Professional Foundation Repair and Waterproofing Services

Professional foundation repair and waterproofing services help protect homes, businesses and other structures from settlement, shifting soil, wall movement and water intrusion. From stabilizing a sinking foundation to installing basement drainage or sealing a damp crawl space, experienced foundation contractors provide solutions based on the property’s construction and underlying conditions.

Foundation and moisture problems rarely correct themselves. Cracks, uneven floors, bowing walls, standing water and persistent humidity may worsen when the underlying cause remains unresolved. A detailed evaluation can identify visible damage, contributing conditions and the repair methods appropriate for the structure.

Complete Foundation and Waterproofing Solutions

A foundations and waterproofing company can provide structural stabilization, water-management systems, moisture control and repairs for concrete slabs, basements, crawl spaces and pier-and-beam foundations.

Popular foundation and waterproofing services include:

• Foundation inspections and evaluations
• Foundation crack repair
• Settling foundation stabilization
• Foundation pier installation
• Basement wall stabilization
• Bowing wall repair
• Wall anchor installation
• Carbon fiber reinforcement
• Basement waterproofing
• Interior drainage systems
• Exterior foundation waterproofing
• Sump pump installation
• Battery backup sump pumps
• Crawl space encapsulation
• Crawl space drainage
• Vapor barrier installation
• Crawl space structural repair
• Concrete leveling
• Yard drainage improvements
• Water and moisture control

Foundation Repair

Foundation repair addresses movement, settlement, cracks and structural deterioration affecting a building’s foundation system. The correct repair depends on the foundation type, soil conditions, drainage, extent of movement and cause of the damage.

• Residential foundation repair
• Commercial foundation repair
• Concrete slab foundation repair
• Basement foundation repair
• Crawl space foundation repair
• Pier-and-beam foundation repair
• Foundation stabilization
• Settlement repair
• Foundation lifting when appropriate
• Foundation crack repair
• Structural support installation
• Foundation drainage correction

Foundation Settlement Repair

Foundation settlement occurs when soil beneath part of a structure compresses, shifts, washes away or cannot adequately support the building. Uneven settlement may create cracks, sloping floors and openings around doors or windows.

• Sinking foundation stabilization
• Uneven settlement repair
• Foundation pier installation
• Footing stabilization
• Settlement monitoring
• Foundation elevation measurements
• Localized foundation support
• Structural lifting when specified
• Void filling where appropriate
• Drainage improvements around settling foundations

Foundation Pier Installation

Foundation piers transfer structural loads from unstable or inadequate surface soil to stronger soil or load-bearing material below. The appropriate pier system depends on the structure, foundation design, soil conditions and project specifications.

• Steel push pier installation
• Helical pier installation
• Foundation underpinning
• Porch and addition stabilization
• Chimney foundation stabilization
• Garage foundation stabilization
• Commercial foundation piers
• New-construction helical piers
• Foundation support brackets
• Pier load testing when specified

Steel Push Piers

Steel push piers are driven through unstable surface soils until suitable resistance or load-bearing material is reached. Brackets connect the piers to the foundation so the structure’s weight can be transferred to the deeper support system.

Helical Piers

Helical piers are steel shafts with helical plates that are mechanically advanced into the ground. They may be used for existing foundation stabilization, new construction, additions, porches and other structural applications.

Foundation Crack Repair

Foundation cracks can result from concrete shrinkage, settlement, soil pressure, water intrusion, temperature changes or structural movement. The crack’s location, width, direction and rate of change help determine the appropriate response.

• Vertical foundation crack repair
• Horizontal foundation crack evaluation
• Stair-step masonry crack repair
• Basement wall crack repair
• Poured concrete crack repair
• Concrete block wall crack repair
• Foundation joint sealing
• Leaking crack repair
• Epoxy crack injection
• Polyurethane crack injection
• Exterior crack excavation and sealing
• Structural crack stabilization

Crack sealing can address water entry through certain cracks, but sealing alone does not correct ongoing settlement, wall movement or excessive soil pressure. Structural cracks should be evaluated before cosmetic repairs are completed.

