Winter is Coming! Season-by-Season Tips to Keep Your DFW Foundation Strong

While Hugo Drax liked comparing James Bond’s reappearances to that of an unloved season, at iFix, we firmly believe that every season brings something to look forward to. Whether it's the vibrancy of a million colors that would put any 4K HDR screen to shame, the new blooms and longer days of spring, the summer sunshine with cookouts and pools, the cool breezes and cozy afternoons of fall, or the warm drinks, holidays, and time with loved ones in winter, each season has its charm.

But just as seasons come and go, they also bring changing pressures to the structure beneath our homes. You know the drill: soil expands, contracts, dries, and oversaturates. Each shift can affect your foundation in different ways. However, glad tidings we bring! With every season comes a new set of simple prevention steps to keep your foundation strong. We will show you how to anticipate what’s ahead, so you can keep protecting and maintaining your home all year round. One season at a time.

Understanding Winter's Impact on Foundations

First, let’s look back at how winter affects DFW foundations:

1. Shifting Moisture Levels: With snow, lower rainfall, and cool, dry air, the ground dries out. Clay soils shrink and pull back from the foundation, creating gaps. This can cause uneven settling and lead to cracks.

   
   

2. Dormant Landscaping: Trees and shrubs, kind of like bears, go dormant. As they do so, they change how much moisture their roots pull from the soil. This can lead to subtle but uneven moisture patterns beneath your slab, contributing to shifting.

   
   

3. Temperature Swings: Winters bounce between warm and cold. These temperature changes can stress concrete and worsen cracks that were already developing.

   
   

4. Indoor Humidity Changes: Running heaters leads to drier indoor air. Low humidity can cause wood framing to shift and doors to bind, sometimes mimicking foundation issues.

   
   

Winter Foundation Warning Signs

If you notice any of the following during winter, your foundation may already be reacting to soil movement:

• Cracks in walls or ceilings (especially near doors/windows)

• New or widening cracks in the slab or exterior brick

• Doors or windows sticking or refusing to latch

• Uneven or sloping floors

• Gaps appearing between walls and ceilings or floors

• Trim or baseboards separating

• Cracks around the fireplace

  
  

Some of these signs may appear slowly. The key is to notice changes over time. Winter is a great season for careful inspection because soil movement tends to be more predictable.

Protecting Your Foundation in Winter

Now, what can you actually do to protect your foundation during winter?

1. Maintain Consistent Moisture Levels:

2. Even in winter, soil needs some moisture. If it becomes too dry, it may pull away from the foundation. Water your foundation every 2–4 weeks during dry spells. Focus on slow, deep watering. You can actually read more on how to achieve this in our blog under ‘soaker hoses’.

4. Watch for separation between soil and slab, which is a sign of dryness.




5. Inspect for Cracks:

6. Look for drywall cracks.

7. Check for exterior brick separation.

8. Inspect slab cracks in driveways/garages.

10. Small cracks aren’t always a concern, but widening cracks are a sign of movement.




11. Clean and Inspect Gutters and Downspouts:

12. Remove leaves.

13. Check alignment.

15. Ensure downspouts direct water at least 4–6 feet away.

Remember, poor drainage is one of the biggest contributors to foundation trouble.

1. Keep Proper Grading:

3. Soil should slope away from the house so water doesn’t pool near the foundation. This is known as positive grading. If you notice dips where water gathers, fill them before spring rains arrive.




4. Remove Leaves and Debris Near Foundation:

6. Decaying piles trap moisture and attract pests that can damage landscaping or home components.




7. Check Indoor Humidity:

8. Aim for 35–50% indoor humidity. Remember that:

9. Low humidity can lead to wood shrinking, causing cosmetic changes.

11. High humidity can lead to moisture problems in winter closets and corners.

While neither one directly damages the slab, both affect interior signs that help identify true foundation movement.

1. Evaluate Trees and Shrubs:

2. Trim aggressively back from the foundation.

3. Keep major trees 20+ feet away when planting.

4. Monitor root growth if large trees are nearby.

6. Even dormant roots can continue affecting soil moisture.




7. Address Plumbing Leaks:

9. A leak under the slab can saturate soil and create uneven pressure.

Warning signs include:

• Sudden spikes in water bills.

• Hot/cold floor spots.

• Reduced water pressure.

• A leak on clay soil can result in foundation movement quite fast.

  
  

The Importance of Seasonal Inspections

Did you know that winter is a good time to inspect for issues, schedule repairs, and prepare for spring rain and summer heat? This is because soil movement is slower and more stable. This translates to more easily assessing structural conditions, not to mention better scheduling availability. Plus, it gives you time to prepare before seasonal extremes.

Remember, prevention saves money. Foundation repair is often much more affordable when caught early. A homeowner who maintains proper drainage, controls soil moisture, and conducts seasonal inspections can avoid major structural corrections, interior remodeling, and plumbing damage. Being proactive is always the best course of action.

And you don’t have to do it alone. Besides all the prevention services we offer, on this blog we share as much knowledge as we can so you can have the power to act and prevent as much as you possibly can.

Remember, DFW winters may seem mild, but they create real risks for foundations, especially when paired with our famous expansive clay soils. A little seasonal maintenance can help keep your foundation stable and protect your home long-term.

And if you’re unsure about what you’re seeing or want a professional winter inspection, iFix Foundation Repair is the most reliable choice in the DFW Metroplex. Their experienced specialists understand local soil behavior and can help you protect your home now — before seasonal shifts cause bigger problems later.