Foundation Crack Repair on the North Shore
Cracks in a poured concrete foundation can let in water. Some are cosmetic and some point to movement that needs an engineer. We connect you with independent local contractors who can inspect and quote crack repair, and tell you when to bring in an engineer.
Signs it is time
- Water coming through a crack in the basement wall
- Cracks that are wider at one end or getting longer
- Horizontal cracks or a bowing wall
- Doors or windows that start to stick
- Efflorescence (white deposits) along cracks
How the job goes
- Inspection. Crack type, width, and any signs of movement or water.
- Recommendation. Injection for leaking cracks; an engineer's evaluation for structural signs.
- Repair. Crack injection from inside, or exterior work where needed.
- Drainage. Gutters, downspouts and grading checked so water is directed away.
Why doing concrete right matters here
Winters, salt and safety make the details count.
Freeze-thaw and salt cause scaling
NRMCA says exterior concrete exposed to freezing and deicers should be air-entrained, properly finished and cured to resist surface scaling.(NRMCA Concrete in Practice: Scaling concrete surfaces (PDF))
Uneven steps are a fall risk
CDC reports more than 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older fall each year.(CDC: Facts about older adult falls)
Call before you dig
Dig Safe is a free notification service; utilities then mark their buried lines before excavation.(Dig Safe: Notify before you dig (811))
Check registration and licensing
Massachusetts requires home improvement contractor registration for many residential jobs, and a construction supervisor license for certain structural work.(Mass.gov: Check a home improvement contractor registration, Mass.gov: When is a construction supervisor license required?)
Further reading: NRMCA Concrete in Practice: Scaling concrete surfaces (PDF) · Mass.gov: Check a home improvement contractor registration · Mass.gov: When is a construction supervisor license required? · Dig Safe: Notify before you dig (811)
Every job is different. The pro you speak with will explain their own approach and pricing. North Shore Concrete Pros does not perform, supervise, or guarantee any work.
Concrete FAQ
Are all foundation cracks serious?
No. Hairline shrinkage cracks are common. Horizontal cracks, bowing, or cracks that keep widening should be looked at by a structural engineer.
Does structural work need a licensed builder?
In Massachusetts, many structural jobs require a licensed construction supervisor. See the Mass.gov page linked on this site.
What deicer is safest for concrete?
NRMCA recommends using deicers in moderation, avoiding them on new concrete in its first winter, and never using ones containing ammonium sulfate or ammonium nitrate.
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