Foundation Repairs

Comprehensive Foundation Repairs with Innovative Carbon Fiber Solutions

The foundation of residential and commercial buildings can be subject to significant outside pressures which over time can cause vertical as well as horizontal cracks. At the same time, a foundation’s walls and floors can also be affected by these pressures and seasonal changes in the surrounding soil. As time goes on, even a seemingly minor defect can develop into a major problem, and foundation repairs are absolutely necessary.

Hydroscience Group has specialists on staff that is well versed in how to identify and repair a wide range of foundation defects. This includes our innovative crack repair system, which has been meticulously engineered and manufactured by Structural Reinforcement Solutions©.

Our expert foundation repairs can effectively address cracks by installing durable carbon fiber straps to both structurally repair a crack as well as prevent water intrusion. There have also been instances where our techniques were able to address things like the bowing wall displacing the sill plate due to static pressure which also affected the foundation footings which will then stabilize the wall.

With the proper installation, these carbon fiber straps carry a 25-year warranty. This gives you a very cost-effective way to preserve and repair a previously compromised foundation, wall, or floor.

Understanding Foundation Stability and Common Issues

A foundation is more than just footings or a concrete slab – it’s a carefully engineered system designed to support the weight of a structure while withstanding external forces from surrounding soil. A well-built foundation must not only bear the load of the building above but also resist pressure from soil movement and moisture changes below.

Even seemingly solid slab foundations can face significant stress caused by soil shifts and expansion. This is especially true in regions where seasonal freeze-thaw cycles lead to frost heaves, pushing soil upward and causing structural strain. Over time, these forces can compromise the stability of a foundation, leading to visible damage and hidden risks.

Common Foundation Problems in Residential and Commercial Properties:

  • Cracks in Walls or Floors – Caused by shifting soil, settling, or structural stress.
  • Uneven or Sagging Floors – Resulting from soil erosion or voids beneath the foundation.
  • Sticking Doors and Windows – Indicating misalignment due to foundation movement.
  • Water Intrusion in Basements – Often caused by cracks or poor drainage around the foundation.
  • Tilting or Sinking Foundations – A sign of unstable soil or improper compaction.

At Hydroscience Group, we specialize in customized foundation repairs to address cracks, defects, and weaknesses. Our experienced team understands that every foundation is unique, and we develop tailored solutions to restore stability and protect your property’s value.

Bowing Walls

A bowing wall often looks like it’s being pushed inward. This is most often caused by expansive soils from the freeze-thaw effect or water-saturated soil that applies a hydrostatic pressure. This can cause horizontal or stair-step cracking along the foundation walls as well as diagonal cracks that develop in the corners. In some situations, the external soil pressures can cause an inward bulge, or cause the wall to lean at the top or bottom. As it continues to develop, bowing walls can severely compromise the foundation’s structural integrity.

Walls

Most foundations are made from either poured material or heavy-duty blocks. While modern building codes are intended to produce very strong walls capable of resisting soil pressure and static forces, time, and rapid changes in the surrounding soil, can cause cracks or other defects in the walls of a foundation.

Stair Step Cracks

Block wall foundations can be susceptible to static soil pressure. As time goes on, it can cause specific blocks to fail at the mortar lines, causing a so-called “Stair Step Crack.” Left unaddressed this problem could cause severe damage to the foundation walls and other components.

Floors

Floors and foundation slaps can become prone to cracking over time. Beyond the aesthetic impact, even a seemingly minor crack in a floor can prove to be a tripping hazard. Cracked floors also can lower the property value.

Yet the larger concern with a cracked wall is that it is often an early symptom of another developing problem with the foundation. If you have noticed a crack in your slab or foundation floor, the wisest course of action is to have it inspected by a professional foundation repair service like Hydroscience Group.

A crack in your basement floor or concrete slab is most likely related to movement in your foundation. The underlying cause can vary depending on the soil conditions such as:

  • Settling or compacting the soil
  • Soil washout
  • Poor compaction of backfill during construction
  • Shrinking soils

Soil

Hydroscience Group’s experienced technicians have the tools and training to identify underlying soil issues to develop an effective strategy for preventing further foundation damage. The strategy that is right for your foundation will depend on many factors, including soil composition, local conditions, the type of foundation, the age of the foundation, and the severity of the existing damage.

Soil conditions tend to be the dominant force affecting foundation defects. Changes in soil compaction, moisture levels, and other alterations can lead to:

  • Foundation cracks
  • Wall Cracks
  • Bowing Walls
  • Floor Cracks
  • Water intrusion issues
  • Corner cracks

Most foundations have several layers of soil under them including the backfill from the original construction, the untouched virgin soil below it, and the deep underlying bedrock. Movement in these soil layers can impact your foundation, causing bowing walls, and cracks in walls or floors, while also lessening stability.

Our Inspection and Foundation Repair Process

At Hydroscience Group, our foundation repairs begin with a thorough inspection of your slab, basement, or foundation. We carefully evaluate soil conditions and assess cracks, defects, or structural concerns to determine the best course of action. After the inspection, we’ll provide you with a clear explanation of your repair options and create a customized plan to restore stability and structural integrity.

Our patented Structural Reinforcement Solutions© are specifically designed to address foundation cracks, wall defects, and surface instability in both residential and commercial properties. In cases where soil composition changes have caused movement, we may recommend installing helical piers or other stabilization systems to reinforce the foundation. Once stability is restored, we repair visible cracks to leave your floors and walls smooth and even.

Why You Should You Fix Your Foundation

In general, the longer you put off foundation repairs, the more likely the problem is to worsen and become more costly or hazardous. Hydroscience Group can perform a fast, yet thorough inspection to provide you with a detailed cost analysis quote.

Without professional repair, a damaged or compromised foundation could suffer:

  • A negative impact on the resale value
  • Worsening aesthetic issues
  • Door and window alignment issues which cause them to jam
  • Safety issues
  • Water intrusion problems
  • Invasive pest problems

Contact us today if you suspect your foundation is showing signs of deterioration or bowing, we can quickly come to your property to do a full inspection and provide viable options to help mitigate the problem in a timely and cost-effective manner.

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Our Office Hours

Monday:

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuesday:

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday:

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday:

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Friday:

8:30 AM – 4:30 PM