Finding a crack in your basement foundation can be concerning, but not every foundation crack means your home has a serious structural problem.
Concrete naturally changes as it cures, and some cracking can occur as a result of shrinkage. Other cracks can develop because of movement, water pressure, settlement or other conditions around the foundation.
The important question isn’t simply whether your foundation has a crack. It’s what type of crack it is, whether it is changing, and whether water is getting through it.
At Aquaphobia Foundation Repair, foundation cracks are one of the most common basement problems we deal with throughout Durham Region.
Are Foundation Cracks Normal?
Some cracking in poured concrete foundations is relatively common.
A narrow vertical crack, for example, may be related to shrinkage of the concrete rather than a major structural problem. However, even a relatively small crack can become a pathway for groundwater.
That means there are really two different questions to consider:
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- Is the crack potentially structural?
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- Is the crack allowing water into the basement?
A crack doesn’t necessarily have to threaten the structure of the house to become a problem worth repairing.
If water is entering your basement through it, professional foundation crack repair may be required even when the crack itself isn’t structural.
Different Types of Foundation Cracks
The direction and appearance of a crack can provide useful clues about what may be happening.
Vertical Foundation Cracks
Vertical cracks are common in poured concrete foundation walls.
Many are associated with concrete shrinkage, but they can still allow water to enter when the soil around the foundation becomes saturated.
If you notice staining, moisture, mineral deposits or active water around a vertical crack, it should be inspected.
Horizontal Foundation Cracks
Horizontal cracks deserve more attention because they can sometimes be associated with pressure against the foundation wall or wall movement.
A horizontal crack accompanied by visible inward movement or bowing shouldn’t simply be treated as a waterproofing problem.
The wall itself may need to be evaluated and, depending on the situation, foundation wall reinforcement may be appropriate.
Diagonal Cracks
Diagonal cracks can have several causes, including settlement and movement.
The location, width and pattern of the crack are important. If you’re seeing displacement or the crack appears to be getting larger, further investigation is a good idea.
Hairline Cracks
Very small cracks aren’t automatically serious.
The bigger issue for many homeowners is whether that crack remains dry.
Water can find surprisingly small pathways through a foundation, particularly during heavy rainfall or when the ground surrounding the house becomes saturated.
What Are the Signs a Foundation Crack Needs Attention?
You should pay particular attention if:
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- Water enters through the crack during rain.
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- There are water stains below the crack.
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- The crack appears to be getting wider.
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- One side of the crack has shifted relative to the other.
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- The wall appears to be bowing.
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- Previous repairs have failed.
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- You see repeated moisture or mineral deposits around the crack.
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- Finished drywall or flooring near the crack is becoming wet.
If you’re unsure, photos can often provide useful information before arranging a site visit.
Structural vs Non-Structural Foundation Cracks
This distinction is important.
A non-structural crack can still create a significant basement water problem. In that situation, the goal of the repair may primarily be stopping water infiltration.
Structural movement is different.
If a foundation wall is bowing, shifting or showing other signs of significant movement, simply sealing the visible crack may not address the underlying problem.
Solutions such as carbon fibre foundation reinforcement may be considered for certain foundation-wall problems.
More significant structural concerns may also require assessment by an appropriate structural professional.
How Are Leaking Foundation Cracks Repaired?
The appropriate repair depends on the foundation and the condition of the crack.
For many poured concrete foundation cracks, an interior crack-injection system can be used to fill and seal the crack.
Polyurethane injection is particularly useful for waterproofing because the material can travel into the crack and create a flexible seal.
The objective isn’t simply to cover the visible surface of the crack. A proper repair needs to address the pathway that water is using through the foundation wall.
Can Foundation Cracks Be Repaired From Inside?
In many situations, yes.
One of the misconceptions homeowners sometimes have is that every leaking foundation crack requires excavation outside the house.
For many accessible poured-concrete cracks, interior foundation crack repair can provide an effective solution without digging around the exterior foundation.
There are situations where exterior work makes more sense, which is why the cause and condition of the leak should be considered before choosing a repair.
Foundation Crack Repair in Durham Region
Aquaphobia Foundation Repair provides basement and foundation repair throughout Durham Region, including Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Courtice, Bowmanville and Newcastle.
If you’re dealing with a leaking crack, you can start by taking several clear photos showing the entire crack and the surrounding wall.
Homeowners in Ajax can learn more about our Ajax foundation crack repair service, while homeowners throughout the region can explore our foundation repair services for other basement and foundation problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I worry about a vertical foundation crack?
Not necessarily. Some vertical cracks can result from concrete shrinkage. However, cracks that leak, widen or show displacement should be investigated.
Can a small foundation crack leak?
Yes. A crack doesn’t need to be visually large to create a pathway for water.
Does every leaking crack require exterior excavation?
No. Many poured-concrete foundation cracks can be repaired from inside, depending on access and the condition of the crack.
Can you repair a crack that has already been repaired?
Sometimes. Previous repairs need to be assessed to determine why the area is leaking again and which repair approach makes sense.
What should I send when asking for a quote?
Clear photos of the full crack, close-up photos, pictures showing the surrounding basement wall and information about when water appears are helpful.
Who repairs foundation cracks in Durham Region?
Aquaphobia Foundation Repair provides foundation crack and basement repair services across Durham Region. Contact us with photos of the problem and we can help determine the appropriate next step.