How winter affects the ground beneath your home 

Heavy, prolonged rainfall is typical during winter, and this can have a huge impact on soil. Soils become saturated, which can lead to widespread waterlogging and flood, especially in clay-rich areas. Clay soil consists of very fine particles that are packed closely together, so it absorbs and retains large amounts of water. That means the soil becomes softer and heavier, weakening the support of the foundations.

At the same time, freezing temperatures cause soils to expand. Water expands by 9% in volume when it freezes to become ice. While that doesn’t sound like much, it has a significant impact on ground conditions. As water saturates the soil, it expands as it freezes, causing the soil to swell upwards in a process called frost heave. This action can lift foundations, fences and roads.  

When ice thaws in the spring, the soil loses its structural strength, causing shrinkage.

Why spring reveals movement 

Temperatures rise during spring, and the ground dries out. Clay-rich soils are especially vulnerable as they swell during wet weather and shrink when dry. As the soil contracts, the foundations may move or settle unevenly, which is when cracks typically appear. It’s worth noting, however, that underlying movement may have started weeks or even months earlier. Cracks often appear: 

• In plaster

• Around windows and door frames

• At wall junctions

• Along ceilings or floors

Areas where different materials meet are often more prone to stress.

What are the issues around drainage and leaking pipes?  

Fallen leaves and debris can accumulate in gutters and harden in cold weather creating blockages, which means heavy rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, causing surface water flooding. This can soften the supporting soil. Drainpipes can also crack or burst if the water inside them freezes and expands.  

Small pipe leaks also affect the surrounding ground over time. As spring arrives, the ground begins to dry out unevenly. That means the area affected by excess water may behave differently to the surrounding soil, increasing the risk of cracking and ground movement.  

Normal seasonal movement vs structural concerns 

It’s important to remember that not all cracks are a cause for concern. Most homes experience normal seasonal movement thanks to thermal expansion and contraction. The appearance of hairline cracks in plaster or paint is often a result of seasonal temperature changes. These cracks are often a cosmetic issue and can be filled and painted over.  

Some cracks, however, require immediate attention. Cracks that grow wider and longer over time, appear in a stepped pattern in brickwork or reappear following repairs, can be indications of serious ground movement, especially if accompanied by bowing walls, sticking doors or windows, or sloping floors.

What homeowners should do: A checklist 

It’s natural to worry about the appearance of cracks in your home, but the key is not to panic. Monitoring cracks early will help you to determine what action you should take, if any. 

1. Take photos of any cracks that have suddenly appeared and make a note of their size and location

2. Check the cracks now and then to see if they're growing wider or longer

3. Make a note of any other changes e.g. damp patches around cracks, gaps appearing around frames or uneven floors

4. If cracks worsen, or you're unclear about what you're seeing, you should seek professional advice

Early intervention can provide you peace of mind. If there is a serious issue, getting it sorted sooner rather than later is often less disruptive and reduces unnecessary costs. Ground engineering specialists Mainmark, can assess your home and conduct a subsidence survey. If there is an underlying issue, they can recommend the best remedial solutions to improve the ground beneath your home.  

Take a proactive approach this spring 

Remember, seeing cracks after winter doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious structural problem; however, it’s a way for your home to tell you that it’s been under stress. Knowing how winter affects your property, the signs of normal seasonal changes and responding to serious concerns early, can help you protect your home.