Bowing and Leaning Basement Wall Repair

Basement walls can bow, lean or crack when exterior soil and water pressure exceed the wall’s capacity. Early stabilization may provide more repair options and help limit additional movement.

• Bowing basement wall repair
• Leaning wall stabilization
• Horizontal crack stabilization
• Concrete block wall repair
• Poured concrete wall stabilization
• Wall anchor installation
• Steel beam installation
• Carbon fiber reinforcement
• Foundation wall bracing
• Wall movement monitoring

Foundation Wall Anchors

Wall anchor systems connect the affected foundation wall to stable soil beyond the disturbed area near the foundation. Interior wall plates and exterior anchors work together to stabilize the wall and may allow gradual adjustment in suitable conditions.

• Earth anchor installation
• Interior wall plate installation
• Bowing wall stabilization
• Wall anchor adjustment
• Foundation wall monitoring

Steel Beam Reinforcement

Steel beams can be installed against a basement wall and secured to suitable framing and floor support points. The beams help resist further inward movement when installed as part of an appropriate structural repair plan.

• Steel I-beam installation
• Foundation wall bracing
• Floor-to-joist beam anchoring
• Basement wall stabilization
• Localized wall reinforcement

Carbon Fiber Wall Reinforcement

Carbon fiber straps can reinforce certain foundation walls with limited inward movement. The straps are bonded to the wall and connected to appropriate structural points according to the repair design.

• Carbon fiber strap installation
• Horizontal crack reinforcement
• Concrete block wall reinforcement
• Poured wall reinforcement
• Low-profile foundation stabilization

Pier-and-Beam Foundation Repair

Pier-and-beam and raised foundations use piers, beams and floor joists to support the building above a crawl space. Moisture, soil movement, wood deterioration and inadequate supports can contribute to uneven or bouncy floors.

• Interior support pier installation
• Existing pier adjustment
• Beam replacement
• Floor joist repair
• Sill beam repair
• Support post replacement
• Crawl space structural stabilization
• Supplemental beam installation
• Floor leveling
• Damaged wood replacement
• Shimming and support correction
• Moisture-related structural repair

Crawl Space Structural Repair

Crawl space supports may become damaged by moisture, wood decay, insects, settlement or improper alterations. Structural repairs restore support beneath floors and address damaged framing or inadequate support locations.

• Sagging floor repair
• Floor joist reinforcement
• Joist sistering
• Beam repair and replacement
• Adjustable support post installation
• Crawl space pier installation
• Subfloor support repair
• Damaged sill plate repair
• Supplemental support beams
• Floor stabilization

Wood-destroying insect activity should be evaluated and addressed by an appropriately qualified pest professional before or alongside structural restoration.

Basement Waterproofing

Basement waterproofing manages water that enters through foundation cracks, porous walls, floor joints, plumbing penetrations and other vulnerable areas. An effective system should address the source and pathway of the water rather than only concealing visible stains.

• Interior basement waterproofing
• Exterior foundation waterproofing
• Basement drainage systems
• Foundation crack sealing
• Wall vapor barriers
• Sump pump installation
• Window well drainage
• Basement floor drainage
• Foundation joint waterproofing
• Basement humidity control
• Waterproof wall coatings
• Basement water intrusion repair

Interior Basement Waterproofing

Interior waterproofing systems collect water entering around foundation walls, wall-floor joints and other problem areas. The collected water is directed through drainage channels to a sump pump or suitable discharge system.

• Interior perimeter drains
• Below-floor drainage channels
• Wall-floor joint drainage
• Drainage matting
• Wall vapor barriers
• Foundation crack repair
• Sump basin installation
• Sump pump installation
• Floor drain improvements
• Basement dehumidification

Exterior Foundation Waterproofing

Exterior waterproofing exposes the outside foundation wall so cracks and defects can be repaired and a waterproofing system can be applied. Drainage materials may also be installed to move water away from the foundation.

