Foundation Cracks and Winter: What Every Calgary Homeowner Should Know

We’re well into winter now, and Calgary has already gone through the usual weather rollercoaster; snow on the ground one week, melting the next, and temperatures swinging from +5°C to –15°C. This week is no different, with daytime highs jumping above freezing and overnight lows dropping back to –14°C or colder. Those constant shifts put a lot of stress on foundations, especially if there’s already a crack in the wall or floor.

When cracks are left through this kind of freeze–thaw cycle, small issues can turn into bigger problems fast. I see it every spring: cracks that looked dry or harmless in December become leaks or larger openings once the weather warms up again.

Here’s why winter is one of the worst times to ignore a foundation crack, and what can happen if it’s left until spring.

Understanding the Foundation Cracks Risk in Winter

Right now, snow and frozen ground mask what’s happening outside your foundation. You might not notice moisture or leaks because everything around the home is frozen solid. But once temperatures warm up, all that trapped water has to go somewhere, and it usually finds the path of least resistance into the basement.

This is why so many leaks show up with the first warm spell in February or the spring melt in March.

Winter Hides Moisture Problems Until Spring

Snow and frozen soil mask what’s happening around your foundation. You may not see water in the basement during winter, not because the crack is fine, but because everything outside is frozen.

Come spring melt, it’s a different story.

When snow melts:

• water pools around the exterior

• pressure increases against the wall

• cracks open up

• leaks appear seemingly “out of nowhere”

Many of the spring leaks I see started months earlier, they were just hidden under winter conditions.

Soil Shifting Is More Extreme in Winter

With temperatures bouncing between freeze and thaw, sometimes within a single day, Calgary’s clay soil is constantly expanding and contracting. If there’s already a crack in the wall or floor, those shifts can make it worse or cause new cracks nearby.

Delayed Repairs Often Cost More Later

Once a crack widens through repeated freeze–thaw cycles or from moisture expansion inside the wall, the repair becomes more involved. Winter accelerates that progression, especially during weeks like the ones we’ve just had.

How to Protect Your Home During Calgary’s Winter

A few simple steps now can prevent major issues later:

• Check basement walls and floors for new or widening cracks

• Look for old stains - even dried ones matter

• Keep snow from piling up against exterior walls

• Make sure downspouts push meltwater well away from the home

• Monitor cold spots or musty smells in the basement

If anything looks off, it’s worth getting a quick opinion.

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Unsure if a Crack Can Wait?

If you’ve spotted something that doesn’t seem right, you can book a quick call or fill out the form with what you’ve noticed.

I’ll let you know:

• if it’s fine to monitor,

• if it should be repaired before deeper cold sets in, or

• if it needs a closer look in person.

  
  

No pressure - just a clear, honest answer so you’re not guessing all winter.

Curious about how I work and what kinds of repairs I do? You can read more about my approach and values here.