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Foundation crack repair in Winnipeg
Almost every Winnipeg basement has a crack somewhere. The question is whether it's a harmless shrinkage crack or a sign the foundation is moving, and whether water is getting through.
Reading the crack
| What you see | What it often means |
|---|---|
| Thin vertical crack, dry, not changing | Usually shrinkage as the concrete cured. Worth sealing if it ever leaks. |
| Vertical or diagonal crack that leaks | Water is finding a path through. Typically sealed by injection from inside, or excavated and sealed outside. |
| Horizontal crack, or wall bowing in | Soil pressure pushing on the wall, common with swelling clay. Needs a contractor's assessment soon. |
| Stair-step crack in block walls | Movement or settlement. Often paired with sticking doors upstairs. |
| Crack that's wider at one end, or growing | Ongoing movement. A sign to look below the crack at what the footing is doing. |
How cracks get fixed
- Injection. Polyurethane or epoxy is injected into the crack from inside to stop leaks. Fast and relatively affordable for stable cracks.
- Exterior excavation and sealing. The soil outside the crack is dug out, the wall is repaired and a membrane is applied. Better for stubborn leaks.
- Wall bracing. Steel beams or anchors can stop a bowing wall from moving further.
- Stabilizing the foundation. If the footing is settling, the long-term fix may be piling or underpinning so the house sits on soil that doesn't move.
Keep a record
Mark the ends of a crack with a pencil and date it, or take a photo with a ruler beside it. If it grows over a few months, that tells a contractor a lot.
Not sure what your crack means? Use the form on this page, choose "Crack in foundation wall", and add a description. A local contractor will get back to you.
Common questions
Are hairline foundation cracks normal?
Thin vertical cracks that stay dry and don't grow are common in poured concrete as it cures. They're usually cosmetic, but it's worth sealing them if they ever start to leak.
Should I fix a foundation crack from the inside or outside?
Interior injection works well for many stable, leaking cracks. Exterior excavation and sealing is more involved but tackles the water from the outside, and is often used where injection hasn't held.
Can I seal a foundation crack myself?
Small cosmetic cracks can be patched, but a DIY patch won't stop a crack that's moving or leaking under pressure, and it can hide warning signs. Have a contractor look at anything wide, horizontal, leaking or growing.