What it is
Most basements develop some cracks. Freeze and thaw, settling and concrete shrinkage all play a part. A thin vertical crack in a poured wall usually isn't structural, but it can let water in, and injecting it stops the leak.
Block walls, common in north metro homes from the 1950s and 1960s, crack differently. Stair-step cracks along the mortar joints, horizontal cracks, or a wall leaning inward suggest soil pressure is pushing on the foundation and need a closer look.
Signs you need it
- A crack that drips or stains after rain or melt
- Thin vertical cracks in poured concrete
- Stair-step cracks through block mortar
- A horizontal crack or a wall that bulges inward
- Cracks that keep getting longer or wider
How the work is done
Assess the wall
The contractor checks the type, size and direction of each crack and whether the wall has moved.
Seal the leak
Poured-wall cracks are injected from inside with polyurethane or epoxy.
Stabilize if needed
Moving walls may get carbon fiber straps, steel beams or anchors.
Address the water
If groundwater pressure is the cause, drain tile and a sump keep the crack from leaking again.
What it costs
Compare every service in the cost guide. These are rough ranges; the real price comes after an inspection.
Questions
Should I worry about a crack?
Thin vertical cracks are usually cosmetic but can leak. Horizontal cracks and bowing walls are structural concerns and should be looked at soon.
Is DIY crack filling okay?
Kits can work on small, dry poured-wall cracks. Have a professional look at anything wet, wide, horizontal or in block.
Why did my sealed crack start leaking again?
Either the repair failed or water pressure behind the wall is high. Fixing the drainage usually solves the second case.
Related services
- Basement waterproofing: Stop groundwater and seepage before they reach your floor, walls and belongings.
- Sump pump installation and backup: New pumps, second pumps and battery backups for homes where the pump never rests.
- Interior drain tile: Collect groundwater at the footing and carry it to the sump before it reaches the floor.
- Basement dehumidifiers and moisture control: Whole-basement dehumidifiers that keep damp, musty air in check all summer.
Where we serve
We connect homeowners with contractors across Anoka County and north Ramsey County, including Blaine, Spring Lake Park, Coon Rapids, Lexington, Mounds View, Circle Pines, Fridley, Andover. See all service areas.