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Can Weather Affect My Foundation in Canton, OH?

Weather conditions in Canton, OH can have a significant impact on the durability of a home's foundation. Canton experiences a diverse array of harsh weather throughout the year, including hot summers, cold winters, and frequent precipitation. All of these factors can contribute to foundation damage over time, which can be costly to repair. As a homeowner, it's important to know what kind of hazards to expect when it comes to protecting your foundation year-round. Read on to learn more about how bad weather may cause foundation problems in Canton, Ohio.

 

One of the main weather-related issues that can affect a home's foundation is water damage. Canton receives an average of 39 inches of precipitation each year, with the majority of that precipitation occurring in the form of rain. When rainwater accumulates around a home's foundation, it can seep into the ground and cause the soil to expand. Over time, this expansion and contraction can lead to foundation settlement. Bowing or buckling walls and cracks in the foundation are common symptoms of foundation settlement caused by hydrostatic pressure.

 

Another weather-related factor that can affect a home's foundation is frost heave. During the winter months, the Canton area experiences freezing temperatures that can cause the ground to freeze and thaw repeatedly. When the ground freezes, it can cause the soil to heave upward, which can put pressure on a home's foundation. This can cause cracks to form, which can lead to further damage over time.

 

Throughout the year, extreme temperature swings from season to season can also affect a home's foundation. Canton experiences hot summers and cold winters, with temperatures that can range from subzero to sweltering. These extreme temperatures can cause the soil around a home's foundation to expand and contract, which can put stress on the foundation. Over time, this stress can cause cracks to form, which can weaken the foundation and lead to further damage.

 

To mitigate the effects of weather on a home's foundation, there are a few key steps that homeowners can take. One important step is to ensure that the home's drainage system is working properly. This can include installing gutters and downspouts to direct rainwater away from the foundation, as well as ensuring that the soil around the foundation is properly graded to promote water drainage. Interior drainage, like a perimeter drain line in the basement, can also help prevent serious water intrusion.

 

Another important step is to address any cracks in the foundation as soon as they appear. Small cracks can be repaired relatively easily and inexpensively, but if left unchecked, they can lead to more significant damage over time. Homeowners should also ensure that their foundation is properly insulated, which can help to prevent frost heave during the winter months.

 

Weather conditions in Canton, Ohio can have a significant impact on the durability of a home's foundation. Water damage, frost heave, and extreme temperatures can all contribute to foundation damage over time, which can be costly to repair. Homeowners can take steps to mitigate the effects of weather on their foundation, such as ensuring proper drainage and insulation, addressing cracks in the foundation, and having their foundation inspected regularly by a professional. Whether your foundation is at risk from the extreme cold of winter or hot, humid summer air, give the experts at The Basement Guys® a call today to schedule a free in-home estimate for all of your foundation repair needs.