Concrete Foundation Walls - Structural Deterioration And Damage
Problem: Cracks in foundations and slabs resulting from frost heaving and freezing - 1.
Cause: Footings not extending below the frost line.
Most commonly, this problem occurs at garage frost walls and basement walk-outs where excavations may not be deep enough to bet below the frost line.
Solutions: Ensure that all footings are located below the frost line or are protected by an insulated skirt.
- All footings, including those supporting garages and those below basement walk-outs, must be maintained below the depth of frost penetration as shown in Figure 17. Information on the local depth of frost penetration is available through your local building department.
![Footing depth relative to frost line](images/footing-depth.jpg)
Figure 17 - Footing depth relative to frost line
- Have shallow footings professionally designed to minimize frost penetration. Use vertical and horizontal insulation to protect the footings as shown in Figure 18.
![insulated shallow footing](images/shallow-footing.jpg)