Wall Crack Repair
West Michigan’s Waterproofing Experts
Foundation and wall cracks are more than surface flaws – they are early signs of pressure, movement, or moisture around your foundation. If left untreated, they can widen, let water in, and weaken the structure of your home. At West Michigan Waterproofing, we provide durable wall crack repair services that stop leaks, restore strength, and protect your home for years to come.
What Causes Wall Cracks?
Every crack has a reason – and in Michigan, weather plays a big part. Constant freezing and thawing, heavy rain, and changing soil moisture all put pressure on foundation walls. Over time, that pressure creates movement and separation.
The most common causes of foundation cracks include:
- Expansive or clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry
- Hydrostatic pressure from poor exterior drainage or grading
- Seasonal freeze–thaw cycles common in West Michigan
- Uneven settling of the foundation over time
- Added structural load from home additions or window installations
Each of these factors stresses the concrete until small cracks appear. What starts as a thin line can quickly turn into an entry point for water. Once moisture gets in, it increases pressure inside the wall and weakens the structure further. Acting early with wall crack repair helps break this cycle and keeps your foundation strong through every Michigan season.
How to Repair Wall Cracks
Once cracks appear, sealing them quickly is key to avoiding larger issues. Traditional epoxy injection has been the standard for years. It can fill the space and stop leaks, but epoxy hardens completely and doesn’t move with the foundation. As soil and temperature change, the repair often separates again, allowing new leaks to form.
That’s why we use a more reliable, flexible approach designed to handle the natural movements of your home.
Our Process
(Click each step to learn more)
Step One
Surface Preparation
We start by grinding the surface around the crack to remove debris and ensure the coating bonds properly.
Step Two
Priming
A penetrating primer is applied to soak into the concrete and create a strong, even surface for the sealant.
Step Three
Layered Protection
Three layers of rubberized coating are added, each strengthening the seal and allowing for movement over time. Once cured, the surface remains watertight and resilient to pressure or temperature changes.
This process doesn’t just seal visible foundation cracks, it adds a protective barrier against future moisture and pressure buildup, ensuring the repair lasts through Michigan’s shifting soil and seasonal cycles.
Step One
Step Two
Step Three
Step 1: Surface Preparation
We start by grinding the surface around the crack to remove debris and ensure the coating bonds properly.
Step 2: Priming
A penetrating primer is applied to soak into the concrete and create a strong, even surface for the sealant.
Step 3: Layered Protection
Three layers of rubberized coating are added, each strengthening the seal and allowing for movement over time. Once cured, the surface remains watertight and resilient to pressure or temperature changes.
This process doesn’t just seal visible foundation cracks, it adds a protective barrier against future moisture and pressure buildup, ensuring the repair lasts through Michigan’s shifting soil and seasonal cycles.
Let’s get started!
Why Choose Us
Working with West Michigan Waterproofing means working with a team that understands local soil and weather conditions from the sandy, moisture-heavy coastal areas near South Haven to the clay-rich soils of Grand Rapids and the shifting ground around Lansing. Each region presents its own challenges, and our experience across them helps us choose the most effective wall crack repair method for your home.
We don’t just patch visible cracks – we identify and fix what’s causing them. Our technicians inspect soil conditions, drainage systems, and wall structure before recommending the right approach. Every repair is completed cleanly, without unnecessary demolition, and built to keep your basement dry, stable, and protected year after year.
10-Year Warranty for Wall Crack Repair
Every foundation and basement wall crack repair we complete is backed by a 10-year transferable warranty. The warranty is straightforward, written directly to the home, and kept on file with West Michigan Waterproofing: no annual fees or transfer costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs that a wall crack is a serious issue?
Serious foundation cracks usually have clear warning signs: horizontal or stair-step patterns, widening gaps, or visible water seepage. You may also notice doors or windows that start to stick or shift. These are signs the foundation is moving, and a professional inspection is needed to prevent further damage.
Speaking of small wall cracks, they often appear as a home settles, but they can turn into a problem if they grow or allow moisture inside. Even thin cracks should be watched closely by a professional, as they can expand over time or indicate that pressure is building behind the wall.
Do you handle both interior and exterior wall crack repairs?
Yes, comprehensive crack repair services include both interior and exterior solutions, depending on the nature and severity of the foundation damage.
How long does the wall crack repair take, and what can I do to prepare?
The time needed for wall crack repair depends on how many foundation cracks need to be fixed and how severe they are. In most cases, a single crack can be sealed in one day, while several or more complex wall cracks may take a few days.
You can help speed up the process by clearing the area near the cracks inside and outside your basement. Moving furniture and personal items away from the walls allows the crew to start work right away and ensures safe, clean access for sealing basement wall cracks.
Can I paint over the repaired cracks?
Yes, you can paint over the repaired areas. However, it’s important to allow the repair materials to fully cure before painting, which typically takes about 24-48 hours, depending on the materials used.
What maintenance is required after the cracks have been repaired?
Regular inspections are recommended to ensure the repair is holding and no new cracks have developed. Keeping the area dry and ensuring proper drainage around your foundation will also help maintain the repairs.
How does Michigan weather affect foundation cracks?
Weather has a major impact on how foundation cracks form and behave, especially in areas like Grand Rapids and the lake cities of West Michigan. Constant moisture from rain, snow, and high humidity can cause soil to expand, while dry periods make it shrink, putting stress on basement walls. Freeze-thaw cycles near the lakes intensify this movement and often lead to new cracks or widening of existing ones.
Repairs are easiest to complete in dry, mild weather, but modern materials and repair methods allow effective work in nearly any season.
Is it possible to waterproof my basement walls at the same time as repairing cracks?
Yes, it’s often recommended that basement walls be waterproofed during the crack repair process to prevent water ingress and protect against future cracking and structural damage.
How does your wall crack repair method compare to foundation replacement?
Our repair methods are designed to be less invasive and more cost-effective than full foundation replacement. They are often just as effective for long-term stabilization and come with significant warranties to ensure peace of mind.
Will repairing foundation cracks increase my home’s value?
Yes, effectively repairing foundation cracks can increase your home’s value by ensuring the structural integrity of the property and alleviating concerns for potential buyers about future issues.