A foundation problem doesn’t always begin with a dramatic crack or a flooded basement.
Sometimes the first sign is a small vertical crack. Other homeowners notice a damp basement wall, peeling paint, white deposits on concrete or a wall that doesn’t appear as straight as it once did.
Knowing what to look for can help homeowners identify potential problems before additional damage occurs.
At Aquaphobia Foundation Repair, we work with homeowners throughout Durham Region on a variety of basement and foundation problems.
Here are some of the more common issues homeowners may encounter.
Foundation Wall Cracks
Cracks are one of the most recognizable foundation problems.
Concrete can crack for several reasons, and the appearance of a crack can provide useful information about what may be happening.
Vertical cracks in poured-concrete foundations are relatively common and may be associated with concrete shrinkage.
However, even a non-structural crack can create a pathway for water.
During periods of heavy rain or saturated soil conditions, homeowners may discover water travelling through a crack that previously appeared harmless.
If a crack is actively leaking, foundation crack repair may be required to stop water from entering the basement.
Horizontal Foundation Cracks
Horizontal cracking should generally receive more attention than a straightforward vertical shrinkage crack.
Pressure from soil outside the foundation can sometimes contribute to movement of a basement wall.
If a horizontal crack is accompanied by visible inward movement or bowing, simply sealing the crack may not address the underlying issue.
Depending on the wall and severity of the problem, bowing foundation wall repair or reinforcement may be considered.
More significant movement may also require assessment by an appropriate structural professional.
Bowing Basement Walls
A foundation wall should not noticeably bow inward.
If you stand at one end of a basement wall and can see that the centre of the wall is pushing inward, the wall should be evaluated.
Cracking may also appear along the affected area.
For certain foundation-wall conditions, carbon fibre foundation reinforcement can be used to strengthen and stabilize the wall.
The appropriate repair depends on the foundation material, amount of movement and underlying cause.
Leaking Foundation Cracks
Some foundation cracks become noticeable only because they leak.
A basement may remain completely dry during normal weather and then develop water around one crack after a major storm.
This is particularly common when the soil surrounding the foundation becomes heavily saturated.
For suitable poured-concrete cracks, interior polyurethane injection may be an option.
Homeowners can read our guide to interior foundation crack repair for more information.
Damp Concrete Block Foundation Walls
Concrete block foundations can experience moisture differently than poured concrete.
Rather than one clearly identifiable crack, homeowners may notice:
- Damp areas across several blocks
- White mineral deposits
- Peeling paint
- Dark staining
- Musty smells
- Moisture near the bottom of the wall
- Water appearing after heavy rain
A larger moisture pattern may indicate a broader block-wall problem rather than a single crack.
Our guide to leaking concrete block foundation walls explains these issues in more detail.
Water Where the Foundation Wall Meets the Floor
Water appearing around the perimeter of a basement can be confusing.
Homeowners sometimes assume that because the water is visible on the floor, it must be entering through the floor.
Water can travel before becoming visible, which is why the surrounding wall and foundation conditions should also be examined.
Repeated water entry may require a broader basement waterproofing assessment.
Foundation Parging Problems
The exposed exterior portion of a foundation is often covered with parging.
Over time, parging can crack, deteriorate or separate from the underlying surface.
While damaged parging doesn’t automatically mean the foundation itself has failed, repairing deteriorated areas can improve the appearance of the home and protect the exposed foundation surface.
If the parging is falling away, the underlying foundation should also be checked for cracking or deterioration.
Basement Floor Cracks
Cracks can also develop in concrete basement floors.
Some floor cracking can occur because of concrete shrinkage.
However, cracks that are changing, experiencing displacement or associated with repeated water problems deserve additional attention.
The condition of the crack and surrounding floor determines whether basement floor crack repair is appropriate.
Signs That a Foundation Problem Should Be Investigated
Consider having the problem evaluated if you notice:
- Active water entering the basement
- Cracks that appear to be widening
- Horizontal cracking
- Visible wall movement
- Bowing basement walls
- Repeated moisture after rainfall
- Failed previous repairs
- Significant displacement across a crack
- Persistent dampness or deterioration
Photos can be extremely useful when initially discussing a foundation problem with a contractor.
Foundation Repair in Durham Region
Aquaphobia Foundation Repair provides foundation repair throughout Durham Region, including Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle.
Our work includes foundation crack repair, basement water problems, block-wall moisture, carbon fibre reinforcement, parging and other foundation repairs.
If you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, send clear photos showing both the affected area and the surrounding wall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every foundation crack mean structural damage?
No. Some concrete cracks are associated with shrinkage and are not necessarily structural. However, leaking, widening or displaced cracks should be investigated.
Are horizontal foundation cracks serious?
Horizontal cracks can sometimes be associated with pressure and wall movement, particularly when the wall is bowing. These cracks deserve closer evaluation.
Why is my basement wall damp after rain?
Possible causes include foundation cracks, masonry moisture, exterior drainage problems and other water-entry points.
Can foundation problems be repaired from inside?
Some problems can. For example, many accessible poured-concrete foundation cracks can be repaired from inside. Other problems may require different approaches.
Can I send photos for a foundation repair quote?
Yes. Clear photos showing the problem and the surrounding wall can provide useful information and may help determine whether an inspection is necessary.