Masonry Foundation Repair & Waterproofing

Your foundation supports your entire home or building. When foundation problems develop, they affect everything above them. Doors and windows stick. Floors become uneven. Cracks appear in walls and ceilings. Water seeps into basements and crawl spaces. What starts as a small crack or minor settlement becomes structural damage that threatens your property's safety and value.

Here in Salinas, CA, foundation issues stem from several sources. Clay soils expand when wet and shrink when dry, creating movement that stresses foundations. Poor drainage directs water against foundation walls. Earthquake activity creates cracks and shifts. Tree roots can undermine foundations. Whatever the cause, ignoring foundation problems never makes them better.

At SLM Salinas Masonry, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing foundation problems in masonry structures. We understand how brick, stone, and concrete foundations fail and know the right repair methods for each situation. We also provide waterproofing services that prevent water damage before it starts.

Foundation problems show themselves in various ways. Recognizing the warning signs helps you address issues before they become critical.

Cracks in Foundation Walls

Not all cracks indicate serious problems, but they all deserve evaluation. Hairline cracks in concrete are often cosmetic. Horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in brick or block, and cracks wider than a quarter-inch signal structural issues. Cracks that grow over time or allow water penetration need immediate repair. We assess crack patterns to determine if they're caused by settlement, soil pressure, or other factors.

Settlement and Sinking

Foundations settle when the soil underneath can no longer support the weight above. Uneven settlement creates stress that cracks foundations and walls. You might notice sloping floors, separating walls, or doors that won't close properly. Settlement repair often requires underpinning or piering to stabilize the foundation on solid soil or bedrock.

Water Infiltration and Moisture

Water is the enemy of foundations. It causes brick and mortar to deteriorate. It creates hydrostatic pressure that pushes against foundation walls. Standing water in basements or crawl spaces leads to mold, wood rot, and unhealthy indoor air. Waterproofing addresses both the source of water and the pathway it uses to enter your building.

Warning Signs to Watch For

Contact us if you notice any of these foundation warning signs:

• Cracks in foundation walls or basement floors
• Doors and windows that stick or won't close properly
• Gaps between walls and ceilings or floors
• Uneven or sloping floors
• Water seepage, dampness, or musty odors
• Visible bowing or leaning in foundation walls

Effective foundation repair requires identifying root causes and addressing them properly. Surface patches don't fix underlying structural problems. We use proven repair methods that provide long-term solutions.

For cracked masonry foundations, we remove damaged sections and rebuild with proper materials and techniques. This might involve replacing deteriorated brick or stone, repointing mortar joints, or reinforcing walls with steel. When settlement causes damage, we stabilize the foundation before making repairs. This prevents new cracks from forming after we fix the existing ones.

Waterproofing protects your foundation from water damage. Exterior waterproofing is most effective but requires excavating around your foundation. We apply waterproof membranes to foundation walls and install proper drainage systems. French drains and drain tile direct water away from foundations. Sump pumps remove water that collects in basements or crawl spaces.

For properties with multiple masonry structures, we coordinate foundation work with other repairs. If your retaining walls are failing or if chimney problems relate to foundation settlement, we address everything as part of a comprehensive repair plan. This systems approach ensures all issues get resolved, not just the most visible ones.