Masonry Foundation Repair & Waterproofing

Protecting Your Home From the Ground Up

Your foundation literally holds up your entire house. When foundation problems develop, they affect everything above them. Cracks in foundation walls let water into your basement or crawlspace. Settlement causes floors to slope and doors to stick. Left unchecked, foundation damage leads to major structural problems that cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix. Catching and repairing foundation issues early prevents these expensive disasters.

Fort Wayne sits on clay-heavy soil that expands when wet and contracts when dry. This constant movement puts stress on foundations throughout the year. Our freeze-thaw cycles make things worse. Water seeps into tiny foundation cracks, freezes overnight, and expands to make those cracks bigger. Spring rains and snowmelt saturate the ground, putting hydrostatic pressure against foundation walls. All these forces work together to damage masonry foundations over time.

We specialize in repairing masonry foundations, including brick, block, and stone. We also install comprehensive waterproofing systems that keep water out of your basement for good. Whether you need to fix cracks, replace damaged sections, or completely waterproof your foundation, we have the knowledge and equipment to do it right. Our repairs stop damage in its tracks and protect your home investment. Check out our homepage to see all the ways we help Fort Wayne homeowners protect and improve their properties.

Signs Your Foundation Needs Attention

Foundation problems rarely appear suddenly. They develop gradually, and early warning signs tell you when to call for professional help before minor issues become major failures.

Cracks in Foundation Walls

Not all foundation cracks are created equal. Hairline cracks in mortar joints are common and usually not serious. Vertical cracks that run straight up and down often result from concrete shrinkage during curing and may not indicate structural problems. But horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks that follow mortar joints in block or brick walls, and cracks wider than one-quarter inch all signal serious issues that need immediate professional evaluation. Any crack that is actively growing or allowing water infiltration requires repair soon.

Water Infiltration and Moisture

Damp basements and crawlspaces indicate waterproofing failures. You might see water pooling on the floor after heavy rain, dark staining on walls where water has seeped through, white mineral deposits called efflorescence, or musty odors from mold and mildew growth. Water infiltration damages stored items, creates unhealthy air quality, and accelerates foundation deterioration. Even if you do not use your basement for living space, moisture problems need fixing to protect your home structure. Issues with foundation water often show up alongside other masonry problems like those requiring brick repair services.

Structural Movement and Settlement

Foundation settlement causes visible problems throughout your house. Floors develop slopes or feel bouncy. Doors and windows stick or will not latch properly. Gaps appear between walls and ceilings or floors. Interior wall cracks show up, especially above doors and windows. Outside, you might notice the foundation pulling away from the house, porches or steps separating from the main structure, or soil erosion around the foundation perimeter. These signs all point to foundation movement that requires professional assessment.

When to Call for Foundation Help

Contact us immediately if you notice any of these conditions:

• Cracks wider than one-quarter inch or cracks that keep growing
• Horizontal cracks in foundation walls, which indicate serious pressure problems
• Walls that are bowing, bulging, or leaning inward or outward
• Water actively leaking into your basement during or after rain
• Significant floor sloping, especially if it has gotten worse over time
• Multiple doors and windows suddenly sticking or not closing properly

How We Fix Foundation Problems Permanently

Foundation repair requires specialized knowledge and equipment. We use proven methods that address root causes, not just surface symptoms, ensuring repairs last for decades.

Crack Repair and Masonry Restoration

For structural cracks, we use techniques like epoxy injection that fills cracks completely and bonds the concrete or masonry back together, often stronger than the original material. Carbon fiber reinforcement straps can stabilize walls that are bowing or buckling. For deteriorating mortar joints in brick or block foundations, professional repointing restores strength and stops water infiltration. When foundation sections are badly damaged, we carefully remove and rebuild them with materials that match your existing foundation.

Exterior Waterproofing Systems

The most effective waterproofing happens on the outside of foundation walls. We excavate around the foundation perimeter, clean and repair the walls, apply waterproof membrane coatings, and install drainage systems that direct water away from the foundation. A footer drain system collects water and channels it to daylight or a sump system. Proper backfilling with gravel promotes drainage. This comprehensive approach stops water before it ever reaches your foundation walls.

Interior Drainage Solutions

When exterior excavation is not practical or when you need immediate relief from water problems, interior drainage systems provide effective solutions. We install perimeter drain tile along the inside footer, routing collected water to a sump pump system that removes it from your basement. Vapor barriers on walls prevent moisture transmission. These systems work reliably and cost less than exterior waterproofing while providing excellent results. If you also need work on other masonry features, we can coordinate foundation repairs with projects like chimney repairs for efficient project completion.

Addressing the Root Causes

Effective foundation repair also means fixing what caused the problems in the first place. We evaluate and address issues like poor grading that directs water toward your foundation, inadequate or damaged gutters and downspouts, overgrown vegetation too close to the house, and soil conditions that retain too much moisture. Sometimes foundation problems stem from plumbing leaks that saturate the soil. We identify all contributing factors and recommend solutions that prevent problems from returning.

Common Questions About Foundation Repair

Here are answers to the questions Fort Wayne homeowners ask us most often about foundation repair and waterproofing.