You’ve probably experienced it: doors that glide open effortlessly in one season suddenly seem impossible to budge in another. At first, it might feel like a simple annoyance, but this seasonal change is actually your home’s way of telling you something about its foundation. Let’s unravel the mystery behind seasonal foundation movement—why it happens, how it affects your home, and when to take action.
What is Seasonal Foundation Movement?
Seasonal foundation movement happens when your home’s foundation shifts due to changing weather conditions. These changes can cause your doors and windows to behave differently at different times of the year. For example, during winter, your back door might open and close effortlessly, but once summer hits, you find yourself wrestling with it to get it to budge.
How Does Seasonal Foundation Movement Occur?
The main culprit behind seasonal movement is the expansion and contraction of the soil around your home. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- Winter – During colder months, the soil tends to contract and lose moisture. This can cause your foundation to settle or shift slightly, resulting in smooth door operation.
- Summer – As the weather warms up and humidity rises, the soil expands, which puts pressure on your foundation, leading to sticking doors and windows.
It’s important to remember that this is a natural process, and many homes, especially older ones, experience this phenomenon.
Signs of Seasonal Foundation Movement
Now that you know what seasonal foundation movement is, how can you tell if it’s happening in your home? Here are some telltale signs:
- Sticky or Jamming Doors – If you notice that your doors work perfectly fine in one season but not in another, this is a classic sign of seasonal movement.
- Cracks in Sheetrock or Drywall – Minor cracks can appear or widen in certain seasons, then close back up again.
- Windows That Won’t Open or Close Properly – Just like doors, windows can be affected by the shifting foundation.
I’ve noticed this firsthand in my own home. My sliding glass door, which is over 40 years old, opens smoothly in winter but requires a good tug to operate in the summer. These changes are normal and are often more pronounced in older homes.
Seasonal vs. Continuous Foundation Movement
It’s crucial to differentiate between seasonal foundation movement and continuous foundation movement, as they have very different implications. Seasonal movement is a repetitive, temporary shift that happens year after year, while continuous movement indicates a more serious issue.
How to Tell the Difference
- Seasonal Movement – If you’ve lived in your home for several years and notice that your doors and windows act up only during certain seasons but return to normal afterward, this is a sign of seasonal movement.
- Continuous Movement – If you notice that doors drop significantly or if you’ve made repairs, but the problem worsens over time, this might indicate an ongoing foundation issue. For example, if you fix a latch on a door, and it continues to drop or shift by another half-inch within a year, this is a sign that you may have continuous movement.
Recognizing the difference is important because continuous movement could mean there’s vertical or lateral movement of your foundation walls that requires professional intervention.
Is Seasonal Foundation Movement a Cause for Concern?
In most cases, seasonal foundation movement is not something to worry about. It’s a common occurrence, especially in regions with varying weather patterns, like here in Kansas City. However, if the movement becomes more severe over time or if you start noticing bigger cracks, then it’s time to investigate further.
How to Handle Seasonal Foundation Movement
Although you can’t stop the seasons from changing, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the effects of seasonal foundation movement on your home:
- Maintain Proper Drainage – Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clear and direct water away from your foundation. This prevents excess moisture from causing the soil to expand too much during wet seasons.
- Water the Soil – During extremely dry periods, consider watering the soil around your foundation. This helps maintain consistent moisture levels, reducing the risk of excessive soil shrinkage.
- Keep an Eye on Cracks – Small cracks are normal, but if they begin to widen significantly, it might indicate a more serious problem.
When to Call a Professional
If you suspect that your foundation movement is more than just seasonal, it’s important to seek professional advice. They can evaluate whether you’re dealing with a seasonal shift or something more serious like foundation settlement.
In Summary
Seasonal foundation movement is a natural process that many homes experience, especially older ones. It’s caused by the expansion and contraction of the soil due to changing weather conditions, leading to sticking doors, minor cracks, and windows that don’t cooperate. While it’s often harmless, continuous foundation movement might require more serious attention.
If you’re ever in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact us for an expert evaluation.
