Foundation Crack Repair in Ottawa — Diagnosed Right, Fixed Once.
Some cracks are nothing. Some are everything. Here's how to tell — and how we fix the ones that actually matter.
Why most crack repair quotes are inflated.
A lot of foundation contractors will quote epoxy injection on every crack you've got, regardless of what kind of crack it is, what's causing it, or whether it actually needs anything done.
That's how this corner of the trade got its bad name. Hairline cracks become $1,500 jobs. Settlement cracks that stopped moving in 1987 get sold as "active structural problems."
Our position is simpler: if your crack doesn't need work, we'll tell you. If it does, we'll do the right kind of repair for the right kind of crack. Most homeowners are surprised by how often the answer is "leave it alone and watch it."
Types of cracks and what each one means.
Different cracks tell different stories.
- Hairline cracks are usually concrete shrinkage and harmless.
- Vertical cracks are usually settlement and often stable.
- Horizontal cracks are the ones to worry about — they typically mean lateral pressure from soil pushing on the wall.
- Stair-step cracks in block walls also need attention; they signal differential settlement or wall movement.
- Leaking cracks of any orientation need water management even if they're not structural.
We've written a full visual guide to foundation crack types → worth a look if you have a crack in front of you right now.
How we actually repair foundation cracks.
If a crack does need repair, the method depends on what kind it is and where the water is coming from.
Epoxy injection — for non-leaking structural cracks where we need to restore the wall's load-bearing capacity. Epoxy is rigid; it bonds the crack permanently.
Polyurethane injection — for leaking cracks where stopping water is the goal and the wall doesn't need structural restoration. Polyurethane stays flexible, which matters because foundations move slightly with the seasons.
Exterior excavation and seal — when interior injection won't fix the problem, usually because the exterior membrane has failed at that point. More expensive and disruptive, but sometimes the only real fix.
We pick the method based on the crack, not based on what we have on the truck.
What it costs.
| Service | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Single hairline crack repair (interior injection) | $300–$800 |
| Single vertical crack with leak (polyurethane) | $500–$1,200 |
| Multiple crack injection | $1,200–$3,000 |
| Exterior excavation crack repair | $3,000–$7,000 |
What changes the number: crack length, accessibility, and repair method
When the crack means something bigger.
Sometimes a crack isn't just a crack — it's a symptom of a wall that needs structural reinforcement. Horizontal cracks especially. If we look at your crack and decide it's a wall stabilization issue rather than a crack repair issue, we'll tell you, and we'll send you to read about foundation wall stabilization →
A few things people ask.
How long does a crack repair take?
Most crack repairs take a single day or less. Epoxy and polyurethane injection can be done in a few hours. Exterior excavation repairs take longer — typically one to three days depending on soil conditions.
Will a repaired crack ever come back?
If we use the right method for the right crack, no. A properly injected structural crack stays bonded. Water-seal cracks sometimes need re-treatment if the underlying drainage problem isn't also fixed, which is why we always look at the bigger picture.
Can I just caulk my crack?
Caulk is a temporary cover, not a fix. It'll shrink, it'll crack again, and it doesn't address the actual problem. If your crack needs repair, it needs the right repair.
Do you offer a warranty on crack repairs?
Yes. On structural crack injections, we warranty the work for the life of the house. On water-seal repairs, the warranty covers the injection itself, but if the underlying drainage isn't fixed, the water will find another way in.