Diamond Masonry & Waterproofing has been the trusted name for masonry and waterproofing services. Anything from wet basements and foundation cracks to water damage, we’ve helped homeowners protect their homes with reliable solutions that last.
We are a family-owned business, and we operate efficiently without a lot of overhead like many of the larger companies servicing the Long Island market. This enables us to deliver more affordable solutions to our customers.
Prevention and Maintenance
Preventing seasonal foundation damage requires proactive maintenance:
- Preventing seasonal foundation damage involves a combination of various preventive methods, such as drainage and gutter system installation
- Proper drainage systems like gutters, French drains, and downspouts ensure water flows away from the foundation. Ensure gutters are cleaned and maintained and extend downspouts at least 10 feet away from the home
- Controlled watering helps maintain stable soil moisture, reducing extreme contraction during dry periods
- Schedule annual foundation inspections, especially before and after winter. This allows you to catch potential issues early before they become major problems and address any vulnerabilities before the freeze-thaw cycle begins
The Bottom Line
Seasonal foundation movement is a natural phenomenon that affects most homes to some degree. Some occasional seasonal settlement should not carry a big worry factor for you. It’s kinda normal and typically if your home experiences some seasonal settlement it will rebound (i.e. get better) and go back to normal.
However, when seasonal changes become more than minor inconveniences—when cracks widen significantly, doors won’t close, or floors become noticeably uneven—it’s time to consult with foundation professionals. At Diamond Masonry & Waterproofing, we’ve got the expertise to keep your foundation safe with the care, precision, and quality your home deserves.
Understanding your foundation’s seasonal behavior helps you make informed decisions about when to monitor and when to act, ensuring your home remains safe and stable year-round.