• Foundation perimeter excavation
• Exterior wall cleaning and preparation
• Exterior foundation crack repair
• Waterproof membrane installation
• Drainage board installation
• Exterior footing drain installation
• Foundation insulation installation
• Gravel drainage layers
• Foundation wall backfilling
• Final grading restoration

Interior Drainage Systems

An interior drainage system is installed along the basement perimeter to collect water and direct it to a sump basin. Different drainage configurations may be used according to the foundation type and source of the water.

• Perimeter drainage channels
• Subfloor drainage tile
• Wall drainage systems
• Drainage mat installation
• Cove joint drainage
• Sump basin connections
• Cleanout installation
• Interior drainage maintenance

Sump Pump Installation and Repair

A sump pump removes water collected in a sump basin and discharges it away from the structure. Pump capacity, basin size, discharge routing and backup protection should be selected according to the property’s water-management needs.

• Primary sump pump installation
• Sump pump replacement
• Submersible sump pumps
• Pedestal sump pumps
• Sump basin installation
• Sump pump discharge lines
• Check valve installation
• Sealed sump basin covers
• High-water alarms
• Sump pump testing
• Sump pump repair
• Dual-pump systems

Battery Backup Sump Pumps

A battery backup pump can provide temporary pumping capacity when the primary pump fails or electrical power is unavailable. Backup systems should be tested and maintained according to their design.

• Battery backup sump pump installation
• Backup pump replacement
• Battery testing and replacement
• Dual-pump configurations
• High-water alarm installation
• Backup system maintenance

Water-Powered Backup Pumps

A water-powered backup pump uses the building’s pressurized water supply to remove sump water during certain power failures. Suitability depends on the available water service, pressure, plumbing requirements and applicable restrictions.

Basement Wall Vapor Barriers

Basement wall barriers can direct wall moisture into an interior drainage system and separate the finished space from damp foundation surfaces. The selected product and installation method should work with the overall waterproofing design.

• Basement wall vapor barriers
• Drainage membrane installation
• Foundation wall coverings
• Wall-to-drainage system connections
• Moisture-resistant wall preparation
• Basement finishing moisture protection

Basement Crack and Joint Waterproofing

Water may enter through cracks, form-tie holes, pipe penetrations and the joint where the floor meets the foundation wall. The repair method depends on the opening, water pressure and wall construction.

• Leaking wall crack repair
• Polyurethane crack injection
• Epoxy crack injection
• Wall-floor joint waterproofing
• Pipe penetration sealing
• Form-tie hole repair
• Utility opening sealing
• Exterior crack sealing

Basement Window Well Services

Window wells can collect water when drainage is inadequate, covers are missing or surrounding soil slopes toward the opening. Window well improvements help reduce water pressure against basement windows.

• Window well drain installation
• Window well replacement
• Window well covers
• Window well gravel replacement
• Window well wall sealing
• Window leak evaluation
• Drainage connection repair
• Soil grading around window wells

Crawl Space Encapsulation

Crawl space encapsulation isolates exposed soil and foundation surfaces with a durable vapor barrier system. It can help reduce ground moisture, humidity and damp conditions that may contribute to odors, condensation, wood deterioration and microbial growth.

• Crawl space vapor barrier installation
• Ground liner installation
• Foundation wall liner installation
• Seam sealing
• Pier and penetration sealing
• Crawl space vent sealing
• Access door improvements
• Crawl space drainage
• Sump pump installation
• Crawl space dehumidifier installation
• Insulation removal and replacement
• Encapsulation maintenance

Crawl Space Vapor Barriers

A crawl space vapor barrier covers exposed soil to reduce the movement of ground moisture into the space. Full encapsulation may extend the liner up foundation walls and around piers, with seams and penetrations sealed.

• Ground vapor barriers
• Reinforced crawl space liners
• Wall liner installation
• Pier wrapping
• Sealed liner seams
• Mechanical liner fastening
• Access door liner installation
• Vapor barrier repair

Crawl Space Drainage

Encapsulation should not trap standing water beneath a liner. Active water problems may require drainage improvements before or during installation of the vapor barrier.

