Frost heave is a condition that affects many foundation across the country every winter. Frost heave is based on the fact that when water freezes, it expands (9% by volume, in fact), exerting force in all directions. As the top layers freeze, groundwater is drawn up from the warmer soil to the frozen section of soil, adding to the overall force pressing against your foundation.
This stress on your foundation can cause hairline cracks to form from your basement floor up to the top of your foundation wall, or in the case of cinder block and stone walls, cracks to form within the mortar joints. More over, existing cracks can be expanded significantly during the period of pressure and, with the spring melt, subsequent release of pressure.
For this reason, it is important to address hairline cracks early, and have them repaired properly. Moreover, you may want to consider installing a waterproofing system that draws water away from your foundation, minimizing the amount of water that affects your foundation. Feel free to call us with questions and concerns.