Foundation crack repair
Protect your foundation before it’s too late
Cracks are one of the most common signs of a foundation problem. They can appear on the concrete footing, basement walls, or even inside the building. But not all cracks are the same.
Some are minor, caused by concrete shrinkage, while others signal settlement, soil movement, or poor drainage. In every case, waiting is risky.
At Fondabec, our mission is to deliver a clear diagnosis and a durable repair, whether through injection, piles, or structural underpinning.
How to recognize the most common types of cracks
Before planning any repair, it’s essential to identify the type of crack you’re seeing on your foundation. Each crack has a specific cause, which we detail below, and a matching solution. By understanding the visual characteristics and likely causes of each crack type, you’ll be better equipped to know when quick intervention is needed, or when simple monitoring is enough for now.
Here are the most common crack types found on foundations in Quebec.
Passive (shrinkage) cracks
- Fine, often vertical or diagonal
- Appear soon after concrete is poured
- Often superficial but should be monitored if they widen
Active (moving) cracks
- Change shape or width with the seasons
- May indicate a soil or foundation drainage problem
- Require prompt evaluation
Horizontal cracks
- Particularly concerning
- Often linked to excessive lateral pressure (water, soil, frost)
- Require structural intervention
Stair-step cracks (in brick or stucco)
- Often caused by soil settlement
- Associated with a lack of foundation stability
Foundation cracks: when should you act?
Assessment and evaluation of your foundations
It’s not always easy to distinguish a cosmetic crack from the start of a foundation problem. Here are a few signs that mean you should consult an expert:
- Water infiltration in the basement
- Cracks that go through the entire wall
- Visible widening of an existing crack
- Floor settlement or sticking doors/windows
- Clay soil or poorly drained ground
At Fondabec, we recommend a professional 25-point diagnosis as soon as a suspicious crack appears, to avoid heavier (and costlier) repairs later on.
What are the risks of not repairing a foundation crack?
Ignoring a crack, even a small one, can seem harmless at first glance. Yet the consequences can be serious, especially under Quebec’s soil and weather conditions (clay, freeze–thaw, humidity).
Water infiltration and chronic humidity
An untreated crack can allow water to infiltrate the basement, causing dampness, odours, mould, and damage to finishes and materials, concrete, drywall, wood, and insulation.
Progressive structural deterioration
Over time, the crack can widen, affect the stability of the wall or footing, and weaken the foundation. Some cracks can even compromise the integrity of the building.
Resale or insurance issues
A visible crack or foundation problem can reduce your property’s value and discourage buyers. Some insurers may require repairs before issuing a policy or covering future damages.
What solutions are available to repair cracks?
Assessment and evaluation of your foundations
Before any intervention, analyzing the crack is essential. Our specialists evaluate not only its position and orientation, but also its width and how it evolves over time. The evaluation includes:
- A 25-point visual and structural inspection of cracks, settlement or misalignment
- An analysis of soil type (clay, backfill, loose soil, etc.)
- An estimate of current load-bearing capacity
- Tailored technical recommendations, with plans and specs if needed
In some cases, we install monitoring gauges, ranging from simple glass tell-tales to two-axis graduated devices, to detect active movement.
This follow-up, carried out over several weeks or months, helps determine whether the crack is stable or continuing to widen. It guides the choice of the most appropriate repair method: simple injection, stabilization with piles, or underpinning.
Crack injection (polyurethane or epoxy)
- Used for non-structural cracks
- Seals and waterproofs the foundation
- Quick to apply, effective against water infiltration
- Not suitable for active or evolving cracks
Pile installation (hydraulic or driven)
- Recommended when cracks are due to soil settlement
- The building is stabilized or re-leveled with piles anchored to refusal
- A durable, proven structural treatment
Foundation rebuilding (or partial replacement)
- For foundations that are severely damaged, unstable or poorly built
- Requires excavation, formwork and new concrete placement
- Work supervised by an engineer
- Integration of new drainage and waterproofing as needed
How to prevent foundation cracks
While some cracking is inevitable over time, you can reduce risks by taking a few simple steps.
Control drainage around the house
Make sure rainwater and snowmelt are diverted away from the foundation, and that grading slopes away from the building. Extend downspouts to avoid water pooling at the base of your home. Finally, have your French drain inspected to ensure it is still functioning.
Avoid overloading near the foundation
Les patios, balcons ou stationnements construits trop près de la maison peuvent créer une surcharge et provoquer des mouvements de sol. Il est recommandé de consulter un expert avant toute construction en bordure.
Avoid abrupt moisture variations
Freeze–thaw cycles or prolonged droughts can cause soil to shrink or swell (especially clay). Light watering in summer (without excess) can help limit sudden movements.
Maintain your foundation
Adopt a few good habits: an annual visual inspection, preventive sealing of micro-cracks, and checking joints and the drain. These steps help you avoid heavier interventions later.
A doubt or a question about a crack?
For more than 20 years, Fondabec has supported homeowners in Greater Montreal and across Quebec with their crack inspection and repair projects. Whether you’re in Laval, Longueuil, Terrebonne, the North Shore, the South Shore or elsewhere in the region, our team moves quickly to assess your situation and propose the most durable solution.
We hold all required certifications in excavation, civil engineering and underpinning, and we work with partner engineers and surveyors to ensure compliance and quality on every project.
Fill out this form or call us today!
FAQ
Is a crack in concrete always serious?
Not necessarily, but it should be evaluated by an expert to confirm the right corrective solution. Some cracks are cosmetic; others indicate a structural issue.
How much does crack repair cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of repair, whether injection or a more structural intervention. It can represent a significant investment, from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of dollars, depending on severity.
Can a crack be repaired in winter?
Yes. Injections can be done if the basement interior is heated. Exterior work (piles, excavation) is feasible under certain winter conditions.
Should I have every visible crack inspected?
Ideally, yes. A simple inspection can prevent major damage, especially if you see changes in shape or width, or any water infiltration.
Is excavation required to repair a crack?
Not always. Injections can be performed from the inside. Excavation is required for heavier work when we need to stabilize the foundation, replace a drain, or rebuild a footing, for example.
For over 20 years, Fondabec has been assisting homeowners in Greater Montreal and throughout Quebec with their excavation projects.
OUR SERVICES
CONTACT US
- 957 Rue des Forges, Terrebonne, QC J6Y 0J9
- (514) 838-5379
- info@fondabec.ca
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Monday to Saturday
7:00 am to 6:00 pm