• Crawl space perimeter drains
• Interior drainage trenches
• Drainage matting
• Sump basin installation
• Crawl space sump pumps
• Surface-water redirection
• Low-area drainage
• Discharge line installation

Crawl Space Dehumidification

A properly sized dehumidifier can help manage airborne moisture in an enclosed crawl space. The unit should be installed with suitable drainage and access for service.

• Crawl space dehumidifier installation
• Condensate drain installation
• Humidity monitoring
• Dehumidifier replacement
• Filter and maintenance service
• Automatic humidity controls

Crawl Space Vent Sealing

Outside vents may be sealed as part of a designed encapsulation system. The crawl space’s moisture, drainage, combustion-air and ventilation requirements should be evaluated before openings are closed.

Crawl Space Cleanup

Crawl spaces may contain fallen insulation, construction debris, damaged liners and materials affected by long-term moisture. Cleanup prepares the space for drainage, encapsulation and structural repairs.

• Debris removal
• Damaged insulation removal
• Old vapor barrier removal
• Wet material removal
• Crawl space surface cleaning
• Preparation for encapsulation
• Access-area clearing
• Odor source removal

Suspected mold, sewage contamination, asbestos or other hazardous materials may require specialized testing or remediation before general cleanup proceeds.

Foundation Drainage Solutions

Water accumulating around a foundation can contribute to basement leakage, crawl space moisture, erosion and soil movement. Drainage improvements help collect or redirect surface and subsurface water.

• Foundation perimeter drains
• French drain installation
• Downspout extensions
• Underground downspout drainage
• Catch basin installation
• Drainage swales
• Surface grading
• Yard drainage systems
• Curtain drains
• Sump pump discharge systems
• Drainage pipe repair
• Erosion-control preparation

French Drain Installation

A French drain uses a perforated pipe surrounded by drainage aggregate to collect and redirect subsurface water. The system must have an appropriate slope, outlet and location to function as intended.

• Foundation French drains
• Yard French drains
• Curtain drains
• Hillside drainage
• Wet-area drainage
• Perforated drainage pipe installation
• Drainage aggregate placement
• French drain repair and replacement

Downspout Drainage

Roof runoff should discharge far enough from the foundation to reduce water accumulation near basement and crawl space walls. Underground systems can carry downspout water to an appropriate outlet.

• Downspout extensions
• Buried downspout lines
• Downspout drainage connections
• Pop-up emitter installation
• Downspout line cleaning
• Damaged drainage pipe replacement
• Roof runoff redirection

Yard Grading and Regrading

Ground around a structure should generally direct surface water away from foundation walls. Low areas and improper slopes can allow water to collect near basements and crawl spaces.

• Foundation grading
• Yard regrading
• Low-area filling
• Drainage swale construction
• Topsoil placement
• Slope correction
• Standing water correction
• Erosion-damaged area repair

Concrete Slab Repair and Leveling

Concrete slabs, walkways, patios and garage floors can settle when supporting soil consolidates, washes away or contains voids. Concrete leveling may raise certain sunken slabs without complete replacement.

• Sunken concrete leveling
• Slab lifting
• Polyurethane foam injection
• Traditional slabjacking where appropriate
• Garage floor leveling
• Sidewalk leveling
• Patio leveling
• Driveway slab leveling
• Void filling
• Trip hazard reduction

Concrete leveling is not suitable for every slab or structural foundation problem. Severely broken concrete, unstable soil or ongoing erosion may require additional repair or replacement.

Foundation Waterproofing for New Construction

Waterproofing and drainage systems can be installed during construction before foundation walls are backfilled. Coordinating these components early provides access to the exterior walls and footing area.

