What Is Foundation Crack Injection?
Foundation crack injection is an interior repair method used to seal cracks in poured concrete foundation walls. A polyurethane injection material is introduced into the crack under controlled pressure, allowing it to travel through the depth of the concrete and seal the pathway where water is entering.
This repair is commonly used for vertical or diagonal cracks that leak during heavy rain, snowmelt or periods of increased groundwater. Polyurethane remains flexible after curing, helping the repair accommodate minor natural movement in the foundation wall.
Signs Your Foundation Crack May Need Repair
Foundation cracks should be inspected when they show signs of water entry, continued movement or deterioration. Addressing a leaking crack early can help prevent moisture damage, mould growth and further problems inside the basement.
Water During Heavy Rain
Water appears around the crack during storms, snowmelt or increased groundwater.
Dampness or Staining
Dark marks or moisture are visible around the foundation wall crack.
White Mineral Deposits
Powdery white deposits can indicate moisture moving through the concrete.
Vertical or Diagonal Cracks
These cracks in poured concrete walls may be suitable for polyurethane injection.
Musty Basement Odours
Persistent damp smells may indicate hidden water entering through the foundation.
Old Repairs Are Leaking
Surface patches can fail when the full depth of the crack was not sealed.
Foundation Crack Injection
Crack injection is commonly used for an isolated vertical or diagonal crack in a poured concrete foundation wall. The repair can often be completed from inside the basement without excavating around the property.
Exterior waterproofing may be more appropriate when moisture is entering through several areas, the foundation wall has widespread deterioration or the exterior drainage system is no longer performing properly.
Exterior Foundation Waterproofing
-
Isolated foundation wall crack
-
Water entering through one visible location
-
Poured concrete foundation wall
-
Interior access is available
-
Limited excavation required
-
Water entering through multiple areas
-
Widespread basement wall moisture
-
Deteriorated exterior waterproofing
-
Drainage or weeping-tile concerns
-
Full foundation wall protection required
Optional Carbon Fibre Reinforcement for Foundation Cracks
After a leaking foundation crack has been sealed with polyurethane injection, carbon fibre reinforcement may be recommended where additional support is beneficial. A carbon fibre strap is bonded directly to the prepared concrete wall and installed across the repaired crack.
Carbon fibre is strong, low-profile and resistant to corrosion. It can provide added reinforcement without requiring bulky steel components or exterior excavation. However, carbon fibre is not required for every crack and does not replace the waterproofing completed by polyurethane injection.
​
-
Installed from inside the basement
-
Low-profile finished appearance
-
Resistant to rust and corrosion
-
Can be combined with crack injection
-
Provides additional reinforcement where appropriate
Not every foundation crack is suitable for injection. The crack direction, wall material, concrete condition, width and signs of movement should be reviewed before choosing a repair method. Cracks showing possible structural movement may require further assessment or reinforcement.
Polyurethane injection is used to fill the crack through the depth of the concrete and seal the pathway where water is entering. It is intended for isolated cracks and may not correct moisture coming from several areas or from exterior drainage problems.
Many cracks in poured concrete foundation walls can be repaired from inside the basement. This can avoid exterior excavation when the leakage is isolated to a suitable crack and the wall is accessible.
The time required depends on the crack length, accessibility, wall condition and preparation needed. Many isolated crack repairs can be completed during one appointment, but the crack must be inspected before confirming the timeline.
No. Carbon fibre reinforcement is not required for every leaking crack. It may be recommended separately when added support is appropriate. Polyurethane injection provides the waterproofing repair, while carbon fibre serves a different reinforcement purpose.
Exterior foundation waterproofing may be more appropriate when water enters through multiple locations, there is widespread moisture, the exterior foundation protection has deteriorated or the drainage system requires attention.
Have a Leaking Foundation Crack?
Seal Pros Waterproofing Ltd. provides polyurethane foundation crack injection and basement leak repair throughout Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga, Hamilton, Milton and surrounding GTA communities. Send clear photos of the crack, the surrounding foundation wall and the location where water is entering for a free quote.