Cracks in your foundation are almost certain to result in a wet basement. When basement leaks occur, waterproofing foundation cracks Toronto with epoxy crack injection can be an effective solution, provided the conditions are suitable. This basement foundation repair method uses a two-part epoxy resin to seal leaks and prevent further water damage. The epoxy is injected into the foundation cracks through special ports, filling and bonding the cracks together. However, not every foundation crack can be repaired using this technique, so it’s important to consult a waterproofing contractor like FoundationGuard to inspect and determine if this option is appropriate for sealing a leaky basement.
When FoundationGuard is called in for a basement inspection, one of the first issues we identify is cracks in the foundation. These cracks are more common in older homes, but we also find them in newer constructions where the concrete may not settle properly due to soil freezing and thawing, contracting, and expanding.
Cracks can develop in various ways: high water tables, saturated soils, extreme dry days, or natural settlement of the soil beneath your house. Depending on your area and soil conditions, heavy rainfall can raise the water table, increasing pressure under your house, while a lowering water table can cause the house to settle. This fluctuation creates stress on the foundation and the entire structure. Saturated soils, often rich in clay or sand, can expand and put pressure on your walls, potentially causing the house to settle. On extremely dry days, the soil contracts, leading to further settlement of your home.
Extreme weather conditions, poor concrete mixes, improper backfilling, and equipment damage can all contribute to foundation cracks. Extreme temperatures during concrete pouring can cause the water in the cement to freeze and expand in cold weather, or dry out too quickly and shrink in hot weather. These rapid changes can crack the cement, especially if the mix had too much water. If the cement doesn’t cure properly, it remains fragile and prone to cracking.
Backfilling while the concrete is still soft is another common cause of wall cracks. Equipment damage and improper backfilling can occur when machinery is too rough or too large, accidentally striking the foundation walls. Large boulders or debris can also damage the foundation, creating new cracks or exacerbating existing ones.
Natural events like earthquakes, though rare, can cause significant damage. Frost quakes, which happen when a large volume of water in the soil or bedrock freezes suddenly, can create explosive pressure that cracks the ground.
Cracks in foundation walls can result from the natural settlement of your home or poor construction practices, leading to shrinkage in the concrete foundation wall. Either way, these cracks become entry points for water, causing serious damage that can worsen over time with freeze and thaw cycles allowing ice to expand within the voids.
FoundationGuard offers solutions to fix foundation cracks either from the inside using epoxy injection methods or from the outside by digging down to the foundation footing and sealing water out with rubberized urethane. We also add a drainage board to enhance water diversion away from the cracks. It’s crucial to address these repairs promptly to prevent further damage to your home.
Cracks in basement floor slabs typically develop over time due to building settlement, poor sub-surface drainage, and concrete shrinkage. Leaks emerging through the floor are common in older homes because building techniques often did not include a sufficient amount of gravel beneath the floor slab. Additionally, thinner floor slabs that have been exposed to ground water over the years can suffer from erosion, further weakening the slab.
Having gravel below the floor slab is essential to create a capillary break between the soil and the concrete floor. If there is little or no gravel, FoundationGuard can remedy the groundwater issue by breaking up arteries or shallow trenches in the floor that lead to drainage points. We install weeping tiles with gravel, topped with concrete to match the existing floor. Rising ground water will flow into these pathways, relieving upward pressure through the slab and preventing leaks.
FoundationGuard’s decade of expertise in waterproofing foundation cracks Toronto ensures that your home remains dry and structurally sound. Whether dealing with basement waterproofing Toronto or basement underpinning Toronto, our comprehensive solutions protect your foundation from water damage and maintain the integrity of your home.
Vertical cracks are very common in every foundation wall. Most cracks derive from the corners of windows and doors, starting from the top and tapers inwards towards the bottom. Once the vertical crack is chipped out, it is parged with industrial strength hydraulic cement and waterproofed.
Something as small as a hairline type of crack can be waterproofed. Anything bigger may require a structural engineer to be called in before any repair work is done.
The location of the horizontal crack depends on the problem. A horizontal crack at the bottom of the wall near the floor means the wall’s structural integrity has been undermined due to the water table rising/lowering the house; Or extreme dry days allowing the soil to dry out and shrink settling the house.
Horizontal cracks at the top of the wall are from the winter weather and spring thaw cycle. The soil expands and contracts and puts pressure on the wall. Clay soil condition is a major culprit as it acts like a spunge.
Horizontal cracks are often a sign of a structural problem that needs to be assessed by a structural engineer prior to waterproofing.
Concrete honeycombing is the result of imperfections or voids in the concrete revealing a rough/stony surface after the foundation wall has been cured and the forming been removed. Depending on the depth, the honeycomb can be chipped out until a solid sound concrete wall is exposed. It can then be patched with mortar, hydraulic cement, or other cement based that will match the color of the cement wall.
FoundationGuard is Toronto’s trusted specialist in basement waterproofing, underpinning & basement lowering, and foundation repair. With over a decade of experience, we provide reliable, customized solutions to protect your home and ensure lasting results. Serving homeowners across Toronto, including North York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, East York, and Basement Waterproofing Rosedale.
FoundationGuard Basement Waterproofing & Underpinning | 455 Danforth Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 1P1 | +16472540760
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