Freezing weather may be taking a toll on your foundation. Concrete poured foundations and block wall foundations are affected by freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete expands as it freezes and contracts as it thaws. Same goes for the ground around the foundation changing the pressure in the soil. As the concrete expands and contracts it tends to crack. This is why expansion joints and control joint were created. Control joints give the concrete a place to crack and expansion joints give the concrete some space to expand.
Even though concrete is still one of the strongest and most versatile building materials it is still not perfect. The weather can also impact concrete during the construction process. Pouring concrete in extreme weather can affect how it cures and therefore the concrete’s overall strength in the end. Concrete is made with water. So, if concrete is poured in freezing weather that water in the mix can freeze. If it freezes it produces pressure in the pours of the concrete and can ultimately cause cracking, spilling, and the cured concrete to crumb off. The Portland Cement Association has developed deicers and recommends techniques for pouring concrete in cold temperatures but it is still not the best practice.
Masonry walls are not immune to the negative affects cold weather has on a poured foundation. Even though they don’t have to cure out in the elements they still expand and contract with freeze-thaw cycles. Cinder blocks are porous by nature and if they get wet and stay wet for too long freeze-thaw damage can occur. This issue is more common in retrofits and basement remodels. Commonly modern energy efficient remodels typically add interior insulation causing the exterior masonry to stay colder and wetter. The water staying in the block wall can cause potentially more freeze-thaw damage. For more information see the Portland Cement Association research on cold weather concrete. Also take a look at how StablWall products can help prevent and treat damage to walls and more here!
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