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Frost heave

Frost heave is when freezing soil expands and lifts concrete or structures.

Site, Foundation, and Drainage

Why it matters

Frost heave can crack concrete, tilt steps, and shift foundations if details are wrong.

Where people get this wrong

It is not only cold. It is cold plus moisture in the soil. Drainage and depth both matter.

Real-world example

A walkway looks fine all summer. Then winter hits and one corner lifts. In spring it never fully returns. That is frost heave in action.

Where this hits your build

This matters during site work and foundation. Mistakes here get buried and are expensive to fix later. Pay attention before concrete is poured.

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