Heaving Floors
One of the more perplexing issues that homeowners face with their wet basement is the challenge of stopping water from rising up through their basement floor. Fortunately, basement floor cracks can be easily and effectively repaired as part of a proper perimeter drainage system.
Signs of Foundation Heave
You must know how to recognize the signs of foundation heave and that you can differentiate between heave and other foundational issues such as settlement and sinking. Of course, if you can’t, that’s not the end of the world; a foundation repair expert will be able to tell you exactly what is happening as long as you can recognize problems as they arise.
If you see any of these signs, it’s time to call a foundation repair specialist right away to ensure that the problem does not escalate further.
​Cracked Brickwork and Window Frames ​
While the cracks caused by subsidence are more likely to be horizontal or diagonal, cracks caused by foundation heave are most likely to be vertical. Lifted Paths and Patios
Lifted Paths & Patios
One of the surest signs of foundation heave is uneven or lifted paving stones or patios surrounding the building. Keep in mind, however, that invading tree roots can also cause patios, paving stones, and driveways to lift and crack.
Door Frames Sticking
Foundation heave can also cause doors to stick or be inoperable because the lift has put them out of line with their frames.
Cracks or Bulges in Your Basement Floor
If you notice that your basement floor is uneven, but that it seems to bulge rather than dip, it’s likely this is being caused by foundation heave rather than subsidence or settlement.
When it's necessary to fix a leaking basement floor crack, we usually suggest installing a lateral line drainage system to collect water from the crack and redirect it to your sump pump system. When installing this kind of floor drainage system, we follow these three steps:
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Install A Perimeter Drainage System:
We strongly recommend that your first step is to install a perimeter drainage system. This will often intercept the water before it reaches your floor crack, ensuring a dry basement and eliminating the problem.
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Install a Drainage Channel, Starting at the Crack: When direct drainage is necessary, we can remove a section of the basement floor and run a line of PVC underneath. This PVC line would lead to your sump pump. When pitched properly, any water entering the drain will be directed naturally to the sump pump.
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Restore the Floor:
After the drain has been installed, your waterproofer will back fill with stone and place fresh concrete over the area for a clean, professional look. Allow three days for this concrete to cure properly before walking on it or reapplying weight to the surface.
