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Foundation Issues? We Fix Cracks and Prevent Future Damage
Protect your home from water damage today!
About EHS Crack Solutions
Our Mission
"At EHS, we are driven by a deep commitment to integrity and craftsmanship. Our mission is to provide reliable and lasting foundation crack repairs that protect your home and ensure the safety and well-being of your family. We value honesty, transparency, and a strong ethical foundation in everything we do."
Protective Solutions for Your Home's Foundation
Water Damage and Erosion
Water Damage and Erosion
Water Damage and Erosion
- Soil Erosion: Water infiltrating through the crack can reach the soil surrounding the foundation. This soil can begin to erode, especially in areas with poor drainage or high moisture content. When the soil around the foundation becomes loose or washes away, it reduces the foundation's support. In extreme cases, this erosion can cause the foundation to shift, sink, or settle unevenly.
- Hydrostatic Pressure: Water accumulating near the foundation exerts pressure against the walls. If this pressure builds up without a way to escape, it’s known as hydrostatic pressure. This can worsen cracks in the foundation and may also push against the walls, potentially causing bowing or leaning of the foundation walls
Mold and Mildew Growth
Water Damage and Erosion
Water Damage and Erosion
- Humidity: Even if the water isn't pooling directly in your basement or crawl space, the increased moisture in the air encourages mold and mildew growth. Over time, this can lead to significant indoor air quality issues, including musty odors and respiratory problems.
- Structural Damage from Mold: Mold doesn't just affect the air quality; it can also damage wooden structures in the basement or crawl space. Wood framing can rot, leading to further structural issues and costly repairs. Additionally, mold can weaken insulation materials, reducing their effectivenes
Structural Damage
Water Damage and Erosion
Freezing and Expansion (Freeze/Thaw Cycle)
- Cracks Worsening: If the water continues to flow through the crack over time, it can make the crack larger. The pressure from the water can expand the fissure, causing the foundation material to weaken. Concrete foundations are especially vulnerable, as water can cause the concrete to deteriorate and lose its strength.
- Settlement and Shifting: As the soil surrounding the foundation erodes or becomes waterlogged, it may settle unevenly. This leads to structural shifts that can result in doors and windows becoming misaligned, floors sagging, or walls cracking in other places.
- Buckling and Tilting: If water infiltrates beneath the foundation or into the crawl space, it can create uneven pressure on the foundation’s structure. Over time, this could cause the foundation to tilt or buckle, leading to very serious structural problems that can be extremely expensive to repair.
Freezing and Expansion (Freeze/Thaw Cycle)
Freezing and Expansion (Freeze/Thaw Cycle)
- Water Freezing: When water seeps into cracks and the temperature drops, the water may freeze. As water freezes, it expands by about 9%. This expansion puts extra pressure on the crack, causing it to widen. The freezing and thawing cycles (which are common in colder climates) cause repeated expansion and contraction, worsening the damage to the foundation.
- Frost Heave: In some cases, this freezing of water can result in "frost heave," where the ground itself shifts because the frozen water pushes the foundation upward. This can cause significant unevenness in the structure and lead to additional cracking.
Increased Repair Costs
- Minor vs. Major Repairs: At first, the water infiltration may seem like a small issue, but over time, it can escalate. If left untreated, a small crack can widen, allowing more water in and causing more severe structural issues. Repairing significant damage can involve foundation underpinning (reinforcing the foundation to prevent further movement), sealing cracks, and possibly even excavation to fix drainage or re-level the structure.
- Cost of Mold Remediation: If mold becomes a problem, it will require professional remediation. This process involves removing mold, cleaning affected materials, and possibly replacing contaminated items like insulation or drywall.
- Insurance Considerations: Some homeowners' insurance policies may not cover water damage resulting from cracks in the foundation unless there is a specific endorsement for "foundation repair" or "waterproofing." It's essential to check your policy to understand what is covered, as repairs could become costly.protection.
How to Address and Prevent Further Damage
- Crack Sealing: The first step is to seal any cracks you find in your foundation. There are various methods to do this, depending on the size and severity of the crack. Some small cracks can be sealed with epoxy or polyurethane injections. Larger cracks might require more comprehensive work, such as resurfacing or installing a water barrier.
- Improve Drainage: Ensuring proper drainage around your foundation can prevent water from pooling and flowing through cracks. Gutters, downspouts, and proper grading of the yard can help divert water away from the foundation. Installing French drains or sump pumps can also help manage excess water around the foundation.
- Waterproofing: Installing a waterproofing membrane or a sealant around the foundation's exterior can prevent water from infiltrating through cracks in the first place. Interior waterproofing systems, like basement waterproofing systems, can also help by directing water to a sump pump.
- Foundation Underpinning: If erosion or shifting has caused the foundation to settle or crack significantly, you might need foundation underpinning. This involves strengthening the foundation by adding supports, which prevents further movement and stabilizes the structure.
- Regular Inspections: Regularly inspecting the foundation can help catch minor cracks before they become major problems. Having a professional foundation contractor assess the state of the foundation every few years can help spot potential issues early.
Contact Us
"We maintain open communication with our customers every step of the way, ensuring the job is done to your satisfaction. For a free quote, or if you have any questions or special requests, feel free to reach out to us."
