Most foundation walls develop cracks due to settling, stress, or shrinkage during the curing process. While many hairline cracks are harmless, leaky cracks or structural cracks wider than 1/8″ must be repaired to prevent further damage. Left untreated, cracks can allow water to seep into your basement or crawlspace, causing moisture problems and potential structural issues.
Professional Crack Repair for Structural and Leaky Cracks
At American Foundation Repair, we specialize in crack repair for all types of foundations, including concrete, block, stone, and brick. Our team knows how to differentiate between minor cracks and serious structural issues requiring immediate attention.
- Structural Cracks: Diagonal or horizontal cracks often indicate excessive stress or foundation settlement. These require specialized repairs.
- Leaky Cracks: Even if a crack isn’t leaking yet, sealing it early can prevent future water seepage.
Foundation Cracks: Causes, Types, and Solutions
Foundation cracks are a common issue caused by settling, stress, or shrinkage during construction. While some cracks, like hairline shrinkage cracks, are harmless, others, such as leaky or structural cracks, require immediate attention to prevent further damage.
Leaky Cracks should be repaired promptly, even if they aren’t currently leaking, as most cracks will eventually allow water to seep through. Structural Cracks, which are wider than 1/8″ or appear diagonally or horizontally, often indicate serious stress or foundation settlement and must be addressed to maintain your home’s structural integrity.
Beware of improper repairs. While minor cracks can often be sealed with epoxy or polyurethane injection, structural issues demand more comprehensive solutions. Trust experienced professionals who can correctly identify and repair all types of cracks without upselling unnecessary products.
For less common block, stone, or brick foundations, finding the right solution can be challenging. Many waterproofing companies may not provide adequate repairs or attempt to upsell products that don’t address the root cause.
At American Foundation Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing foundation cracks of all types. From simple crack injections to comprehensive structural repairs, our team provides long-term solutions that protect your home and give you peace of mind. Book your free estimate online today!
Foundation Crack Repair Solutions
Foundation cracks can be repaired from either the inside or the outside the foundation, depending on the crack's location and severity.
Interior Crack Repair: Epoxy/Urethane Injection
The preferred method for most cracks, epoxy/urethane injection, is ideal for cracks in unfinished basements or crawlspaces. This method ensures effective waterproofing and prevents future water seepage:
- Epoxy Application: Epoxy is pasted onto the surface of the crack to prepare it for sealing.
- Urethane Injection: Urethane is injected into the crack, filling it entirely, including the outside surface.
If a crack is hidden behind drywall or paneling, we’ll carefully remove these materials to access and repair the crack. This two-step process ensures a clean, durable, and moisture-resistant seal.
Exterior Crack Repair
For cracks that are inaccessible from the inside, exterior repair may be necessary. This process involves:
- Excavation: Digging down to the foundation footing by hand or using a mini excavator.
- Cleaning and Sealing: Cleaning the crack with a wire brush, applying tar, and covering it with a reinforced fiber membrane.
- Waterproofing: This method seals the crack completely and can also waterproof the entire foundation wall if needed.
Exterior repairs are used only when necessary but offer a robust solution for stopping water leaks and ensuring long-term durability.
When the crack is exposed in an unfinished basement we can easily repair the crack from the inside using Epoxy / Urethane Injection. This type of method is the most effective way to stop water seepage in crawl space or basement foundation walls. The two step process ensures a clean, safe, and healthy way to waterproof a crack by pasting epoxy onto the surface of the crack. Injecting urethane through the crack until it fills the crack entirely including the outside surface area. (If a crack is behind paneling or drywall, we will remove the drywall and studs to repair crack from inside.)
To repair a crack from the outside (if obtrusive to repair form inside), we will dig out a hole (by hand or mini excavator) all the way down to the footing. Including exposing footing. We only repair crack(s) from the outside if it is absolutely necessary to do it from the outside. After exposing the crack, we clean it with a wire brush. Place tar and reinforced fiber plastic, from top of the foundation crack all the way down to the bottom including the footing. Using this waterproofing system is best practice (waterproofing reinforced fiber membrane) when sealing a crack from the outside. We can also waterproof your entire foundation wall from the outside using this practice. The water leaks through your foundation wall will stop and dry up. In fact this is a best practice procedure to waterproof a crack or entire foundation wall. Our transferable foundation repair warranty will give you and your family peace of mind for years to come.
Professional Crack Repair Services
Since 1986, American Foundation Repair has repaired tens of thousands of foundation cracks across the Chicago area. Our professional team offers timely, reliable, and affordable solutions, so you don’t have to wait weeks or months to address your foundation issues.
Online Waterproofing Estimates
We now offer online waterproofing estimates. Tired of sales people trying to cross-sell or up-sell you a product, when all you need is simple crack repair. Just download a picture of your crack(s) or download a competitors estimate and we will evaluate your problem. If we feel we need to go out and inspect the problem we'll email you back to set up a free on-site consultation. Otherwise if you feel comfortable with an online estimate we will provide you with a free online quote within 2-3 business days based on the information you've submitted. No gimmicks, never up-sales or cross-sales just a TRUE COST CRACK REPAR Don't wait weeks or months for a simple crack repair. Have a dry basement today!
In-Person Assessments
If you prefer person to person meet up we can usually see you within 1-3 business days to evaluate your foundation problem. We only use the best quality products and get the work done in a reasonably timely manner. Don’t wait weeks or even months to have your crack repaired. Give us a call we are Chicagoland’s most reliable basement waterproofing and foundation repair company.
