
Foundation Repair Murfreesboro TN is a critical step in restoring structural integrity to your home. Structural damage like bowing walls or misaligned doors and windows can result from water intrusion that leads to soil instability and movement.
Basement waterproofing is a solution that prevents moisture from entering the basement. It is important to understand the differences between the two services so you can choose the most effective and cost-effective solution for your home.
Foundation Repair
Foundation repair is necessary to ensure that a home’s structural integrity remains intact. This service addresses structural shifting or instability that could lead to serious problems like leaks and structural collapse. Common signs of foundation issues include visible cracks, bowed walls, and sloping floors.
Waterproofing is a separate service that helps keep water out of a home’s basement or crawl space. This is accomplished by sealing entry points into the structure and redirecting drainage away from the building. Waterproofing methods often include interior drain tile systems, sump pumps, vapor barriers, and crack sealants.
Both services may be needed to address a home’s moisture problems. However, a foundation repair specialist can help homeowners determine whether the need for waterproofing or foundation repairs is most appropriate.
A professional inspection can also provide important clues about a foundation’s condition. The type of foundation your home has is an indicator, as well as any previous damage or repairs. For example, if your home is a slab foundation, then any basement cracks may suggest that the concrete slab has shifted or cracked. In contrast, a crawl space or pier and beam foundation can be damaged by soil movement or water intrusion.
The exact foundation repair process will depend on your home’s specific needs and the cause of the issue. However, a few of the most common options include:
Push piers or helical piers are installed underneath a home’s foundation to lift and stabilize it. This is especially useful for homes with sunken or sinking slab foundations, as it restores their structural integrity. Wall anchors or braces can be used to stabilize bowed or leaning walls, and carbon fiber straps can strengthen the walls of a house without the need for excavation.
Foundation repair and waterproofing are two critical services that help homeowners protect their investment and avoid costly structural damage. Understanding the differences between the two services and when each is necessary is key to maintaining a safe, dry home. By choosing the right solution the first time, homeowners can save money and avoid repeat problems down the road.
Waterproofing
Foundation repair and waterproofing are complementary solutions to common home problems, but they’re not the same thing. Understanding their distinct roles can help you choose the right solution and avoid costly mistakes that lead to recurring damage.
Waterproofing focuses on keeping moisture out of the basement or crawl space, preventing leaks and mold growth. Moisture issues typically arise from rain, groundwater, or poor drainage that pushes water toward the home’s foundation. Interior drain tile systems, sump pumps, vapor barriers, and wall liners can all be used to manage moisture and prevent leaks.
If your basement walls are damp, floors are sloping, or doors and windows stick unexpectedly, these are warning signs that moisture is infiltrating the home’s structural integrity. Foundation repair methods like piering, wall anchors, or slabjacking can stabilize the home and restore its structural stability.
In some cases, waterproofing alone will be enough to fix the problem. But in most cases, foundation repair is needed in addition to waterproofing. This is because water-related issues often lead to cracks, shifting, and settling. Foundation repair addresses these problems by stabilizing the home’s structure and addressing soil instability with techniques like helical bars, piering, and steel bracing.
It’s important to get a professional inspection to determine which solution is best for your home. Waterproofing can only seal cracks, but if your foundation has been compromised by structural movement, it needs to be repaired with a more permanent solution. Ignoring the root cause of your basement problems could result in recurring damage and costly repairs. So be sure to choose the right solution the first time by contacting an experienced foundation specialist like Crack X. We can perform a detailed inspection to identify whether you need foundation repair or waterproofing, and recommend the most cost-effective solution. Our team is dedicated to helping you protect your most valuable investment. Contact us today for a free quote! Or, visit our website to learn more about our services. We proudly serve homeowners in Lakeville, MN and surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of services, including waterproofing, concrete repair, and more.
Sealing Cracks
Cracks in a foundation are more than just cosmetic problems. They can be a warning that a homeowner is facing structural damage and should seek professional help immediately. In many cases, these warning signs are the result of water infiltration. If not addressed promptly, moisture intrusion can lead to wood rot and mold growth, and even compromise the air quality in a home.
Regardless of whether the cracks are moving or static, they should be sealed to prevent water infiltration. This can be done using a variety of methods. One option is to use a carbon fiber staple, which is inserted into a crack to strengthen it. A similar method is to apply epoxy or polyurethane foams to fill the crack. This can be done using a special tool that injects the material into the cracks, causing them to expand and harden in place.
Waterproofing is a separate process from foundation repair, but these two services often go hand in hand. Unless a foundation has significant structural issues, it’s usually possible to address waterproofing needs before the structure is compromised. Waterproofing is a proactive approach that helps manage moisture levels and protects the basement or crawl space from condensation, humidity, and wood rot. It can also reduce the risk of mold, mildew, radon, and other harmful soil gasses from entering the home.
While waterproofing may be necessary, foundation repair is still essential. If a foundation is in serious disrepair, it will likely require replacement before waterproofing can be effectively applied.
Many homeowners confuse the terms foundation repair and waterproofing, and they often try to tackle both at once. This can lead to recurring problems and wasted money. For example, if a foundation is showing signs of movement, it should be repaired before the basement is waterproofed. Otherwise, the cracked walls could continue to shift and lead to structural damage over time. This is why it’s so important to have a foundation expert perform a thorough inspection and recommend the correct solution for each issue. A comprehensive inspection includes evaluating the condition of the foundation and determining how water is entering the home.
Sump Pump Installation
Many homeowners discover basement water problems and immediately think “basement waterproofing.” However, it is important to understand that foundation repair and waterproofing have distinct roles. Waterproofing protects the home’s structure by creating barriers against moisture, while foundation repair restores structural stability to prevent movement and cracking. Addressing both issues in the proper sequence can extend the life of your home and ensure that its value is maintained.
Persistent water intrusion can cause the soil to shift around a foundation, which creates pressure and causes cracking. This damage can be caused by flooding, groundwater, or even soil expansion and contraction – such as clay soil that expands when wet and shrinks when dry. Waterproofing helps to address these problems by preventing the transfer of moisture from the soil to a home’s interior, and by creating an effective drainage system.
A sump pump is a crucial component of any basement waterproofing solution. It is most effective when installed in the lowest spot in a basement floor. A certified waterproofing specialist will determine the best spot for a sump by using a laser level. Once the spot is determined, a drain hole is dug. The area is then backfilled with clean gravel to promote good drainage and help the sump pump work efficiently.
The sump pump is then lowered into the hole and connected to a perimeter drain, with a special outlet installed to allow the sump to discharge outside, and away from your home. The sump pit is finished with a lid that can be sealed to prevent moisture and odors from rising out of the pit and children or pets from getting into it.
Once the sump pump is in place, it will be filled with water to test its functionality and to make sure it can drain and pump away the amount of water that is expected. During this process, the installer will inspect the discharge line to ensure it is properly routed away from the house. An antifreeze device, called IceGuard, is sometimes installed to prevent the discharge pipe from freezing and clogging.





