Winter Foundation Care: What Homeowners Should Know Before the Snow Hits

As winter approaches, many homeowners focus on cozying up inside — but cold weather, snow, and ice pose a serious risk to one of your home’s most important features: the foundation. At Approved Mortgage, we want to help you protect your home from seasonal threats so your investment remains solid, safe, and long-lasting.

Why Winter Foundation Care Matters

When snow and ice accumulate around your home, and then melt, they can introduce water that seeps into foundation cracks. That water can freeze again, expanding inside cracks and causing them to widen — which may lead to moisture intrusion, structural damage, or even basement leaks.

Maintaining your foundation during winter isn’t just about preventing cosmetic problems — it’s about protecting your home’s structural integrity and your long-term investment.

Key Steps to Help Safeguard Your Foundation This Winter

1. Inspect and Seal Cracks Before Snow Falls

Walk around the exterior of your home and look for any visible cracks, gaps, or weak spots — especially near window frames, doors, and foundation walls. Even minor cracks can grow when exposed to melting snow and freezing temperatures. If you spot anything, it’s wise to seal them with a concrete/foundation filler or caulk.

2. Keep Snow and Ice Away from the Foundation

When snow piles up against the foundation, the melting runoff may collect near or beneath it — increasing moisture exposure. Make a habit of shoveling or sweeping snow away from the base of your home, especially right after a snowfall, and periodically as snow accumulates.

3. Maintain Gutters and Ensure Proper Drainage

Clean your gutters and downspouts before winter hits — clogged gutters can lead to overflow, creating water that pools near your foundation when snow melts. Consider extending your downspouts so they direct water several feet away from the house. That way, melting snow and rainfall drain safely and don’t threaten the foundation.

4. Check Soil Grading and Landscaping

Make sure the ground around your home slopes gently away from the foundation. Over time, soil can settle or shift, making the area too flat (or worse — sloping toward the house). Proper grading encourages water to flow away from your home rather than pooling near the base.

5. Use a Foundation Sealer (When Appropriate)

If your concrete surfaces (like sidewalks or small slabs near the foundation) are older, consider applying a concrete sealer before freezing temperatures begin. This creates a protective barrier against water infiltration, ice formation, and freeze–thaw damage.

After the Snow: Watch for Signs of Moisture or Stress

Once winter melts away, check interior spaces (like basements and crawl spaces) for any signs of water intrusion — dampness, musty smells, or discoloration on walls/floors. If you see potential leaks or moisture, address them quickly. Early detection can save you from costly repairs later.

As Your Trusted Mortgage Partner — We Care About Your Home Beyond Closing

At Approved Mortgage, our commitment doesn’t end when the loan closes. We care about the long-term health and safety of your investment. Taking a few proactive steps this season can help you avoid foundation problems, preserve your home’s value, and give you peace of mind through winter — and beyond.

Ready to buy a new home or refinance? We’re here to guide you through every step — from pre-approval to closing and beyond.

Contact Approved Mortgage today or start your application online at ApprovedMortgage.com.

Stay warm, stay safe, and give your foundation the care it deserves this winter.