7 Signs You Need a Foundation Crack Inspection Before Winter
Need an expert to take a look? Schedule a foundation crack inspection with MBK
If you’re a homeowner in Ann Arbor or the broader Washtenaw County area, you know how Michigan winters punish a house. Freeze–thaw cycles, heavy snow, and shifting clay soils can turn small foundation issues into big ones fast.
And because a surprising share of a home’s winter heat loss can originate at the foundation—especially when cracks let in air and moisture—those “hairline” gaps are worth a closer look before the cold sets in.
Not all cracks are created equal. Some are cosmetic; others point to movement and moisture that can snowball into water damage, sloping floors, sticky doors, and higher energy bills. Here are seven tell-tale signs it’s time to book a foundation crack inspection—before temperatures drop.
Why Foundation Cracks Deserve Your Attention Now
It’s easy to shrug off a hairline crack in the basement wall or a small gap along the floor. But those cracks can grow quickly as moisture seeps in, the ground shifts with frost, or snowmelt adds pressure around your home. Left unchecked, what begins as a minor repair could become a major project involving water damage, uneven floors, or even compromised safety.
For homeowners in Ann Arbor, where freeze-thaw cycles are especially harsh, acting early can save thousands later. The signs aren’t always dramatic, but knowing what to look for lets you fix the problem before winter makes it worse.
It May Be Time for an Inspection if You Notice…
1. Cracks Wider Than 1/8 Inch
Hairline cracks are relatively common in concrete, especially in older Ann Arbor homes. But if a crack is wider than a standard nickel, it’s typically a sign of more serious shifting or settling. These cracks are less likely to be cosmetic and more likely to spread once freezing moisture gets into them.
What to do: Mark the ends with a pencil and date it. If the opening grows—or is already wider than 1/8″—schedule an inspection.
2. Cracks That Grow or Reappear After Repair
If you’ve patched a foundation crack in the past and notice it reopening—or if an existing crack seems to be lengthening—this is likely a sign of ongoing movement. Seasonal shifts in Michigan’s clay-heavy soil can push against your foundation, and recurring cracks are a clear red flag to book a foundation crack inspection.
What to do: Don’t re-patch and hope. You need a pro to identify the cause and relieve the pressure before winter.
3. Water Seepage in the Basement
Foundation cracks that allow water seepage are especially urgent to address before the winter cold sets in. Even a trickle of moisture can freeze inside the crack, widening it further and accelerating structural damage. Look for damp spots, peeling paint, or musty odors in your basement as warning signs.
What to do: Document where/when you see moisture and book an inspection before hard freezes.
4. Horizontal or Stair-Step Cracks
The direction of a crack matters as well. Vertical cracks may indicate nothing more than minor settling, but horizontal or stair-step cracks in block walls are often signs of significant pressure from soil expansion. These cracks can point to weakened walls that won’t hold up well against another freeze-thaw cycle.
What to do: Treat as urgent. An inspection can determine whether reinforcement or wall straightening is needed.
Image Source: My Foundation Repairs
5. Doors and Windows That Constantly Stick
Sometimes the most obvious signs aren’t in your foundation itself, but in how your home is functioning. If doors or windows that once opened easily are now sticking, it could be because your foundation has shifted—especially if you’ve already checked the latches and hinges. Cracks combined with these alignment issues mean it’s time for a professional inspection.
What to do: Rule out hinge/latch issues; if sticking persists, schedule an inspection.
6. Uneven or Sloping Floors
If you notice your floors starting to slope, dip, or feel uneven underfoot, it could be a sign that your foundation is shifting. While it might seem like just an annoyance, uneven floors often point to deeper structural movement below. Combined with visible cracks, this is a clear indicator that it’s time for a professional foundation crack inspection before winter conditions make the problem worse.
What to do: Note where the slope is most obvious and get a pro assessment.
7. Gaps Between Walls and Trim
Notice a gap forming between your walls and crown molding, baseboards, or window trim? That separation, however minor, often means your foundation is shifting, pulling parts of your home’s structure slightly out of alignment. Though easy to overlook, these small visual cues can indicate a bigger issue beneath the surface.
What to do: Photograph the gap with a ruler for scale and book an inspection.
Why You Should Act Before Winter
Winter is always the toughest season on your home’s foundation. When temperatures swing, Ann Arbor’s clay-heavy soil expands and contracts, pushing against your foundation walls. Any crack, even a small one, becomes a weak point where:
- Moisture intrusion accelerates. Snowmelt can seep through cracks, leading to water damage, mold growth, or even ice expansion inside the foundation wall.
- Repairs become harder. Cold weather makes it more difficult to complete certain foundation repairs, potentially forcing you into costly temporary fixes until spring.
- Structural risks increase. The added weight of snow and ice on your roof and around your home can compound existing foundation stress, making cracks even worse.
- Energy costs rise. Research suggests up to 25% of a home’s heat can be lost through its foundation, especially when cracks compromise an already inadequate insulation. Left unchecked, this will force your home’s systems to work overtime, wearing out your furnace while driving up seasonal utility costs.
Schedule a Foundation Crack Inspection With MBK
If you’ve spotted any of these warning signs in your foundation, don’t wait until the first snowstorm comes around to shake things up—take the time to book an inspection while there’s still ample time to address the issues.
Here at MBK Constructors, we bring years of experience in Ann Arbor home construction and renovations, including foundation crack inspections and the structural repairs they so often demand. Our design-build approach means we don’t just patch cracks—we evaluate your home holistically and address problems proactively to keep your family comfortable for years to come.
Don’t let small cracks turn into big headaches this winter. Schedule a foundation crack inspection with MBK Constructors today, and protect the home you’ve worked hard to build.
