What Is a Basement Frost Wall?

A basement frost wall is designed to protect the foundation from frost. If the water near your home's foundation freezes, the process can cause the soil to move away from the house. This can create cracks in the foundation, which over time, could lead to serious structural problems.

Frost walls are typically constructed of concrete and should be placed about two feet below the frost line. This depth is deep enough to prevent the soil near your home's foundation from freezing.

Basement frost walls are typically poured after the footings and before the foundation walls, and they can be poured as a separate wall or as part of the foundation wall itself. If the frost wall is poured as a separate wall, it should be connected to the foundation wall with steel dowels or other fasteners.

Frost walls should also be waterproofed or dampproofed to prevent water from seeping through them. This can be done by applying a waterproofing membrane or by installing a foundation drain.

Basement frost walls are an essential part of any home built in an area where the ground freezes. By preventing frost from damaging the foundation, frost walls can help to protect your home from serious structural problems.