Foundation FAQs

Q: Why are my foundation walls cracking?

Concrete walls will crack at some point in their lifetime. It maybe in 10 months, 10 years or more, but eventually they will crack. Cracks are most often vertical and are not usually considered to be a structural problem with your home.

Concrete walls will crack due to:

• the settling of the surrounding earth
• the weight or pressure from the ground
• the freezing and thawing of the ground surrounding the structure
• the weight of the house
• the shrinkage of the cement (as it dries, it cracks!)

Q: Why are my cracks leaking?

If water is present in the soil outside your basement, it will inevitably leak through any cracks in your basement walls. Regardless of your home’s age or construction style, at some point water will be present in the soil surrounding your basement. It might not happen until it rains or the snow melts, but it will be there.

Q: Why should I fix a wall crack?

Going to finish your basement? Murphy’s Law: “If you don’t fix that crack, it will leak”. Ignoring the problem today will inevitably create more problems tomorrow with damage to insulation, drywall, carpet, furniture and personal belongings. Even if you are not finishing your basement, moisture in your basement can lead to mold and the unpleasant odours and health risks that come with it.

Q: Why let a professional do it?

Fixing the leak yourself might solve the symptom, but not the cause. The problem can become worse if not fixed properly. “If you fix that crack yourself, it will leak.” Finishing your basement with improperly repaired leaks can result in costly damage to finished walls, floors and your personal belongings. Let the professionals at Dave Marcotte Foundations fix it right the first time.

WE GUARANTEE IT!