My new build basement in Auburn Bay has minor concrete cracks after one winter. Is that normal?

Minor concrete cracks in a new basement after one Calgary winter are extremely common and usually not a structural concern. Calgary's expansive clay soils, extreme freeze-thaw cycles, and chinook temperature swings create challenging conditions for new concrete foundations.

What you're likely seeing are hairline shrinkage cracks or minor settlement cracks, which are normal as concrete cures and the foundation settles into Calgary's clay soils. New concrete continues to cure and shrink for up to two years, and Auburn Bay sits on typical Calgary clay that expands and contracts with moisture changes. These minor movements almost always cause some cosmetic cracking in the first 1-2 years.

Calgary's climate is particularly hard on foundations. Our chinook winds can swing temperatures 20-30°C in a single day, causing rapid freeze-thaw cycling that stresses concrete. Combined with expansive bentonite clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry, some foundation movement is inevitable. Auburn Bay, like most newer Calgary communities, was built on clay soils that require time to fully stabilize under the weight of your home.

Since your home is a new build in Auburn Bay, it's covered under Alberta's New Home Warranty Program (ANHWP). Under Alberta's New Home Buyer Protection Act, your builder must provide warranty coverage including 1 year for materials and workmanship, and 10 years for major structural defects. Minor concrete cracks are typically covered under the 1-year warranty if they're excessive or allow water penetration.

What to watch for: Cracks wider than 1/4 inch, horizontal cracks, stair-step patterns, or any cracks that allow water seepage should be reported to your builder immediately. These could indicate structural issues. Normal shrinkage cracks are typically vertical, hairline thin, and don't leak water. Take photos and document any cracks you find.

Your next steps: Contact your builder's warranty department to report the cracks and request an inspection. Even if they're normal, having them documented protects you if they worsen. Most reputable builders will seal minor cracks as a goodwill gesture during the first year. If your builder is unresponsive, contact the Alberta New Home Warranty Program directly at anhwp.com.

Keep monitoring the cracks through this spring's thaw - if they widen significantly or new ones appear, that warrants immediate professional assessment.