 Fine grain soils retain moisture the best and are most susceptible to heaving.A few ways to protect against capillary action responsible for frost heaves are placing foundations below the freezing zone or insulating ground surface around shallow footings, replacement of frost-sensitive soils with granular material, and interrupting capillary draw of moisture by putting a drainage layer of coarser material in the existing soil.Water can cause potential damage to earth shelters if it ponds around the shelter.