Expert Foundation Repair Toronto
Cracked walls, doors not closing or bulging floors can be signs of foundation problems.
We can repair a cracked foundation without tearing it out.
Concrete Foundation Repair Toronto
There are many different types of cracks in the foundation that can occur. These can be from settlement or movement issues or a shrinkage crack that happens as concrete cures. Fixing foundation cracks is important to maintain the long-term value of your home or building, and safety.
Foundation repair cost estimates will vary depending on your Foundation Type
Foundation problems are not limited to the foundation itself. Since the foundation is the core structural component of your home, large cracks or water issues with the foundation will inevitably lead to further damage of your living spaces, structural components and possessions.
Never leave foundation problems for another day. We are expert waterproofing and foundation repair contractors who can properly analyze your issues and recommend the best steps to take for repair and long-term durability.
Professional Tip: Keep in mind that as construction methods changed over time, so did the materials, which is why there are different foundation types, sometimes mixed. It is a good idea to have an experienced company conduct a foundation inspection. The Toronto foundation repair experts at Stay Dry would be happy to fulfill this role.
The Four Different Foundation Types
Diagnosing Foundation Problems
Diagnosing basement foundation problems involves many factors. Patterns of cracks, entry points of water, age of the building materials, grading of the property, type of foundation, soil issues and foundation wall bowing inward or outward are only some of the many factors that our foundation repair experts consider when analyzing your foundation.
Foundation cracks that require repair should be the top priority for homeowners. Cracks can easily spread and threaten the structural integrity of the home, the materials within, and the other structural components of the home such as flooring, drywall, support beams and electrical.
Foundation Cracks can be categorized as follows:
- Cosmetic, with no threat to structural integrity
- Requiring monitoring: cracks that could become worse and must be checked regularly
- Repair Required: Any crack > 1/4″ is a significant risk and indicates serious damage is present
Our professional basement foundation repair experts are available immediately to inspect and repair foundation cracks before they spread and threaten your home.
Foundation Wall Settling Cracks
Over time, foundations can sink, settle and even see some movement. While settling is a natural process, it can cause unwanted structural damage and shifting that may require repairs. This is especially true if the soil around your home is not properly compacted to hold the weight of a foundation.
It is always best to avoid having moisture in your basement. Damp or moist basements can lead to the growth of mold, or even indicate a future water issue. To determine if you require a detailed analysis of your foundation, know that older homes are more likely to have experienced settling over time.
Causes of Foundation Settling & Movement
- Hydrostatic pressure from water in the surrounding soils
- Improper foundation pouring
- Improper steel reinforcement of the foundation
- Damage or movement of the footings
- Shifting earth and soil around your home.
If you have water leakage, or have noticed pooling against your foundation, be sure to investigate the health of your foundation.
Improper grading and drainage are also causes of Hydrostatic pressure against your foundation.
Professional Tip: Hydrostatic pressure is caused by the buildup of water around your home and can lead to cracks and water leakage into your basement.
Regardless of the cause of your foundation settling or cracking, know that these problems affect the structural integrity of your home and require immediate attention and analysis by experienced waterproofing and foundation experts, like Stay Dry with 30 years of experience.
Repairing Foundation Wall Settling Cracks
The type and method of foundation wall crack repair will depend on a variety of factors.
- What is the condition of the ground and surrounding soil?
- How can the foundation be stabilized?
- Are there settling issues?
If unstable soil is the cause, rod and channel repairs can be used to repair the foundation. Keep in mind that excavation will be required to fully expose the foundation to make the required repairs. When the ground is excavated, we analyze the waterproofing around the home and recommend any repairs for the long-term stability of your foundation from possible water damage. While excavation and repair of the foundation is an involved process, you can be rest assured that once the work is complete, your home will be safe from water leakage and foundation instability.
Floor Shrinkage & Settlement Cracks
Floor cracks can appear in poured concrete for a variety of reasons. Evaluating floor cracks requires professional experience to diagnose and recommend repair options for homeowners. Regardless of the cause of floor cracking, cracked floors are potential trip hazards and should be repaired for safety reasons.
There are three main concrete floor types we repair:
Floating Slab
Floating slabs sit on loosely filled dirt or gravel. The danger with this type of foundation is that anything that causes the soil to move or settle can lead to cracks and settlement in the foundation. This includes water makes it’s way under the building, causing the soil to erode. Inspect floor slab cracks to ensure they are not too large, and call a Toronto foundation repair professional if they appear to be spreading or increasing in size.
Supported Slab
Similar to a floating slab, supported slabs sit on gravel or dirt, but the edges are supported by a lip built into the concrete footings, which also supports the walls. The risks of cracks in a supported slab floor are usually the result of an improper installation of the foundation or a large amount of soil settling.
Slab on Grade
Also known as monolithic slab construction, slab on grade is utilized where there is no basement. Most often, slab on grade cracks occur when the soil around the footings has settled significantly.
Repairing Floor Shrinkage & Settlement Cracks
Cracks in your basement floor caused by shrinkage are fairly common and there are some basic ways to slow them from expanding:
- Control joins can be added to reduce the stress on the shrinkage, focusing cracks within the joints instead of spreading across the basement floor.
- Any cracks that are allowing water penetration can be sealed from the inside, using sealants and paint to keep a cosmetically appealing appearance for the floor.
- Mud jacking is a process whereby concrete is pumped under the floor to lift the concrete slab, often accompanied by a polyurethane application that is injected underneath the foundation. This set of treatments allows the floor to be raised and can be used depending on the soil around the property and foundation.
- Slab jacking is used to raise the slab on grade foundation in a similar fashion to mud jacking, but is often applied using a thixotropic grout application.
Soil Quality
When inspecting a foundation, soil quality is important to assess. Bad soils can provide unstable environments for foundations.
Clay soils and silts can be unstable and will lose strength when they are very wet or become frozen. All soils have different drainage properties and it is best to speak with experts about what type is surrounding your home.
Knowing what kind of soil you have around your foundation is one of the most important steps to determine the specific solution for waterproofing and improving the structural integrity of your home before repairs begin.