Your foundation is leaking, has cracks? Many homeowners face the inconveniences caused by water seepage
in the foundation.
Our experts know that it is useless to try anything to make your basement waterproof without first
repairing the foundation. Give us a call and our team of specialists will evaluate with you the best
approach to make an effective, lasting and permanent repair.
French Drain Camera Inspection Service
Discover the new professional service offered by F-Gélinas: the camera inspection of your French drain. This cutting-edge technology enables us to diagnose the condition of your drains efficiently and accurately. Using specialized cameras, we can quickly identify blockages, ruptures, or any other problem, without any unnecessary excavation.
We can also install manhole chimneys. These innovative devices, consisting of one or two tubes installed directly on your French drain, emerge at the surface, and are equipped with an elbow that allows detailed inspection of both sides of the system. This solution not only facilitates regular inspections, but also maintenance and repairs, ensuring the longevity and smooth operation of your system.
Choose peace of mind with F-Gélinas: our experts provide professional, precise inspection and installation services tailored to your needs. Take the lead in ensuring the health of your infrastructure with our French drain camera inspection service.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF FOUNDATION CRACKS?
A number of things can be involved and some causes are related to the climate and wear and tear. Concrete’s
elasticity is very limited, but it nevertheless reacts with natural phenomena such as water, humidity and
temperature that can cause small cracks that often are insignificant. However, the evolution of these cracks
needs to be monitored, and they should be repaired before they can cause costly damage, especially if your
foundation is not protected by an effective waterproof coating.
A Phenomenon With Multiple Causes
Poorly made foundations
Work that may have weakened a house’s structure
Foundation breakage during excavation work
Incorrect house plans : Poor weight distribution on the foundation
Presence of pyrite
Non-functional French Drain, presence of ferrous ochre*
Clay soil movements
Heave due to frost/thaw
Presence of roots near the foundation
How are cracks detected?
Besides those cracks that can be seen with the naked eye, several clues can indicate their presence, in which
case your house is no longer perfectly protected from infiltration of water from outside. When detected,
these indications require quick intervention to avoid the development of major and costly problems. Here are
some of the most commonly observed indications:
Accumulation of water on the ground
Mould appearing on walls, fabrics, woodwork (black spots)
Excessive condensation on windows and piping
Crumbling or slight bulging of concrete
Bad odours (stale or mouldy)
Rotting of the floor
Softening of the plaster
Abnormally high levels of humidity in the basement
Traces of moisture on the walls
If you observe one of these indications or more, there is reason to believe that your foundation is cracked
and/or that it no longer has optimum waterproofing.
Polyurethane Injection Crack Repair
This type of repair is usually done from inside the house, without excavating.
Once detected, the crack is enlarged using a jackhammer. We then inject a flexible elastomeric product,
epoxy, or a water-reacting polyurethane.
Crack Repair Using an Outer Membrane
The installation of a sealing membrane adds optimum protection to your foundation, especially during the
spring thaw period, as well as in areas prone to seasonal flooding. This membrane and the presence of a
functional French drain ensure that your foundation becomes waterproof.
Crack Repair Using Reinforcing Plates
We use a high-power adhesive product to clog larger cracks. We then add steel reinforcement that stabilizes
and supports your house’s structure. This proven method stops the lateral and shear movements caused by
freezing and thawing. We use this technique when cracks more than an eighth of an inch thick.
Waterproofing
Poor quality or aging of concrete that causes small cracks are not the only culprits. Your foundation may
require waterproofing work if it is subjected to hydrostatic pressure or if your property is built below
the water table level.
Waterproofing is required when water and moisture in the soil penetrates into your basement, causing the
formation of mold, fungi and unpleasant odors.