Michigan winters are tough on both people and homes. Between the snow, ice, and frequent temperature swings, homeowners often face one of winter’s most damaging cycles: the freeze and thaw cycle. While it might seem like a simple shift between cold and warm days, these rapid changes can silently wreak havoc on your home’s structure, plumbing, and roof.

In Southeast Michigan — especially areas like Troy, Oakland County, and Macomb County — these cycles are common and can lead to frozen pipes, ice dams, foundation cracks, and costly winter water damage. Understanding how these issues start and what you can do to prevent them can help protect your home and your wallet.

How Freeze/Thaw Damages Pipes and Foundations

When temperatures drop below freezing, any water inside your plumbing or porous building materials (like concrete and brick) begins to expand. As it warms, the thawing process causes contraction. Over time, this repetitive expansion and contraction create stress fractures that weaken pipes, foundations, and even driveways.

Common Problems Caused by Freeze/Thaw Cycles

Problem	Description	Resulting Damage
Frozen Pipes	Water inside the pipe expands as it freezes	Burst pipes and flooding
Foundation Cracks	Soil expands when frozen, contracts as it thaws	Shifting or cracking foundation walls
Basement Leaks	Thawing snow and ice seep through cracks	Mold growth and water damage
Roof Damage	Melting snow refreezes along eaves	Ice dams and roof leaks

Older homes in Oakland County are particularly at risk because many have aging plumbing and foundation materials that weren’t
built to handle today’s temperature extremes.

Tip: If you’ve noticed small cracks in your basement walls or uneven floors, it might be a sign of freeze-thaw foundation stress.

Preventing Ice Dams and Burst Pipes

Prevention starts before the coldest months set in. A few key maintenance tasks in early winter can dramatically reduce your risk of frozen pipe damage and ice dam formation. While every home is unique and serious issues should be evaluated by a professional, here are some general recommendations you can follow to help protect your home.

Pipe Protection Checklist

• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas (attics, basements, crawlspaces).
• Drain outdoor hoses and shut off exterior spigots before the first freeze.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
• Set your thermostat to at least 55°F, even when you’re away.

Ice Dam Prevention Tips

Ice dams form when warm air escapes from your attic, melting snow on the roof. The melted water then refreezes near the eaves, creating a ridge of ice that traps more water behind it.

To prevent this:

• Seal attic air leaks and add insulation to reduce heat loss.
• Clean gutters and downspouts to allow proper drainage.
• Install heat cables or a water shield under your shingles in problem areas.
• Have your roof inspected annually for weak spots.

If you live in Troy, MI, having a local ice dam repair specialist inspect your roof each fall can save you major headaches (and repair bills) later.