My 1960s bungalow in Bridgeland has foundation cracks on the south side after this winter. Should I be worried?

Foundation cracks on a 1960s Calgary home after winter are common due to our extreme freeze-thaw cycles and expansive clay soils, but the type and size of cracks determine whether this is cosmetic or structural.

Most foundation cracks in Calgary homes are caused by our notorious expansive clay soils (bentonite) that swell when wet and shrink when dry, combined with the extreme temperature swings from chinooks. Your Bridgeland bungalow sits on these challenging soils, and after 60+ years, some foundation movement is normal. The south side of your home gets the most sun exposure, creating more dramatic freeze-thaw cycling that can worsen existing cracks or create new ones.

What to look for: Hairline vertical cracks (less than 1/8 inch wide) are typically cosmetic and caused by normal concrete shrinkage or minor settling. However, you should be concerned about horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in block foundations, or any crack wider than 1/4 inch. These can indicate structural movement or hydrostatic pressure from poor drainage. Also watch for cracks that allow water penetration, bowing walls, or cracks that continue to widen over time.

Calgary-specific factors: Our clay soils are particularly problematic in spring when snow melt and rain saturate the ground, causing the clay to expand and push against foundations. Poor grading or blocked weeping tile systems compound the problem. Many 1960s homes in Bridgeland were built before modern waterproofing standards, making them more vulnerable to water infiltration and foundation movement.

Professional assessment needed: Have a structural engineer evaluate any crack wider than 1/4 inch, horizontal cracks, or cracks showing signs of recent movement. In Calgary, foundation repairs often involve underpinning with helical piles or concrete piers due to our soil conditions. Costs range from $15,000-$40,000 for significant foundation repairs. For minor cracks, proper exterior drainage and crack injection may suffice ($2,000-$8,000).

Next steps: Document the cracks with photos and measurements, check your basement for water infiltration, and ensure proper grading slopes away from your foundation. If the cracks are minor and stable, monitor them for changes. For anything concerning, get a professional foundation assessment before Calgary's next freeze-thaw season worsens the problem.