• Exterior waterproof membranes
• Dampproofing systems
• Foundation drainage board
• Footing drain installation
• Sump basin preparation
• Foundation wall insulation
• Drainage aggregate placement
• Waterproof penetration details
• Crawl space vapor barriers
• Final foundation grading

Residential Foundation and Waterproofing Services

Residential foundation services help homeowners address settlement, wall cracks, damp basements, crawl space moisture and uneven floors. Repairs should be designed around the home’s foundation type and contributing conditions.

• House foundation repair
• Basement waterproofing
• Crawl space encapsulation
• Foundation pier installation
• Bowing basement wall repair
• Sump pump installation
• Foundation crack sealing
• Yard drainage improvements
• Sagging floor repair
• Concrete leveling

Commercial Foundation and Waterproofing Services

Commercial foundation and waterproofing projects may involve offices, retail properties, warehouses, multifamily buildings and other structures. Work can include stabilization, water management and moisture control for occupied or developing properties.

• Commercial foundation stabilization
• Commercial underpinning
• Foundation pier installation
• Commercial basement waterproofing
• Retaining and foundation wall stabilization
• Large-capacity sump systems
• Commercial drainage systems
• Foundation crack repair
• Concrete slab stabilization
• Water intrusion investigations

Common Signs of Foundation Problems

• Stair-step cracks in brick or masonry
• Horizontal basement wall cracks
• Foundation cracks that continue to widen
• Doors or windows that stick
• Gaps around doors and windows
• Uneven or sloping floors
• Cracks above doorways or windows
• Separating walls and ceilings
• Bowing or leaning basement walls
• Chimneys pulling away from the building
• Sagging floors above a crawl space
• Visible foundation settlement
• Porches or additions separating from the structure
• Water entering through foundation cracks

Some cracks result from ordinary material shrinkage, while others indicate structural movement. Crack shape, width, location and progression should be considered together rather than relying on appearance alone.

Common Signs of Basement Water Problems

• Standing water on the basement floor
• Water entering at the wall-floor joint
• Damp or discolored foundation walls
• White mineral deposits on masonry
• Peeling paint or damaged wall coverings
• Musty basement odors
• High indoor humidity
• Rust on metal basement components
• Water around window wells
• Recurring water after heavy rain
• Wet carpeting or flooring
• Condensation on pipes or walls

Common Signs of Crawl Space Moisture Problems

• Standing water or wet soil
• Musty odors
• Condensation on ducts or pipes
• Sagging insulation
• Visible wood discoloration
• Rust on metal supports
• Soft or deteriorated floor framing
• High indoor humidity
• Uneven or bouncy floors
• Pest activity
• Damaged vapor barriers
• Recurring microbial growth

Foundation and Waterproofing Evaluation Process

1. Review the building’s foundation type and reported concerns.
2. Inspect accessible interior and exterior foundation components.
3. Document cracks, wall movement, floor changes and water entry.
4. Evaluate grading, gutters, downspouts and surrounding drainage.
5. Inspect basement or crawl space moisture conditions.
6. Measure foundation elevations when appropriate.
7. Identify likely causes and contributing conditions.
8. Develop a repair or water-management plan.
9. Complete approved stabilization, drainage or encapsulation work.
10. Inspect the completed system and verify operation.
11. Provide applicable maintenance and monitoring information.

Foundation Repair Considerations

Foundation movement can have more than one contributing cause. A thorough repair plan may consider:

• Foundation construction
• Soil type and bearing capacity
• Drainage and erosion
• Tree roots and vegetation
• Plumbing leaks
• Groundwater conditions
• Footing depth and condition
• Previous additions or alterations
• Structural loads
• History and progression of movement
• Access for repair equipment
• Applicable permits and engineering requirements

Projects involving substantial structural movement, unusual loading or complex damage may require evaluation and repair specifications from a qualified structural engineer.

Benefits of Professional Foundation and Waterproofing Services

• Identification of structural and moisture problems
• Repair methods selected for the foundation type
• Stabilization of settling foundations
• Reinforcement of bowing basement walls
• Reduced basement water intrusion
• Improved crawl space moisture control
• Drainage directed away from vulnerable areas
• Protection for floor framing and building materials
• Improved sump pump reliability
• Reduced conditions that encourage mold and wood decay
• Better protection for finished basement areas
• Long-term monitoring of repaired foundations

Frequently Asked Questions About Foundations and Waterproofing

What causes a foundation to settle?

