Foundation Repair FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Foundation Repair Questions

Q: My house has a crack in the foundation, what should I do?
A: Most foundations will experience some degree of cracking during its life. Some concrete cracks occur as the result of the curing process or are common shrinkage cracks. Other foundation cracks can occur for various reasons:

• Frost
• Shrinkage or swelling of the clay supporting the foundation under the footing.
• Changing the loading on the structure (e.g. Adding a second story to a single story dwelling).

If these cracks leak water or if they appear to widen as time passes, it can be an indication of a developing problem.

 

Q: What causes foundation settling and what can I do about it?
A: Foundation settling problems can occur for many reasons, including:

• Increased load on structure
• Insufficient support under structure
• Subsoil moisture changes during wet or drought periods
• Inadequate protection from frost

As there are several repair methods available to correct settlement problems, each problem must be properly identified before a repair solution can be recommended. In many circumstances, raising the structure to original elevation can be accomplished.

 

Q: Why is there water in my heating ducts?
A: Water in heating ducts is a common problem in under-slab, forced air heating systems. As these ducts are typically installed lower than perimeter weeping tile it is natural that water should want to migrate into them. To avoid the deterioration of these air ducts and the growth of mould and fungus, it is important to correct this problem.

 

Q: Why is water coming through my basement window?
A: This particular problem is most common with below-grade windows. In most cases, there is a window well. Due to the type of soils we have in Alberta and freeze/thaw conditions we encounter, water running through basement windows is a common problem. Essentially, the water is unable to penetrate through the soil to the perimeter weeping tile.

 

Q: What can I do about water in my basement?
A: This is a common problem in areas with high water tables. As water will take the path of least resistance, most often it is the basement floor. Most building codes and residential by-laws do not deal with this issue. Should it be left unrepaired, more serious damage can occur. This problem can be easily repaired by properly installing under-slab drainage.

 

Q: What is the white powder/mold on my basements wall or floor?
A: Most commonly called efflorescence, it is not a fungus. Essentially, this problem is caused by the minerals in the groundwater seeping through cracks or through the concrete itself. Once the water evaporates the minerals are left behind. The white colour is typically sulfate deposits. These deposits are basically warning signs. Although older homes are at risk to sulfates, most concrete installed in basements today are sulfate resistant.

 

Q: Our basement was dry for 5+ years then one day it suddenly began to leak, how could this happen?
A: Problems can develop even in the most well-built homes. Over time, foundation walls settle and crack due to Alberta’s harsh freeze/thaw cycle. Protective coatings that were applied during construction to help make the foundation watertight may deteriorate and/or crack simply due to age. Exterior drainage systems can also fill up with silt over time due to shifting & settlement which is an inevitable result of wet and dry seasons. Ultimately, homes that were originally built to be watertight can begin to leak without notice, while other homes may never leak throughout their lifetime.

 

Q: Do I need to take care of my wet basement now or can it wait?
A: Many homeowners postpone repairing their basements because they are unaware of the severe damage that can be caused by water penetrating the foundation. Neglecting a basement water problem can result in costly foundation structural repairs. It is wise to have a professional inspect your basement if there is any question that you might have a water problem.

 

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