- By B-Level
- In Foundation Repair
After the Drought: How Cold Weather Threatens Your Home’s Foundation
Published by B-Level Foundation Experts
Trusted Foundation Repair in Columbus, Ohio for 27+ Years
What Happens Beneath Your Home After Dry Weather Ends
Columbus has recently experienced an unusually dry season, with August 2025 being one of the driest on record. As we transition into colder months, many homeowners assume the risk of foundation issues fades with summer heat—but that’s not the case.
In fact, cold weather following a drought can trigger serious structural problems—especially for homes already affected by shifting soil during dry periods.
The Dangerous Combo: Dry Soil Meets Freezing Temps
When drought dries out the ground, the soil around your home shrinks and pulls away from the foundation, creating air pockets and instability.
As temperatures drop and precipitation returns (rain, snow, or melting ice), that dry soil:
- Rapidly reabsorbs moisture
- Swells back up
- Freezes when temps fall below 32°F
This process creates intense, uneven pressure on your foundation—a condition known as frost heave.
What Is Frost Heave?
Frost heave happens when moisture in the soil freezes and expands, pushing upwards on anything above it—including your foundation. This movement can lead to:
- Slab or footing displacement
- New cracks in walls or floors
- Basement leaks
- Doors and windows sticking or misaligning
If your home already shifted during the drought, it’s now extra vulnerable to frost-related movement.
Cold Weather + Cracks = Bigger Problems
Cold weather also makes existing foundation cracks worse:
- Water seeps into small cracks and freezes
- Ice expands, forcing the cracks wider
- Repeated freeze-thaw cycles create structural separation
That’s why fall and early winter are ideal times to inspect and repair foundation damage, before deep freezes set in.
What You Can Do Right Now
- Inspect Your Foundation and Basement Walls
Look for cracks, gaps, or uneven flooring. - Check Exterior Drainage
Make sure gutters and grading direct water away from the home—pooled water can freeze and worsen frost heave. - Schedule a Free B-Level Inspection
Our trained experts can spot early warning signs and recommend proactive repairs to prevent winter damage.
Why Columbus Homes Are Especially At Risk
Central Ohio is known for clay-heavy soil that expands and contracts dramatically with moisture changes. After a historic drought in 2024 and abnormal dryness in 2025, the ground is primed for movement this winter.
That means even newer homes can experience foundation stress if conditions align.
Get Peace of Mind Before Winter Hits
At B-Level, we’ve helped thousands of homeowners in Columbus protect their homes from both drought and cold-weather foundation damage. Our local expertise means we know exactly how Ohio soil behaves—season after season.
Schedule your free inspection today
Call us at (614.362.4018)