The Importance of Foundation Crack Repair

One of the most common and unsettling problems that homeowners face is the presence of cracks in their basement or foundation. As we’ve discussed in our article, Types of Foundation Cracks and How They’re Fixed, cracks can occur in different kinds of basements, whether they are made of poured concrete, concrete blocks, brick and stone walls, or precast concrete. 

Cracks can appear in different shapes and sizes. Most of these can be fixed with foundation crack repair, even for cracks that are wider. This guide discusses the benefits of foundation crack repair along with the limitations of this solution. We’ll also offer some advice on what you can do next if you are concerned about cracks in your basement. 

Let’s begin!   

What Is Foundation Crack Repair? 

Foundation crack repair is the process wherein concrete injection is used to repair a crack. Here at PRO Waterproofers, we use the highest-quality epoxy for foundation crack repair. This material has greater tensile strength than concrete, making it an ideal material for providing both structural and cosmetic crack repair. 

Our method ensures that the epoxy concrete injection goes through the entire depth of the crack. Foundation crack repair needs to be done in a thorough and meticulous way so that you can gain all of its benefits.

Why Is Foundation Crack Repair Important? 

For hairline cracks, shallow cracks, concrete shrinkage cracks, and/or cold joints, foundation crack repair is essential. When done by seasoned experts, foundation crack repair gives the following benefits: 

1. Protection From Leaks 

Even the smallest crack on your basement wall or floor can be the source of moisture infiltration. These cracks are likely to be the reason behind recurrent dampness on the walls, puddles on the floor, and eventually, the growth of various kinds of mould. 

With one swift foundation crack repair using high-grade materials, you can greatly lessen or remove all of the above problems. By reducing the amount of moisture that gets into your basement, you can also prevent other types of water damage that can affect your stored possessions, furniture, and other basement fixtures.

2. Stop the Crack Before It Gets Worse

Basement walls are under constant strain from the weight of the soil outside. In areas with a high water table or an expansive type of soil, this strain could be even greater. Also, water tends to seep through even the smallest of cracks. 

All of these factors can make a small crack increase in size. This creates a vicious cycle as more water will seep through the enlarged crack and erode it further, while it continues to be subjected to external lateral pressure. 

By quickly resorting to foundation crack repair the moment you spot cracks in your basement, you can repair the small crack before it gets worse.  

3. Cosmetic Repair 

By all accounts, cracks in the basement are often seen as unsightly and disconcerting. Therefore, one of the perks of foundation crack repair is that it evens out the basement wall instantly. Foundation crack repair conceals any cracks under the high-quality sealant that locks in the epoxy injection. 

4. Structural Repair 

As we mentioned earlier, the high tensile strength of cured epoxy (which is greater than that of concrete) makes it an ideal material for repairing cracks. Thus, foundation crack repair is able to reinforce the structural integrity of certain cracks. 

The Limitations of Foundation Crack Repair

As we’ve discussed, there are numerous benefits that foundation crack repair can give.
However, it is also important to consider the limitations of this solution. 

Firstly, foundation crack repair is not the be-all and end-all of basement waterproofing. Depending on the needs of your property, foundation crack repair could be enough. But for properties that have high water tables or poorly managed rainwater drainage systems, other types of waterproofing may be required. Examples are exterior or interior waterproofing or sump pump installation. 

Another limitation of foundation crack repair is that it may not be the solution for much wider cracks that are linked to a serious structural problem. When in doubt, it is best to ask an expert. 

What Happens If You Don’t Fix a Foundation Crack? 

If you have cracks from concrete shrinkage, cold joints, and other minor types of cracks, the biggest risk, if you don’t get them fixed, is that they will likely get worse. And when these cracks get bigger, this leads to increased moisture infiltration in your basement. 

However, the stakes are even higher if you are faced with an unrecognized and unremedied structural crack. You can be faced with bowing basement walls, further structural cracks throughout other areas of the house, and more.

This is why having an expert assessment of the cracks really pays off. If the crack is minor, you can simply choose if or when you will get foundation crack repair done; if the cracks turn out to be more serious, you will be advised on the next best course of action.   

Professional Foundation Crack Repair That You Can Count On 

In this guide, we covered why foundation crack repair is important along with its limitations. In case you’re still uncertain about what to do next about your basement cracks, we can help.

PRO Waterproofers is one of the most trusted waterproofing companies in the GTA. Crack assessment and foundation crack repair are some of our specialties, among other services that help keep basements dry and intact. 

We can assess the severity of your foundation cracks and recommend if you need structural repair and/or foundation crack repair. If you proceed with foundation crack repair with us, you will have peace of mind knowing that we only use high-quality and environmentally friendly materials. You can also count on our updated techniques and years of experience to give you the lasting repairs you need. 

If you have questions or if you would like to take advantage of our FREE in-home consultation, contact us today!