January 20, 2026
Winter in Columbus and the surrounding Central Ohio region can be tough on homes. When temperatures swing between freezing and thawing, your foundation and basement can take a real beating. If you have cracks, leaks, or poor drainage, the freeze-thaw cycle can turn small problems into big ones fast.
In this blog, we’ll break down what freeze-thaw cycles are, how they can damage your foundation and basement, and what you can do to prevent problems before they get expensive. If you’re worried about your foundation this winter, Everdry Waterproofing of Columbus can help.
What Are Freeze-Thaw Cycles?
A freeze-thaw cycle happens when temperatures rise above freezing during the day and drop below freezing at night. This back-and-forth is common in Ohio winters, especially during late fall and early spring.
Here’s why it matters for your foundation: Water seeps into cracks and pores in concrete and masonry. When temperatures drop, that water freezes and expands. When it warms back up, the ice melts and the water goes deeper into the cracks. Over time, this repeated expansion and contraction can widen cracks and weaken the structure of your foundation.
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How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Your Basement and Foundation
Freeze-thaw damage may start small, but it can grow fast. Here are some common issues homeowners see in Central Ohio:
- Cracked foundation walls: Even tiny cracks can grow bigger over time. Freeze-thaw cycles cause water to expand inside the cracks, making them wider and deeper.
- Bowing or bulging walls: If water builds up in the soil around your foundation and freezes, it can push against the wall. This pressure can cause walls to bow inward or bulge.
- Basement leaks and water damage: As cracks expand, water has an easier path into your basement. This can lead to wet walls, damp floors, musty odors, and mold growth.
- Spalling concrete: Spalling happens when the surface of concrete flakes off. This is often caused by freeze-thaw damage combined with poor drainage or surface water buildup.
- Increased mold risk: Even small leaks can create the right conditions for mold. Basements are already prone to moisture, and freeze-thaw damage can make the problem worse.
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How to Stop Freeze-Thaw Damage & Protect Your Home
The good news is that there are several effective steps you can take to protect your foundation this winter. Many of these solutions tie directly into Everdry Waterproofing of Columbus’s services.
1. Fix Foundation Cracks Before They Grow
Cracks in your foundation are not something to ignore, especially in winter. Everdry Columbus can assess and repair cracks before they turn into bigger problems.
2. Improve Drainage Around Your Home
Water pooling near your foundation is one of the biggest causes of freeze-thaw damage. Solutions like exterior waterproofing and proper drainage systems can keep water moving away from your foundation.
3. Install a Basement Waterproofing System
A basement waterproofing system can prevent water from getting into your basement in the first place. Everdry Waterproofing of Columbus offers interior waterproofing systems that manage water before it can damage walls or floors.
4. Add a Sump Pump
If your basement is prone to water, a sump pump can remove water quickly before it freezes and causes pressure against your foundation.
5. Check Your Gutters and Downspouts
Make sure gutters are clean and downspouts direct water away from your foundation. If water sits near your home, it can freeze and push against the foundation.
6. Consider Foundation Repair if Walls Are Bowing
If you notice bowing or bulging walls, it’s a sign of serious pressure from water and freezing soil. We offer foundation repair solutions that stabilize walls and prevent further damage.
Stop Freeze-Thaw Damage Before It Starts
Freeze-thaw cycles can cause foundation cracks, bowing walls, basement leaks, and mold growth in homes across Columbus and Central Ohio. The best way to protect your home is to address water issues early by improving drainage, repairing cracks, and installing a waterproofing system or sump pump.
Don’t wait for small cracks to turn into big problems. If you want peace of mind this winter, contact Everdry Waterproofing of Columbus for a basement and foundation inspection.
