Footings Move When Soil Freezes. Let's Explain.
Building codes describe the design requirements of shallow foundations in regions where soil is subjected to seasonal ground freezing.
Codes require that footings be protected from frost to prevent a phenomenon known as heave.
Frost heave occurs when water penetrates the ground soil and subsequently freezes.
When water present in the topsoil freezes, the frozen layers of ice expand and move towards the warmer temperature at the surface, displacing the soil.
When the ice melts, the footing ‘settles’ to its original position, however, not exactly. Over years of this freeze/thaw cycle the structure above becomes skewed which increases the likelihood of a failure.
In some cases, frost heave can displace the footing entirely out of the ground.
See The Codes
Click to jump to this section of these building codes:
Example of frost depths throughout the US.
Please consult with your local engineer for updated and accurate values. this is for illustrative purposes only. Also try here.
3 Ways To Protect Footings Against Heave
The first method of frost protection specified in the code is extending the footing below the frost line also known as the frost front or freezing plane.
This depth varies and is determined based upon the governing municipality where the project is located.
The frost line can extend anywhere from 5 inches to 6 feet below grade in some Northern parts of the United States (see Average Frost Depth map).
The second method of frost protection is to construct the foundation in accordance with ASCE 32. This design standard specifies foundation construction to protect against the effects of frost via the installation of an insulation layer and non-frost susceptible layer which limits heat flow.
The third method of frost protection is erecting your structure on solid rock.
Alternatively, you could replace fine soil with granular soil below your structure which is not subjected to heave where site conditions permit you to do so.
What's Exempt From Desiging For Heave?
Free-standing buildings are exempt from frost protection requirements granted the structure meets all of the following conditions:
> The structure must be Risk Category I
> The structure must have an area of 600 square feet or less for light-frame construction
> Or an area of 400 square feet or less for other light-frame construction, and eave height of 10 feet or less.
For More Information
Last Update: May 8, 2025