Foundation Repair Vaughan
Our team has been performing top-quality foundation repair work for many years. Trust us to identify and fix your foundation problems, no matter what they might be. A damaged foundation can lead to all sorts of subsequent damage, like water leaks in your basement. Left un-repaired, this can lead to serious structural damage throughout your home.
Broken Home Envelope & Foundation Inspection in Vaughan, ON
When a foundation includes sub-surface space for a basement, water intrusion from outside the structure is always a serious concern. We can help keep this from happening to you. Maintaining a secure foundation envelope will keep water on the outside, where it belongs.
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Foundation Repair in Vaughan
Your home is a major investment, and preserving its value sometimes takes a lot of work. Foundation problems can be a major source of trouble for your home. If you have foundation issues in Vaughan, our experienced foundation repair team stands ready to help.
We have all the skills and expertise you need to fix your foundation. We stand behind our workmanship, guaranteeing our work for years. We know we do good work, and we use only materials of the highest quality.
Evaluating Foundation Movement & Damage
It can be difficult to assess the full extent of foundation damage casually. Many factors affect the damage caused by foundation movement. The direction of movement, foundation cracking, and environmental damage sources all play a role. Here are key points to consider when you know you have foundation problems:
- If you can see horizontal cracks in your foundation, you need to have it assessed by a professional.
- A visible lean in a foundation wall is a very bad sign. It could lead to an all-out collapse; you need to have the situation assessed immediately.
- Diagonal foundation cracks are typically caused by settlement or freezing problems. Inspect for stability.
- Vertical cracks are less severe than horizontal ones, as they usually do not indicate foundation movement. If you see vertical cracks grow over time, though, you should have your foundation inspected.
Foundations can move in many different ways. Not all of the damage caused by foundation movement is equally serious; sometimes, the damage produced by movement is relatively easy to fix.
Horizontal Foundation Wall Movement
As already noted, horizontal cracks in the foundation are some of the most serious signs of damage you can see. Cracks like this might be caused by the movement of footings, frost damage, or other issues. When horizontal cracks appear in your foundation, it’s time to have it inspected by a professional as soon as possible. An expert will be able to diagnose the extent and cause of the damage and chart out an effective solution that will prevent further damage in the future.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is the force exerted on your foundation by water in the soil. This pressure can be extremely powerful, cracking the foundation and allowing water to enter your home.
Properly-designed waterproofing and drainage are essential for protecting your foundation from hydrostatic pressure. This process extends well beyond the home; good drainage across your entire property will channel water away from your foundation instead of funneling it towards your home. Proper drainage minimizes the number of foundation problems you have to deal with.
Hydrostatic pressure can cause a great deal of damage, particularly if you leave the problem unaddressed. The longer you ignore it, the more money it will cost to fix it.
Underpinning Willl Restore Your Foundation & Add Living Space
Underpinning is often an effective solution for all sorts of foundation damage. The chief advantage of underpinning is that it improves the stability of the foundation. This is one sort of home repair that must be entrusted to an experienced professional so that it is carried out correctly. Improper underpinning can fail to fix your foundation’s problems or even cause further issues in the future.
Why Is My Basement Settling?
Basement settling can be caused by several different issues, and you usually need significant foundation repairs to address it. The cause of the settling needs to be determined, and different causes often require different solutions. Common causes of settlement include:
Soil Issues
The soil beneath your home may become waterlogged if your property does not have a proper drainage system. This can cause shifting in the soil, and over time the foundation will settle as it loses support from below. When this is the case, you will often see cracks begin to appear in your foundation.
Water Issues
Excessive water exposure can damage your foundation. Problem water can come from either the inside or the outside of your home. Plumbing leaks can expose your foundation to water from the inside, while environmental water may exert pressure from outside. Excess water can lead to foundation heaving, mold, and other problems.
Temperature changes
Dramatic changes in temperature may lead to foundation damage. The soil around your foundation may contract in cold weather, giving water space to approach the foundation. Frost damage can also cause significant problems.
Construction
New construction may subject your foundation to new forces that can cause settlement or cracking. (Similar damage may also be produced by natural seismic activity.) The type and severity of construction damage will depend on what sort of construction work is being done.
Vaughan Foundation Repair & Restoration FAQs
Can my foundation be damaged by tree roots?
Tree growth can cause indirect foundation damage. A common example is by changing the moisture content of the soil around your home. Growing trees absorb more water over time, and this can alter the composition of the soil next to and beneath your foundation. Over a long enough time frame, this can lead to serious damage.
What do foundation repairs cost in Vaughan, ON?
The cost of foundation repairs varies widely depending on the type and extent of work that has to be performed. A foundation repair can cost anything from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands. Bear in mind that the size of your home and the complexity of your existing foundation influence the cost of any repair work, too. We will always provide you with a free, no-obligation quote before asking you to make any commitment to a foundation repair job.
Should foundation cracks be fixed from the inside or the outside?
Foundation cracks can be effectively repaired from inside the home if water has not yet penetrated through the foundation wall. If water is getting into the basement from outside, though, a repair performed on the outside of the home will be more effective. Let a professional assess your foundation damage and tell you which option is better suited to your specific situation.
Are horizontal foundation cracks worse than vertical ones? Why?
Most professionals consider horizontal foundation cracks to be bigger problems than vertical ones. This is because they generally indicate structural failure. Freezing and moisture intrusion can become bigger threats to your foundation when there are cracks in it. If you leave foundation cracks unfixed, you will definitely have moisture intrusion problems in the future. On the other hand, if you notice cracks soon enough, they can be waterproofed in time to protect the foundation wall from further damage.
Why do some foundation repairs fail?
Foundation repairs that consist mainly of crack patching may fail over time if the underlying cause of damage is not addressed. Repairing the surface with caulk, hydraulic cement, or other coatings may be a temporary fix.
Can concrete cracks grow larger over time?
Yes. Cracks expand over time if they aren’t repaired. Shifting in the adjacent soil and moisture intrusion can both make concrete cracks grow. Have you spotted cracks in your foundation? If you have, it’s time to get an expert opinion. Call us for a professional inspection and a free, no-obligation quote for effective foundation repairs.