How to repair freeze-thaw damage to foundations and driveways?
Northern winters cause soil heaving, concrete cracking, and salt damage. Small cracks caught in spring cost $10-$100 to fix. Left another season, the same cracks lead to $5,000-$30,000 structural repairs.
- Hire a foundation specialist for structural crack assessment4
When cracks are wider than 1/4 inch, horizontal, stair-stepping, or actively growing, DIY sealant is not sufficient. A foundation specialist determines whether the damage is cosmetic or structural and recommends the appropriate repair.
📌 professional service2/28/2026, 2:51:04 PM
🛠️ None
- Remediate salt damage to concrete, soil, and landscaping4
Road salt and deicing chemicals cause concrete spalling, kill grass within 4-6 feet of treated surfaces, and corrode metal fixtures. March-April is the time to flush salt residue before it causes permanent damage.
📌 diy📌 low cost2/28/2026, 2:50:55 PM
🛠️ Garden hose, gypsum, grass seed, concrete sealer
- Seal and fill driveway cracks before they spread4
Water enters cracks, freezes, expands, and widens the damage every winter. A $20 DIY crack-fill session in April prevents $3,000-$10,000 in section replacement or full driveway rebuild.
📌 diy📌 low cost2/28/2026, 2:50:44 PM
🛠️ Wire brush, crack filler, caulk gun, driveway sealer, squeegee or broom applicator
- Seal foundation cracks with hydraulic cement or polyurethane for $10-$155
Hairline to 1/4-inch foundation cracks from frost heaving are normal in northern climates. Sealing them in April — after the ground thaws and cracks are fully visible — prevents water infiltration that will widen them through the next freeze-thaw cycle.
📌 diy📌 low cost2/28/2026, 2:50:33 PM
🛠️ Wire brush, shop vac, crack filler (Sikaflex, DAP, or hydraulic cement), caulk gun