Masonry Foundation Repair & Waterproofing

Why Foundation Issues Demand Immediate Attention

Your foundation literally supports everything else about your home. When foundation problems develop, they don't stay isolated. Cracks grow larger. Water infiltration increases. Structural issues spread to walls, floors, and ceilings. What starts as a small problem becomes exponentially more expensive and disruptive to fix if you wait.

Alaska's unique conditions create specific foundation challenges. Permafrost, seasonal freeze-thaw cycles, and significant ground movement stress foundations in ways that don't happen in milder climates. Spring snow melt dumps massive amounts of water around foundations. Winter freezing can cause frost heaving that lifts and shifts foundation walls. These conditions require specialized knowledge to diagnose and repair correctly.

Water is the biggest enemy of foundations and basements. Even small amounts of moisture infiltration cause problems. Water damages stored items, creates musty odors, promotes mold growth, and accelerates concrete deterioration. In Alaska, that water can freeze and expand inside cracks, making damage worse with each freeze-thaw cycle. Effective waterproofing protects your home and prevents costly water damage.

We've repaired foundations throughout the Anchorage area. Every situation is different, but the importance of addressing problems quickly remains constant. Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming major structural failures. Whether you need crack repairs, wall stabilization, or comprehensive waterproofing, professional work protects your largest investment.

Common Foundation Problems We Fix

Understanding foundation issues helps you recognize when to call for professional assessment. Here are the problems we see most often in Alaska homes:

Foundation Cracks

Not all foundation cracks are equally serious, but all deserve attention. Hairline cracks might be cosmetic, while wider cracks indicate structural movement. Horizontal cracks signal pressure against the foundation wall. Vertical cracks often result from settlement. Diagonal cracks suggest differential settlement where one part of the foundation moves differently than another. We assess each crack to determine its cause and severity, then recommend appropriate repairs.

Bowing or Leaning Walls

Foundation walls that bow inward or lean indicate serious structural problems. This typically happens when soil pressure pushes against the wall or when inadequate drainage allows water to accumulate behind the foundation. Bowing walls can eventually collapse if not addressed. We stabilize these walls using various techniques depending on severity, from carbon fiber reinforcement to complete wall rebuilding.

Water Infiltration and Leaks

Water coming through foundation walls or floor joints creates immediate problems and signals underlying issues. Sometimes the problem is exterior waterproofing failure. Other times it's inadequate drainage around the foundation. Hydrostatic pressure from groundwater can force water through even solid concrete. We identify water sources and implement solutions that keep basements dry.

Deteriorated Mortar in Stone Foundations

Older homes often have stone foundations held together with mortar. Over time, this mortar breaks down from moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and age. Deteriorated mortar lets water infiltrate and reduces foundation strength. We repoint stone foundations using appropriate materials and techniques that restore structural integrity while allowing historic foundations to breathe properly.

Settlement and Sinking

All foundations settle somewhat after construction. Excessive settlement, especially differential settlement where different sections sink at different rates, causes serious problems. You'll notice doors and windows that stick, cracks in walls and ceilings, and sloping floors. Foundation settlement requires professional evaluation to determine whether it's stabilized or continuing, and what repairs are needed.

Our Foundation Repair Approach

Foundation repair requires careful diagnosis before any work begins. Here's how we approach these critical projects:

Thorough inspection comes first. We examine your entire foundation, inside and out when possible. We look for cracks, water stains, efflorescence, bowing or shifting, and signs of ongoing movement. We assess drainage around your home and evaluate soil conditions. This comprehensive inspection helps us understand what's wrong and why it happened. Without knowing the cause, repairs might not address the underlying problem.

After diagnosis, we explain what we found and recommend solutions. Foundation repairs range from straightforward crack sealing to complex stabilization projects. We're always honest about what you need. Sometimes simple repairs work fine. Other situations require more extensive work. We explain options, costs, and the consequences of delaying repairs so you can make informed decisions.

Repair work itself varies based on the specific problems. Crack repairs might involve epoxy or polyurethane injection to seal cracks and prevent water infiltration. Wall stabilization could require installing anchors or reinforcement systems. Extensive damage sometimes means partial or complete foundation rebuilding. We use proven techniques and quality materials rated for Alaska's demanding environment.

Throughout repairs, we address not just the visible damage but underlying causes. If poor drainage contributed to foundation problems, we recommend improvements. If settlement resulted from inadequate original construction, we ensure repairs account for that. Comprehensive solutions prevent problems from recurring.

Waterproofing Solutions That Work

Keeping water out of basements and away from foundations requires multiple strategies working together. We implement comprehensive waterproofing systems tailored to your specific situation.

• Exterior waterproofing: We excavate around foundation walls, apply waterproof membranes or coatings, install drainage boards, and ensure proper backfill. This is the most effective approach for keeping water out but requires significant excavation.
• Interior waterproofing: When exterior work isn't practical, interior solutions include waterproof coatings, drainage systems, and sump pumps. While not as comprehensive as exterior waterproofing, interior systems effectively manage water infiltration.
• Drainage improvements: Proper grading directs water away from foundations. We ensure ground slopes away from your home. Gutters and downspouts need to discharge water well away from the foundation. French drains manage subsurface water.
• Crack sealing: We inject cracks with polyurethane or epoxy materials that stop water infiltration and restore structural integrity. This prevents small problems from becoming large ones.
• Sump pump systems: For basements below water table or in areas with high groundwater, sump pumps actively remove water. We install reliable systems with battery backup for power outages.

Effective waterproofing combines multiple approaches. We assess your situation and recommend systems that keep your basement dry while fitting your budget. Our experience with other masonry work gives us comprehensive understanding of how water interacts with foundations and buildings.

Frequently Asked Questions