If you notice cracks or water leaks around your home, you may be experiencing some foundation problems. This is a hazardous situation because if your foundation is breaking, sinking, or changing, it could endanger your entire home. So, as usual, check for cracks in the brick wall or chimney cracks, drywall fractures and always look in your basement to see what your foundation is doing below. If you see a problem, it is best to fix it immediately because solutions are available.

When it comes to repairing a torn foundation, whether it’s sinking, bending, or leaking, two words immediately come to mind – repairing the foundation and waterproofing it. What are the differences? Which one should I do? Which should I do first? Which one is right for my situation?

Foundation inspector

First, as always, contact an informed foundation inspector. It is usually a Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer or P.E., or Certified Foundation Repair and Contractor. These are the experts who can diagnose your problem and give good advice on a method to solve your foundation’s issues. They will walk in and out of your home, analyze your situation and give you a written assessment of the current extent of the damage. With this information, you will be able to make the right decision about what steps are needed to maintain the original integrity of the structure.

Simply put, waterproofing can be defined as the diverting of water to a predetermined location. Waterproofing does not solve structural problems. Waterproofing does not fix a failed foundation.

Waterproofing can remove hard water from around the structure. Waterproofing can divert water so that the pressure on the basement walls cannot be removed.

Waterproofing can prevent invasive water intrusion. Waterproofing is just one step in the process of resolving your failed foundation. When used in conjunction with standard foundation repair products, waterproofing can help maintain your home’s integrity.

Foundation repairs

Foundation repairs can be described as ways to strengthen or reduce your failed foundation due to unforeseen forces. The use of design and engineered foundation repair products can transform your foundation into a designed initial tolerance. These products can be used to lift structures. These products can support your foundation by replacing load-bearing points. Quality foundation repair methods use the surrounding load-bearing clay to help your home’s foundation.

Which comes first, the chicken or the egg? Are you waterproof first, or do you install foundation repair products first? Simply put, it depends on the recommendations of your foundation’s experts. Is water intrusion causing your problems? Is water accumulating around your home? Are your gutter and sump pumps working correctly? Is your foundation settling with the help of weak soil or changing the ground under your house?

Are there vertical cracks in your basement walls? Do you have horizontal cracks in your walls?

All of these questions will be answered in the initial inspection of your home. Your foundation engineer will talk to you about your individual needs and suggest repair methods. You will usually need a combination of foundation repair and waterproofing. When used together, you can be assured that your home will be restored to its original structural integrity while eliminating water issues that could lead to future foundation problems.

Epoxy crack sealing

Epoxy crack sealing works excellent, but if you’re diverting water to the next weakest part of your foundation, you’re only pursuing one problem. Super Duper sump pumps with turbocharged battery backups are great but do nothing to straighten sloping or sinking walls. The dry basement does nothing for a cellar built on poor or stable soil. If there is a leak in your basement, there is damage, and this damage needs to be addressed by foundation repair specialists.

Foundation piers or tiebacks

It is a question of repairing the foundation or waterproofing. A competent foundation expert is an answer. Call your local specialist today and discuss your foundation’s issues with experts.

If you have problems with the foundation, including bending walls, cracks in your foundation, or any settlement. You will find the truth about foundation repair methods and what you should expect at this site. There are many misconceptions about foundation piers or tiebacks. Get the straight answer here.

This site was designed and built with the homeowner in mind as the only accurate source of foundation repair and waterproofing information. From determining if you have a structural problem to hiring an engineer or foundation specialist,