Structural Repair and Waterproofing
Structural foundation cracks are cracks that are ¼ inch or wider or where when you feel the foundation wall, it feels uneven. If you have discovered a structural crack in your foundation, it may require an engineer to draw up specifications before a repair can be done.
At Foundation Fix, we have experience with structural repair and basement waterproofing.
The most obvious signs of structural damage are major cracks that appear on the foundation wall. Of these foundation cracks, horizontal cracks are the most serious structural cracks.
Other signs that your foundation needs structural repair are:
Hairline cracks that gradually expand across outside of foundation walls.
Soil or concrete that is rising or sinking around the foundation.
Cracks on basement walls, including cracks on concrete, cinder blocks or on drywall.
More serious signs of foundation damage may include:
Uneven or slanting floors
Gaps under the baseboards
Windows or doors that stick or won’t open and close properly
A chimney that is pulling away from the house
Sunken concrete
Bowing or leaning walls
Cost of Repairing Structural Foundation Damage
It can be costly for structural foundation repair, however, the earlier these issues are attended to the less expensive it is likely to be to have them repaired. Allowing problems to go unaddressed can ultimately lead to a much costlier repair.
Usually, the repairing of structural damage involves working with engineers to assess the problem and the use of machinery during the repair process.
Are all cracks “structural”?
No. In fact, many Foundation cracks are not serious at all and can be repaired easily and inexpensively. It is always best, however, to have any foundation cracks on your basement walls inspected by a foundation repair professional before they become worse or lead to leaking walls.
At Foundation Fix, we offer on-site inspections, and we will be able to tell you if your structural crack is completely harmless or requires structural repair. Our team of foundation experts have years of experience and can fix your foundation crack fast and efficiently to prevent further damage to your basement walls.
Commercial Foundation Waterproofing
Whether you own an apartment building, a restaurant, an office complex, or a larger industrial space, the contractors from Foundation Fix can assess your commercial foundation issues and provide you with a solution. Many commercial properties store valuable equipment, paperwork and furniture in their basements, thus it’s important these storage areas stay dry and free of water damage.
Although commercial building waterproofing techniques are similar to residential building waterproofing techniques, there are some unique considerations that the Foundation Fix team can handle for you. For example, we can properly excavate around service lines, and obtain the necessary permits to ensure any interruption for your business is minimal.
The team at Foundation Fix can apply the appropriate drainage and waterproofing procedures to protect your commercial foundation from water generated by rain, melting snow, flooding, or groundwater as waterproofing professionals. Furthermore, we can perform any concrete foundation repair tasks such as fixing bowed walls or seal up a large foundation crack.
Waterproofing Your Foundation
If your foundation requires structural repair, we often recommend that waterproofing be done at the same time. This will help ensure that water does not make its way back into your home and undo the repairs that you have invested in.
Basement waterproofing can be done from either the outside or the inside. Waterproofing from the outside or exterior waterproofing involves excavating around the outside of your home (which may have to be done with structural repair anyway) and involves sealing the outside of the foundation.
Waterproofing from the inside – interior waterproofing – is usually reserved for leaks that are not foundation leaks but rather leaks caused by hydrostatic pressure. Interior Waterproofing involves sealing up cracks in your foundation walls and installing a sump pump to prevent a wet basement. This type of basement waterproofing is also a good option when excavation is not possible due to space, budget, or access restrictions.
Contact Foundation Fix Today
Although not every crack is a sign of a structural problem with the foundation, it is always best to be sure as foundation problems can grow worse and more expensive to fix over time. At Foundation Fix, we have the expertise to conduct all kinds of foundation repairs, including structural repairs, foundation crack repair, and basement waterproofing.
Contact us today if you would like to arrange for a member of our team to visit your property and assess your foundation problem. Request an on-site estimate today!
