Horizontal Cracks & Bowing Walls
Horizontal cracks are the ones to take seriously. Send us a photo or call, and we'll arrange an assessment soon.
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Signs you need this
- A crack running sideways along a basement wall
- A wall that leans or bulges inward
- Stair-step cracks in block walls
- Cracks that are getting wider over time
Why horizontal cracks are different
Most foundation cracks are vertical or slightly diagonal, and the usual problem with them is water getting in.
Horizontal cracks are different. They may relate to soil pressure pushing on the outside of the wall, and they’re particularly concerning. A wall that’s being pushed can bow inward over time. Larger or widening cracks suggest movement.
Edmonton’s clay-rich soils hold water, and frost heave pushes soil and stresses foundations. That’s the kind of pressure that can show up as horizontal cracking.
What to do now
- Take photos of the crack with a tape measure beside it, and note the date.
- Mark the ends of the crack with a pencil so you can see if it grows.
- Send us the photos, or call. We’ll arrange an assessment.
- Don’t just patch it. Covering a horizontal crack hides the evidence of movement.
How it’s assessed
We measure the crack, check whether the wall has moved and by how much, and look at the outside: grading, downspouts and drainage. If the wall has moved, a structural engineer’s assessment may be needed to design the repair properly. We’ll tell you if we think it is.
Repair options
- Wall reinforcement or bracing to stop the wall moving further.
- Crack sealing once the wall is stabilized.
- Reducing the pressure: better drainage, grading and downspouts so less water loads the soil against the wall.
- Exterior work in some cases, where the wall needs to be excavated and repaired from outside.
What it can cost
Broader foundation repair in Canada typically runs $5,000 to $15,000. Your price depends on your wall, and quotes can vary between companies, so compare what each includes. See foundation crack repair costs in Edmonton.
Our process
Assess
We measure the crack and how far the wall has moved, and look at soil, drainage and the outside of the wall.
Engineer if needed
Where the wall has moved, a structural engineer's assessment may be needed to design the repair.
Reinforce
The wall is braced or reinforced to stop further movement, and cracks are sealed.
Reduce the pressure
Drainage and grading changes cut the water pressure on the wall.
What it costs
$5,000 to $15,000 for broader foundation repair
Typical Canadian range. Final price confirmed after inspection.
Questions people ask
Is a horizontal crack serious?
Horizontal cracks are particularly concerning, and they may relate to soil pressure against the wall. Get it assessed soon rather than waiting to see.
Do I need a structural engineer?
If the wall has moved or is bowing, an engineer's assessment is often the right first step, so the repair is designed for your wall. We'll tell you if we think you need one.
Can I just inject the crack?
Injection seals a crack but doesn't stop a wall that's being pushed. If soil pressure is the cause, the wall needs reinforcement too.
Talk to us today
Call, or send a few details and photos and we will get back to you.