Michigan homeowners and business owners know that once spring arrives, it brings new threats to their foundations. In early spring, the freeze-thaw cycle we commonly experience in Michigan can put extra stress on concrete, shift soils, and cause new cracks or expand existing cracks, potentially damaging your foundation. At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, our family-owned business has been providing basement waterproofing and foundation repair services since 1975 to keep your foundation structurally sound and your basement dry year-round. Let’s take a closer look at some of the challenges foundations face from spring thaw threats and some of the steps that you can take to prevent damage on your own, and with help from our licensed team of foundation repair experts.
Why Michigan Basements Are at an Increased Risk of Damage During the Spring Thaw
Michigan’s unique climate, soil composition, and repeated freezing and thawing cycles, which occur in the spring, put enormous stress on your foundation. The biggest risk factor for foundation damage we see in spring is the frequent shifts from below-freezing to above-freezing temperatures. These temperature fluctuations can occur several times a day in Michigan. When ice melts and refreezes around a foundation, water can enter small cracks in a foundation, and then expand when temperatures drop, causing minor cracks to expand and worsen. While the freeze-thaw cycle we see in early Michigan springs is the most significant cause of foundation damage, other factors also come into play. These can include:
- Clay soils are shifting and expanding around a foundation
- Rapid snowmelt oversaturates soil
- Soil erosion
Let’s take a closer look at some of the warning signs you should keep an eye out for in your foundation and how our team of licensed foundation repair providers can help you remedy minor foundation problems affordably before they become more expensive and difficult to repair.
Signs of Spring Thaw Damage in Foundations to Look out For in Michigan Foundations
When it comes to the challenging spring thaw-freeze cycle in Michigan, catching the early warning signs of damage to your foundation can save you both the headache and the financial burden of more expensive repairs. At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we are always looking for ways to save our customers’ money, which is why we have prepared this list of some of the early warning signs that the spring thaw-freeze cycle may be damaging your foundation. Early signs Michigan home and business owners should look out for in their foundation include:
- Expanding cracks in concrete
- Bowing or leaning basement walls
- Water intrusion and basement leaks
- Shifting or settling foundations
If you notice minor cracks in your foundation, seal them with polyurethane or epoxy filler to prevent water intrusion and damage. We also recommend inspecting your sump pump to ensure it is in proper working order in case water starts to make its way into your home. You can further prepare for spring by ensuring that your gutters are clean and have downspout extensions that direct water away from your foundation. If you notice significant foundation damage like larger expanding cracks, bowing walls, or active water intrusion, the team at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing is here to help with our effective and affordable foundation repair services.
Get Ready for Spring Thaw Threats in Michigan With Tom’s Basement Waterproofing
To have the peace of mind that your home or business’s foundation is ready for the Michigan spring thaw threats, Tom’s Basement Waterproofing is here to help. Our local, family-owned, and operated foundation repair provider is fully licensed and insured, bringing over five decades of foundation repair experience to every inspection and repair job. To have your foundation inspected or repaired before spring arrives, contact our team today at (586) 776-7270.
