Frost Heave Foundation Damage: What New England Homeowners Need to Know (Part 2)

This article is part 2 of the Winter Foundation Readiness Series.

Welcome to NEFCR’s Winter Foundation Readiness Series — a 5-week guide designed to help New England homeowners understand, prepare for, and protect against the structural challenges winter brings. Each Wednesday in December, we’re diving into a new topic that affects foundations during the coldest months of the year. Follow along as we break down the causes, warning signs, and solutions that keep your home safe through winter.

Over the next month, we’ll cover:

 Part 1 — Winter Foundation Problems (December 3rd)

 Part 2 — Frost Heave Foundation Damage (December 10th)

 Part 3 — Winter Basement Waterproofing (December 17th)

 Part 4 — 2025 Foundation Repair Trends (December 24th)

 Part 5 — Winter Structural Forecast 2026 (December 31st)

Each post will link to the others so you can follow the full journey from awareness to prevention once published.

What Is Frost Heave?

Frost heave occurs when moisture in the soil freezes and expands. This expansion creates powerful upward and lateral pressure against your foundation, often leading to:

• shifting or leaning foundation walls

• cracking basement slabs

• bowing or bulging walls

• movement in lally columns and supports

• new or worsening cracks

Frost heave is particularly aggressive in New England because of our climate conditions.

Why New England Homes Are More Vulnerable

• soils with high moisture content

• frequent freeze–thaw cycles

• older homes with shallow footings

• aging foundations built before modern standards

These conditions amplify frost heave forces and increase foundation stress.

Warning Signs of Frost Heave Damage

Look for:

• sudden cracks that widen during December–February

• walls beginning to push inward

• uneven or shifting basement floors

• gaps forming around structural supports

• sticking doors or windows (a sign of movement)

If you see any of these, you’re likely dealing with early-stage frost heave.

Why Early Detection Matters

Frost heave worsens quickly once deep ground freezing begins. Repairs are always more manageable — and less expensive — when caught early.

Next in the Series

Continue reading: Part 3 — Winter Basement Waterproofing (Dec 17) Missed Part 1? Read: Winter Foundation Problems