Masonry Foundation Repair & Waterproofing

Your foundation supports your entire home. When foundations develop cracks, water leaks, or structural movement, every part of your house gets affected. Floors become uneven, doors stick, walls crack, and water infiltrates basements. Small foundation problems always get worse over time, never better. What starts as a minor crack can become major structural damage requiring extensive expensive repairs if you ignore warning signs.

Manchester foundations face unique challenges. Freeze-thaw cycles push and pull at foundation walls. Heavy spring rains create hydrostatic pressure against basement walls. Clay soil expands and contracts with moisture changes. These conditions stress foundations constantly, creating cracks and leaks even in well-built homes. Older homes with stone or brick foundations need special attention as mortar deteriorates and allows water penetration.

Addressing foundation issues promptly protects your largest investment and prevents cascading problems throughout your home. Water damage promotes mold growth, ruins stored items, and damages finished basements. Structural movement affects everything built on top of the foundation. Property values suffer when buyers discover foundation problems during inspections. Our Manchester foundation specialists identify problems early and implement lasting solutions before damage spreads.

Understanding common foundation problems helps you recognize when professional help is needed. Here are the issues we address most often in Manchester area homes.

Foundation Cracks

Cracks happen from settling, soil movement, freeze-thaw cycles, or poor drainage. Vertical cracks often indicate normal settling, while horizontal or stair-step cracks suggest serious structural problems. Any crack lets water enter, even small ones. We assess crack severity, determine causes, and implement appropriate repairs. Our masonry repair expertise ensures cracks get fixed properly to prevent recurrence.

Water Infiltration

Basement water problems range from dampness and humidity to standing water after rains. Water enters through cracks, failed mortar joints, floor-wall joints, or simply through porous masonry. Chronic moisture causes mold, damages belongings, and makes basements unusable. Solving water problems requires identifying all entry points and implementing comprehensive waterproofing solutions.

Structural Movement

Bowing or leaning foundation walls indicate serious structural issues requiring immediate attention. Soil pressure, water saturation, or inadequate drainage cause walls to deflect inward. Movement compromises structural integrity and worsens rapidly without intervention. Professional assessment and stabilization prevent catastrophic failure.

• Horizontal or diagonal cracks indicating structural stress
• Water stains on walls showing moisture infiltration
• Efflorescence or white deposits from water and minerals
• Musty odors suggesting mold and moisture problems
• Crumbling mortar in stone or brick foundations
• Gaps between walls and floors or ceilings
• Standing water or dampness after rain events

Effective foundation work requires diagnosing root causes and implementing appropriate solutions. Here is how we approach foundation repair and waterproofing to provide lasting results.

Foundation Crack Repair

We repair cracks using methods appropriate for crack type and severity. Epoxy or polyurethane injection fills and seals structural cracks from inside. Carbon fiber reinforcement stabilizes walls showing stress. Exterior excavation and waterproofing addresses water infiltration at its source. We match repair methods to your specific situation for maximum effectiveness.

Waterproofing Systems

Comprehensive waterproofing keeps basements dry permanently. Exterior waterproofing involves excavating around foundations, repairing cracks and deteriorated masonry, applying waterproof membranes, and installing drainage systems. Interior solutions include sealants, drainage channels, and sump pump systems. We design systems that handle your specific water problems and site conditions. Our experience with masonry waterproofing ensures proper material selection and application.

Drainage Improvements

Poor drainage causes most foundation water problems. We grade soil away from foundations, install or repair gutters and downspouts, add French drains, and create positive drainage paths. Keeping water away from foundations prevents problems rather than just managing symptoms. Proper drainage extends foundation life and keeps basements dry.

Structural Reinforcement

Foundations showing movement may need stabilization with helical piers, wall anchors, or internal bracing systems. We assess structural conditions and recommend appropriate reinforcement methods. These solutions stop movement, restore stability, and prevent further damage. Engineering input ensures repairs meet structural requirements and building codes.