Foundation settlement can result from soil consolidation, erosion, inadequate compaction, expansive soil, plumbing leaks, changing moisture conditions or insufficient support beneath the footing.

Are all foundation cracks serious?

No. Some cracks are caused by normal concrete shrinkage, while others may indicate movement or excessive pressure. Crack direction, width, location and change over time help determine the level of concern.

Can foundation cracks be repaired from inside?

Many poured concrete wall cracks can be injected or sealed from the interior. Exterior excavation may be more appropriate when outside waterproofing, drainage or structural conditions must also be addressed.

What is foundation underpinning?

Underpinning adds support beneath an existing foundation. Steel push piers, helical piers and other systems may transfer structural loads to deeper, more stable material.

Can foundation piers lift a settled building?

Some pier systems may allow controlled lifting under suitable conditions, but complete recovery of the original elevation is not always possible or advisable. Stabilization is typically the primary objective.

What causes basement walls to bow?

Basement walls may bow because of soil pressure, water pressure, expansive soil, frost effects, inadequate reinforcement or drainage problems outside the foundation.

How is a bowing basement wall repaired?

Repair options may include wall anchors, steel beams, carbon fiber reinforcement or rebuilding. The appropriate method depends on the wall material, amount of movement and underlying cause.

What is the difference between waterproofing and dampproofing?

Dampproofing is intended to resist ordinary soil moisture, while waterproofing systems are designed to manage more significant water intrusion. Materials and installation requirements vary by project.

Does interior basement waterproofing stop water outside the foundation?

Interior systems generally collect and manage water after it reaches the foundation interior. Exterior waterproofing and drainage address water from the outside surface of the foundation wall.

Why does water enter where the basement wall meets the floor?

The wall-floor joint can become an entry point when groundwater or saturated soil creates pressure beneath or around the foundation. An interior perimeter drainage system may be used to collect this water.

Does a sump pump need battery backup?

Battery backup can provide additional protection during power outages or primary pump problems. Its value depends on the property’s water volume, outage risk and consequences of pump failure.

What is crawl space encapsulation?

Encapsulation covers the crawl space floor and, in many systems, the foundation walls with a durable vapor barrier. Seams and penetrations are sealed to help reduce ground moisture entering the space.

Will crawl space encapsulation eliminate mold?

Encapsulation helps control moisture conditions that support mold growth, but it does not replace necessary mold remediation or repair of active water sources. Existing contamination may require separate treatment.

Should crawl space vents always be sealed?

Vent sealing may be part of a designed encapsulation system, but combustion-air, drainage, moisture and building requirements must be evaluated before vents are closed.

Can yard grading solve basement water problems?

Grading can reduce surface water near a foundation, but some properties also need downspout drainage, foundation drains, interior drainage or sump pumps. The solution depends on the water source.

Why do floors sag above a crawl space?

Sagging floors may result from damaged joists, inadequate beams, settling supports, excess spans, wood decay or long-term crawl space moisture.

Can concrete leveling repair a structural foundation?

Concrete leveling is commonly used for certain sunken slabs, patios, sidewalks and driveways. Structural foundations require separate evaluation and may need underpinning or another engineered repair.

How can future foundation movement be monitored?

Monitoring may include dated photographs, crack gauges, elevation measurements and periodic inspections. Movement that continues or accelerates should be reevaluated.

Reliable Foundation Stabilization and Moisture Protection

Professional foundation repair and waterproofing services address the structural and moisture conditions that can affect a building from the ground up. Accurate diagnosis is essential because cracks, water intrusion, uneven floors and wall movement may have several contributing causes.

From foundation piers and basement wall reinforcement to interior drainage, sump pumps and crawl space encapsulation, dependable repair and water-management systems help create a stronger, drier and more stable property.