What Are Frost Sensitive Soils, And Why Does It Matter? | Smoky Mountain

Did you know that your soil can be classified for how sensitive it is to frost? The classification of frost sensitivity is the most important criterion for distinguishing frost-susceptible soils from non-frost susceptible soils. There are a variety of reasons that this information could be important to you as a homeowner, of which we will provide some details further on in your reading.

An accurate frost sensitivity classification should include the degree of frost-susceptibility as well as provide an international base for soil type determination. Whether you are looking to take the best possible care of your garden in the winter or are thinking of preventative measures to take for the safety of your home’s foundation, understanding your soil’s frost sensitivity level can help.

How Your Yard’s Grading Can Affect Frost Susceptibility

Gradation can affect your soil’s moisture content, which is a crucial factor in establishing a frost susceptibility level. In northern climates, frost action occurs during winter and early spring, and practically all surface soils are affected. The degree of impact depends on the precipitation and climate in a given area. 

To achieve a more desirable grade for your property, you can contact foundation repair experts like us here at Smoky Mountain Crawlspace Systems to help. 

Effect Of Source Materials On Frost Susceptibility

In addition to soil moisture content, another factor that influences frost susceptibility is the type of surface material. Generally, frost-susceptible soils are made from clean, free-draining granular materials, like clay, sand, gravel, and peat. They have large void spaces that allow water to freeze in place. This prevents the formation of ice lenses. On the other hand, silts have small voids and high capillary potential, making them frost-resistant.

The number of fine particles in your soil can have a significant impact on frost susceptibility. This can be quantified using Johansen’s (1975) model. A fine particle content (or fines content) greater than 10% and water content around 7% could cause a heavy frost heave. Crushed rock aggregates with a fines content of 5% show negligible to low frost susceptibility, while crushed rock aggregates with a fines content of up to 15% are considered medium-to-high frost-resistant.

What Effect Can These Factors Cause?

Generally, the freezing and thawing process occurs in two phases: a heaving phase and a softening phase. It is these two phases that can cause damage to your foundation from all of the movement that results. When your soil is highly susceptible to frost, you can expect more movement to affect your foundation than from soils that are more tolerant to frost. Naturally, foundation damage is enough cause for concern for any homeowner. No one wants the foundation of their home to take a hit and become unstable or worse. 

It is a reasonable conclusion to come to that you want your soil to be more resistant to freezing than not. There is a way to achieve soil like this, from ensuring a “particular” mix of particulates make up your yard. You can also ensure your yard is graded at such a height that a good amount of the surrounding moisture is directed away from your foundation. 

How Smoky Mountain Crawlspace Systems Can Help 

For more information about the soil surrounding your home and whether or not it is working for or against your foundation, give us a call today at (615) 257-1060  |  (931) 536-1168. We will perform an evaluation of your foundation and get back to you with proposed solutions that can help your home perform at its best.