Foundation Crack Repair in Ottawa
Whenever a crack appears in your home foundation, it requires your attention. Although not all cracks are problematic, some may cause a water infiltration and damage or be an indicator of a structural problem that can lead to expensive interventions. With the help of BOL-DAN’s team, your foundation crack repair experts in Ottawa, these issues can be dealt with efficiently. Our services are quite comprehensive, as we cover notably masonry repair and foundation waterproofing.
Different types of cracks
There are many types of cracks: wall or floor shrinkage cracks; wall or floor settlement cracks. Therefore, repairing techniques depend on various criteria:
- Material used for the foundation (brick, stone or concrete)
- Area where the crack appears (wall, floor, slab, crawlspace or basement)
- Size of the crack (the width of a 10 cents coin’s edge or wider)
- Shape of the crack (vertical, horizontal or diagonal; straight or in zig-zag; wider or thinner at one end)
Homeowners whose foundations are in bricks should be aware that cracks in brick walls always expand and need to be checked by professionals only. You can trust BOL-DAN’s expertise and foundation crack repairs services in Ottawa to take care of your house’s foundation.
Why Foundation Cracks Appear
The origins of cracks in foundations are multiple. Serious or not, no crack should be left unchecked as some can let water in the structure or indicate a weakness in the foundation that might lead to severe damages. The following list gives you an overview of the reasons why cracks may appear in residential foundations:
- Concrete curing
- Changes in temperature
- Improper mix when preparing concrete
- Lack of steel reinforcement in the foundation
- Movements in foundations due to incorrect footings
- Building settlement
- Excessive load
- Roots of a tree planted too close to the building
- Frost damage
- Soil expansion due to water or frost
- Improperly compacted soil
- And other causes
Crack Foundation Repair Techniques
Wall and floor shrinkage cracks are harmless. They can be sealed against water infiltration, stopped from furthering by adding control joints, and simply repaired to avoid tripping.
Wall settlement cracks are problematic as they imply that the foundation’s stability must be restored. Stell pins, piers or rods can be used depending on the terrain conditions and components. Large-scale repairs may require excavation and reconstruction, usually including basement waterproofing. Repairing techniques for floor settlement cracks are the same as for floor shrinkage cracks.
Have you noticed a crack in your foundation but are not sure what it means? At BOL-DAN, we have all the necessary knowledge to evaluate the situation and suggest the best course of action. Do not hesitate to contact us and request a free estimation.
