A property in Monfort Heights, a suburb of Cincinnati, was dealing with severe cracking in its front foundation wall. Despite several attempts to patch the cracks over the years, the issue persisted. After multiple unsuccessful repairs, it became clear that addressing the symptoms wasn’t enough. What was needed was a proactive solution that tackled the root cause of the problem.
The homeowners first consulted with a structural engineer, who identified the cracks as a result of long-term foundation movement.
engineer determined that the foundation cracks were due to movement caused by water buildup behind the wall. His recommendation was to stabilize the cracks using staple dowels and epoxy. However, this solution would only address the visible symptoms, not the underlying cause—poor drainage around the foundation.
Understanding that a lasting fix required addressing the root problem, the homeowners hired us to go beyond just patching the cracks. Our goal was to provide a permanent solution that would not only stabilize the foundation but also prevent future water damage through exterior waterproofing. Here’s how we approached the project:
1. Excavation to Footers
We began by excavating the soil around the foundation to expose the footers. This was necessary to assess the full extent of the damage, repair the cracks, and address drainage issues that were contributing to the foundation movement.
2. Crack Repair
Following the engineer’s recommendation, we reinforced the foundation cracks with staple dowels and epoxy. This step stabilized the wall and prevented further crack expansion. However, without addressing the water infiltration, this would only provide a temporary fix.
3. Drainage System Replacement
Next, we replaced the old, ineffective drainage system with new, high-quality drainage pipes. The new system is designed to direct water away from the foundation, preventing the pressure buildup that had caused the cracks in the first place.
4. Exterior Waterproofing
Waterproofing from the exterior is the only way to do it properly. Unlike interior sealants, which only offer a temporary barrier and don’t stop water from entering in the first place, exterior waterproofing creates a lasting solution by preventing moisture from reaching the foundation. We applied a high-performance waterproofing coating to the exposed foundation wall, creating a barrier that will keep water out and protect the integrity of the wall for years to come.
5. Backfilling and Restoration
Once the waterproofing system was in place, we backfilled the area with fresh soil, restoring the landscape to its original condition and ensuring that the foundation remained stable.
By addressing the cracks and the drainage issue from the outside, we were able to provide the homeowners with a comprehensive solution that not only fixes the problem but prevents it from happening again. Waterproofing from the exterior ensures that moisture never reaches the foundation, keeping your home safe and dry for the long term.
If you’re dealing with foundation cracks or water infiltration, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Contact us today for an expert consultation and learn how we can protect your home with professional exterior waterproofing and foundation repair.
