FOUNDATION CRACKS

A homeowner’s worst nightmare is waking up to a flooded basement after a severe thunderstorm overnight. The destruction of your furniture, valuables and electronics, not to mention a threat to your home’s structural integrity, are all consequences from not having basement waterproofing installed by a knowledgeable professional.

One of the most common causes of a wet basement is foundation cracks. When there is a gap in the foundation, essentially the base of which your home is built on, water pools around the exterior of the house then rush in through even the tiniest of cracks. Not every storm will flood your basement, however, the smell of dampness will linger and is the first sign of an impending mould issue. Mould is a serious hazard to your and your family’s health, especially if someone in your home suffers from a respiratory illness or disorder. To help you better understand the factors and consequences associated with unrepaired foundation cracks, City Wide Group has outlined the most vital information to move forward with help from a professional.

The 4 Warning Signs of a Crack in the Foundation:
Foundation cracks form as your home naturally settles over time. Although this is normal, there are four causes for concern as they could be a sign of something more serious:

  • Cracks on walls, over doorways, windows, or ceiling corners
  • Door(s) start to jam or not latch
  • Cracks in vinyl or ceramic tile over a concrete floor
  • Window(s) becomes harder to open and close or won’t close completely

 

Inspect Structural Components

  • There are components that contribute to your home’s structural integrity; in your basement and/or crawl space, check the support posts and or piers to ensure they are standing at a firm 90 degrees.
  • You should not find any puddles or see wet framing in your crawl space. You can check to see if the framing is rotted by probing the wood with a screwdriver.
  • If you find puddles or signs of moisture in your crawl space, then it’s a sign of poor draining around the exterior of your home. This can be due to a blocked gutter or the soil does not slope away from your home at a rate of 6 in. for every 10 feet around the foundation.

How to Fix Vertical Foundation Cracks:
Over the years, we often see vertical foundation cracks that either go straight up or slightly diagonal. They are not a serious concern because most homes have them. Vertical foundation cracks are caused by the concrete facing intense tension, however most homes will see one or two cracks after a few years of the home’s construction. Vertical cracks don’t pose a threat to the structural integrity of your home, but puts your basement at risk of flooding. Water can seep through these cracks after a heavy rain and pool along the foundation then pour into your home.

Vertical foundation cracks are repaired using a urethane or epoxy injection through small holes drilled into the crack. The sealing material used is also flexible so it does not reopen in the future due to further settling of the home.

How to Fix Horizontal Foundation Cracks:
Horizontal foundation cracks are the most serious and caused primarily by a bowing foundation. If the backfilling of gravel and dirt is not done properly, then there will be a disruption in drainage, which creates pressure against the foundation wall leading it to bow inwards. If not addressed, a bowing foundation can cause structural failure of the foundation and collapse the house.

There are several approaches to repairing horizontal foundation cracks and a bowing foundation. A licensed structural engineer can assess the best course of action whether it be installing reinforcing posts/braces in the crawlspace or using anchors buried in the surrounding soil to pull the foundation wall to secure it in its original position.

How to Fix Step Cracks in the Foundation:
Cracks don’t just form in the foundation, but can also occur above it. This is most common in homes built with brick or concrete blocks. If the cracks are only located in the mortar joints between bricks, then the problem is not serious can be repaired simply by re-pointing the mortar. Although if the brick/block is not in place or the crack pass through the blocks, then the problem is serious. Call a certified home inspector or structural engineer to determine its severity and the best remedy.

What’s Next?
Once the foundation cracks have been resolved, consider exterior waterproofing as your permanent solution in preventing a wet basement. City Wide Group will install a Bituthene membrane along the exterior of the foundation wall. Our exterior waterproofing comes with a transferable warranty and guarantee the quality of our work for the lifetime of your home.

To receive a free estimate, contact City Wide Group today at 416.283.5500 or fill out our form online

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LIFETIME, FULLY TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY.

The City Wide Group prides itself on superior quality, adhering to the philosophy of doing things correctly from the outset and striving for unmatched customer contentment. Our assurance in our craftsmanship and wealth of experience makes us the only company in Toronto & the GTA to offer a real LIFETIME WARRANTY. Opt for The City Wide Group for foundation waterproofing, and we promise your treated area will remain free from water or moisture entry for as long as your house stands. Our services come with a warranty certificate that is transferable to endless future homeowners.

  • Before any digging gets underway, The City Wide Group ensures all utility services are informed and the dig site is clearly marked.

  • We first reveal the foundation’s walls and base, giving them a good clean to guarantee that the new concrete will bond well.

  • To deal with any cracks or openings in the foundation, we fill them with a specific type of cement before applying a fresh concrete layer over the entire area.

  • We then secure the foundation with a RUBBER BITUTHANE MEMBRANE for waterproofing, covering both the wall and its base.

  • Additionally, we attach a DELTA MS plastic mat along the foundation wall down to the base, aiding in water drainage.

  • New weeping tiles are installed to divert water from the foundation, surrounded by clean ¾” gravel to ensure proper drainage.

  • The dug-out soil is then replaced and compacted firmly to avoid any future ground movement.

  • After the work is finished, we thoroughly clean the site of any construction debris.

  • To wrap up, we repair and reinstate any outdoor spaces and landscaping that were affected by our work.

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TORONTO WATERPROOFING & UNDERPINNING PROFESSIONALS
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Whether you have an actual water leak or evidence of water seeping through the walls, contact City Wide Group for a free estimate about how to waterproofing your basement.

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