Masonry Foundation Repair & Waterproofing

Foundation Problems You Should Never Ignore

Your foundation is literally what holds your entire house up. When foundation problems develop, they do not just go away on their own. They get worse over time, and what starts as a small crack can turn into a major structural issue that costs thousands more to fix later. Here in Columbia, MO, we see foundation problems caused by settling soil, water intrusion, freeze-thaw cycles, and poor drainage.

Water is the biggest enemy of masonry foundations. When water seeps into cracks, it can erode mortar, cause bricks to spall, and create pressure that pushes walls inward. In winter, that water freezes and expands, making cracks wider and damage worse. If you have noticed water in your basement, cracks in your foundation walls, or doors and windows that stick, you need to address the problem now. Contact our Columbia masonry experts for a professional assessment.

Foundation issues also affect your home value. When buyers see foundation problems during inspections, they either walk away or demand major price reductions. By fixing foundation problems now, you protect your investment and avoid costly surprises down the road.

Common Foundation Warning Signs

Many homeowners do not realize they have foundation problems until the damage is obvious. Here are the warning signs you should watch for:

• •Visible Cracks: Horizontal, vertical, or stair-step cracks in foundation walls, especially wider than a quarter inch
• •Water Intrusion: Dampness, standing water, or water stains in your basement or crawl space
• •Bowing Walls: Foundation walls that lean inward or bulge outward under soil pressure
• •Crumbling Mortar: Mortar joints that are deteriorating, falling out, or turning to powder
• •Uneven Floors: Floors that slope or feel uneven, which can indicate foundation settling
• •Sticking Doors or Windows: Doors and windows that suddenly become hard to open or close

If you notice any of these signs, call us for an inspection. We can tell you whether you need immediate repairs or if you can monitor the situation for now. Either way, you will have peace of mind knowing exactly what is going on with your foundation.

How We Fix Foundation Problems

We specialize in masonry foundation repair and waterproofing solutions that address the root cause of the problem. Here is how we approach different foundation issues.

For cracks in foundation walls, we use professional-grade sealants and repair techniques that stop water intrusion and prevent the crack from spreading. For more serious structural cracks, we may rebuild sections of the foundation wall using proper reinforcement methods.

When mortar joints are failing, we perform tuckpointing and repointing services to restore the structural integrity of your foundation. This involves removing old, damaged mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar that bonds properly and keeps water out.

For waterproofing, we apply high-quality sealants to foundation walls, install proper drainage systems, and make sure water flows away from your home instead of pooling against the foundation. We also repair or rebuild window wells, install sump pumps when needed, and address any grading issues around your foundation.

In cases where foundation walls are bowing or leaning, we assess whether the structure needs reinforcement, partial rebuilding, or full replacement. We give you honest recommendations based on what your home actually needs, not what costs the most.

Frequently Asked Questions