Foundation Repair North York
We have repaired and restored foundations for many years, and we are experts in how to solve highly complex foundation repairs. When they are left unrepaired, water may leak into the basement and can cause structural damage to the foundation and walls.
Broken Home Envelope & Foundation Inspection in North York, ON
Water entering into the house from outdoors is among the most common problems that basement foundations face. Our priority is to stop excess water from seeping into your home through breaks in the foundation envelope of the house.
Contact Us For Details
Foundation Repair in North York
The home is often the most valuable investment that many people ever make in their lives. Foundation repair problems can detract from your North York home’s value and can be dangerous if they are not addressed.
StayDry Waterproofing is the most trusted and dependable concrete foundation and repair contractor. We have the necessary experience and expertise to assist you. We guarantee you a long-lasting finish that you can depend on for many years into the future and we only use the finest materials to give you the peace-of-mind and reassurance that you need.
Evaluating Foundation Movement & Damage
Damage and movement of a foundation will vary depending on the cause of the damage, the direction of the movement, how big the cracks are, and other environmental factors.
- Horizontal cracks are a serious concern. If there is evidence of any you should immediately contact a professional to inspect them.
- If your foundation wall is leaning, it could possibly collapse or experience further movement, depending on how severe the lean is and what is causing it.
- If you see any diagonal cracks, those usually are caused by the footing areas settling or from issues with frost. It is critical to have the foundation inspected to ensure its stability.
- Vertical cracks are less severe and happen quite often after the foundation has settled. If they start to grow or are large enough to where you have begun to notice them, then you should have a professional inspect your foundation.
There are several different kinds of foundation movements that must be considered when inspecting your foundation for potential damage and whether any defects that are detected may result in additional damage. Not every type of damage is the same. Some forms are more serious than others. Some can pose an immediate threat while others can just be monitors without further action at the moment.
Horizontal Foundation Wall Movement
Since horizontal cracks are usually serious since they indicate an immediate threat to a home’s structural integrity. Horizontal cracks can be used by wall movement, footing movement, frost damages, soil pressure, and other factors. Given that horizontal movements are considered to be serious, it is important to have them inspected by a professional to make a diagnosis of the causes.
Hydrostatic Pressure
This is caused by water contained in the soil that exerts pressure on the foundation that can result in cracks and even water entering when the pressure continues to build. This is why waterproofing and drainage are critical components to prevent movement and cracks in addition to protecting the foundation. It is important for water to drain away instead of allowing the build-up of pressure along the walls. This is necessary to prevent cracks and damage.
Generally speaking, wet and frozen soil can exert hydrostatic pressure on the foundation walls, and over time can become damaged unless the right drainage measures are taken.
Underpinning Willl Restore Your Foundation & Add Living Space
A procedure called “underpinning” can be beneficial for damaged foundations as the excavation and new concrete will solve prior settlement problems. This is a major and complex task that should be conducted by a reputable and dependable waterproofing and foundation repair company that has plenty of expertise and experience in the field. Underpinning provides excellent benefits but does not need to be carried out properly to begin with to prevent structural and water problems in the future.
Why Is My Basement Settling?
You may wonder why it is necessary to have foundation repairs performed. What is causing the foundation settlements you have begun to see in your house?
Soil Issues
When drainage is poor it can cause the soil surrounding the foundation to retain excess water. That compromises the soil’s ability to hold weight which can cause shifting and can result in the foundation eventually settling and cracking.
Water Issues
When water damage is caused by entering from the exterior or by a plumbing issue can over time lead to your foundation becoming damaged. It also can result in cracks, heaving, or mold to develop.
Temperature changes
Changes in temperature, frost damage, and moisture imbalance can all cause major damage to houses, especially if the soil surrounding the foundation begins to move away from the hose or becomes less compact.
Construction
Nearby construction or seismic activity can cause your foundation to become damaged or result in cracks or setting depending on the kind of work that is being done and how close it is.
North York Foundation Repair & Restoration FAQs
Why are horizontal cracks considered to be more serious than vertical cracks?
Horizontal cracks are associated with structural failure. When soil pushes against the walls the weight, excessive moisture, and frost can result in the wall starting to buckle at the cracks. It is usually a slow process but still an inevitable one that results in the wall starting to slowly move following every frost cycle. When this problem is detected early, the cracks on the outside of the house can be waterproofed and provided with structural support from the interior. If the problem is not treated, the only option available to you might be to replace the whole wall.
What Does Foundation Underpinning Mean?
Underpinning is a method that is used for repairing damaged structures or foundations that have settled due to shrinking or swelling clay, buried organics, or sinkhole activity. The foundation is supported by underpinning through transferring the building’s weight from your foundation, and then through unstable soil down the more stable soil underneath which is normally bedrock.
Can Tree Roots Damage My Home's Foundation?
Trees can indirectly contribute to damages to your foundation. However, other factors will usually play a much bigger role than tree roots The main thing that causes foundation damage is usually changes that take place in the soil. Trees need to have water to survive. They use their roots to extract water from the soil. This can have adverse effects on the ground that the foundation has been built on.
Should Foundation Cracks Be Repaired From The Inside Or Outside Of The House?
If cracks in the foundation are repaired from inside your house, none of the water will be removed that has already entered inside your foundation walls. It will also not prevent more water from seeping into the foundation. If your basement has a leak, the crack in your foundation, it will need to be fixed from the exterior of your house.
How Much is the Foundation Repair Cost in North York?
The cost can vary widely depending on the situation. For example, in Ontario, foundation repairs on the low end can start at a few thousand dollars and go up to tens of thousands of dollars depending on the extent and nature of the repairs. The reason why costs can vary so widely is that there are many different kinds of foundation problems that can arise. It might be easy to fix simple cracks. However, the whole foundation might need to be replaced if there are more severe issues. Each foundation repair is different and will vary depending on a number of different factors including the type of foundation, how large it is, how serious the damage is, and other factors. StayDry Waterproofing offers an on-site review and free estimate on how much it will cost to solve the problem.
Can Concrete Cracks Continue To Grow?
Yes, the shrink and swell cycles that take place within the soil on the outside of the poured wills are usually the major reason why cracks continue to grow.