How to Fix Foundation Cracks
Cracks in your home’s foundation can be alarming, especially if water starts seeping through or if they appear to be growing over time. Whether caused by natural settling, hydrostatic pressure, or freeze-thaw cycles, foundation cracks should never be ignored. At B&P Contracting, we’ve seen it all – from hairline cracks in new builds to major water infiltration in older homes. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through our proven, professional method for fixing foundation cracks and preventing future damage.
Before diving into the repair process, it’s important to understand why these cracks occur in the first place:
Soil movement and settlement: As the ground shifts over time, your home’s foundation may crack due to uneven pressure.
Water pressure: Poor drainage or a high water table can lead to hydrostatic pressure, pushing water through foundation walls.
Temperature fluctuations: Freeze-thaw cycles can expand existing cracks and create new ones.
Poor construction practices: Improper curing, low-quality concrete, or lack of reinforcement can lead to premature cracking.
Identifying the cause helps us choose the most effective repair technique
Step-by-Step: How B&P Contracting Fixes Foundation Cracks
Step 1: Inspect and Assess the Crack
Our process starts with a thorough inspection. Not all cracks are created equal. We assess:
Crack width and length
Location (horizontal, vertical, or stair-step)
Signs of moisture or mold
Previous repair attempts
We also determine whether the crack is structural or cosmetic, and whether it is active (still shifting) or dormant.
Step 2: Prepare the Surface
Before any materials can be applied, we clean and prep the surface. This includes:
Removing dirt, debris, and loose concrete,
Grinding or chiseling the crack to create a bonding profile
Clearing the area around the base of the wall, as seen in our project photos
A clean surface ensures that sealants and coatings will bond properly.
Step 3: Install Injection Ports
For deep crack repair, we drill along the length of the crack and install injection ports at regular intervals. These ports allow us to inject repair material deep into the wall to seal the crack from the inside out.
The spacing of the ports depends on the crack’s length and severity. Once installed, we temporarily seal the surface with an epoxy paste to hold the injected material in place.
Step 4: Crack Injection with Epoxy or Polyurethane
Now it’s time for the critical step: crack injection. The choice of material depends on the crack type:
- Epoxy is used for structural repairs. It hardens into a solid, restoring the original strength of the wall.
- Polyurethane foam is ideal for waterproofing. It expands to fill voids and stop active water leaks.
Using a dual-cartridge injection gun, we fill each port from bottom to top, ensuring the material completely fills the crack path. The ports remain in place until the material cures.
Step 5: Surface Sealing and Waterproofing Membrane
Once the injected material has cured, we remove the ports and seal the crack surface with high-strength patching compound.
Next, we coat the entire wall with a waterproofing membrane, as shown in the second image. This black, rubberized coating provides a secondary barrier against moisture, sealing porous concrete and preventing future water infiltration.
Long-Term Benefits of Professional Crack Repair & Waterproofing
Why hire professionals like B&P Contracting instead of relying on DIY kits?
- Permanent results: We use commercial-grade products and proven techniques that go far beyond temporary DIY fixes.
- Structural peace of mind: Our methods restore both the strength and waterproofing of your foundation.
- Property value: Professional repairs add resale value and avoid costly issues during home inspections.
- Full-service approach: We handle not only the crack but the underlying drainage and structural causes.
- Comprehensive Waterproofing: With layered membrane systems and moisture barriers, we ensure lasting dry basements.
We proudly offer renovation services across Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, and the surrounding Durham Region. Whether it’s a simple crack seal or a full basement restoration, B&P Contracting brings experience, reliability, and quality to every project.