Understanding the Difference Between Foundation Repair & Waterproofing

When it comes to maintaining the structural integrity of your home, foundation repair and waterproofing are two crucial services that homeowners often confuse. While both address significant issues, they target different problems that could threaten the health of your foundation. In this blog, we’ll explain the difference between foundation repair and waterproofing and why you may need both to fully protect your home.

What is Foundation Repair?

Foundation repair typically involves addressing structural issues that have compromised the stability of your home. This is generally caused by pressure against the walls or floor of your foundation. Pressure on the sides of your foundation cause cracks in the foundation walls, which can appear as stair-step cracks or horizontal lines along the wall. Pressure beneath your foundation can cause cracks in the basement floor which can also lead to water in the basement. This is why it is often hard to tell the difference between a foundation repair need and a basement waterproofing need. Over time, water, soil movement, or other factors can cause these cracks to grow, eventually affecting the overall structure of the building.

One common foundation repair method involves installing steel beams to support the wall and push it back into its original position. These beams are secured with brackets, which can be adjusted over time to keep the wall stable. This type of repair ensures that your home’s foundation remains structurally sound. There are many other types of structural repairs that are commonly used to fix foundation issues, including the installation of helical piles, push piers, and wall anchors.

All of these methods will help restore a foundation back to a stable footing, but if you don’t address the root cause of these foundation movements – moving water away from the foundation – you may continue to experience long term problems. This leads us to foundation or basement waterproofing.

What is Waterproofing?

Waterproofing focuses on preventing water from entering your home and properly routing the water away from your home’s foundation. If water seeps into cracks in the foundation, it can lead to mold, mildew, and damage to your home’s interior.

A waterproofing system typically involves installing a wall liner that directs water down to a drainage system. This system not only helps prevent moisture from entering the basement or crawlspace, keeping your home dry and safe, but it also protects the ground beneath your foundation from hydrostatic pressure and the freeze/thaw cycle that happens in Southern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee.

Why You Might Need Both Repairs

In many cases, homeowners need both foundation repair and waterproofing. Structural issues can lead to cracks where water may enter, and simply fixing one without addressing the other can result in future problems.

In the video, we showed an example of a home where both foundation repair and waterproofing were necessary. Steel beams were installed to stabilize the cracked walls, while a waterproofing liner was put in place to ensure that water would be directed away from the foundation.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Solution

Some homeowners, especially those flipping houses, might opt for a quick fix that addresses only one issue—such as covering a wall with a liner without repairing the underlying structural problem. This may seem like a cheaper solution, but it won’t fully protect your home in the long run.

At Foundation Solutions Group, we always recommend addressing both foundation and waterproofing needs to ensure your home remains stable and dry for years to come.

Get a Free Inspection Today

If you’re noticing cracks in your walls or water in your basement or crawlspace, don’t wait. Foundation problems only get worse over time. Contact Foundation Solutions Group today for a free inspection. We proudly serve Southern Kentucky and Middle Tennessee and stand by our work with a “Fix It Forever” guarantee.