Masonry Foundation Repair & Waterproofing
Protect your home's structural integrity with expert foundation repairs and waterproofing solutions that prevent costly damage.
Warning Signs of Foundation Problems
Your foundation is literally what holds your entire home up. When foundation issues develop, they rarely fix themselves. In fact, they usually get worse over time and become more expensive to repair. That's why catching problems early makes such a difference. At MAC McAllen Masonry, we help McAllen homeowners identify and fix foundation issues before they turn into major structural problems.
Foundation damage shows up in different ways. You might notice cracks in walls or ceilings, especially near door frames and corners. Doors and windows that used to work fine might suddenly stick or not close properly. Floors can become uneven or start to slope. Outside, you might see cracks in the foundation itself, gaps between the foundation and walls, or bricks that are pulling away from the structure.
Common Foundation Issues
- •Settling and shifting: Soil movement causes foundations to sink unevenly, creating stress on your home's structure
- •Water infiltration: Moisture seeping through foundation walls damages materials and promotes mold growth
- •Cracking and deterioration: Age, soil pressure, and water exposure break down concrete and mortar over time
- •Poor drainage: Water pooling around your foundation gradually erodes soil and weakens structural support
- •Masonry separation: Brick or stone veneer pulling away from the foundation indicates serious movement
Don't ignore these warning signs. The longer foundation damage goes unrepaired, the more extensive and expensive fixes become. We offer free inspections to assess your foundation and explain exactly what repairs are needed and why.
Our Foundation Repair Process
Every foundation problem is different, so we start by thoroughly inspecting your property. We look at the foundation from multiple angles, check soil conditions, evaluate drainage patterns, and document all damage. This gives us a complete picture of what's causing the problem and what it will take to fix it properly.
Crack Repair and Stabilization
Small cracks can often be repaired with specialized epoxy or polyurethane injections. These materials bond to the concrete and create a waterproof seal that's stronger than the surrounding material. For larger cracks or areas where the foundation has shifted significantly, we may need to use reinforcement methods like carbon fiber strips or steel braces.
When foundation movement is active and ongoing, we stabilize the structure using pier systems. These go deep into stable soil beneath your foundation to provide solid support. Once stabilized, we can then repair surface damage and restore the foundation's integrity.
Masonry Foundation Work
Older homes in McAllen often have brick or stone foundations that need special care. We're experts in traditional masonry repair techniques. This includes repointing deteriorated mortar joints, replacing damaged bricks or stones, and rebuilding sections that have collapsed or severely deteriorated.
For homes with brick veneer over a concrete foundation, we repair both the structural foundation and the decorative masonry exterior. This ensures your home looks good and stays structurally sound. All repairs are done to match existing materials and construction methods, so repairs blend in seamlessly.
After structural repairs are complete, we address drainage issues that may have contributed to the problem. Proper grading, downspout extensions, and drainage systems help protect your foundation from future water damage.
Waterproofing Solutions
Water is the biggest enemy of any foundation. Even if your foundation isn't damaged yet, waterproofing prevents future problems and protects your investment. McAllen's clay soil expands when wet and shrinks when dry, putting constant pressure on your foundation. Keeping water away from the foundation reduces this stress and extends its life.
Exterior Waterproofing
The most effective waterproofing happens on the outside of your foundation. We excavate around the foundation perimeter and apply waterproof membranes or coatings directly to the foundation walls. Then we install drainage systems that channel water away from the structure. This might include perforated drain pipes, gravel backfill, and proper grading to direct water away from your home.
Exterior waterproofing is more involved than interior solutions, but it addresses the problem at its source. It's especially important during foundation repair projects when we already have access to the foundation walls.
Interior Solutions
For homes where exterior excavation isn't practical, we can install interior drainage systems. These typically involve a perimeter drain channel along the inside of the foundation that collects water and directs it to a sump pump. The pump then removes the water from your basement or crawl space.
We also apply waterproof coatings to interior foundation walls as an additional barrier. While not as comprehensive as exterior waterproofing, these solutions still provide good protection and are less disruptive to install.
Combining foundation repairs with waterproofing gives you long-term protection. We handle both aspects of the work, so you have one contractor managing the entire project from start to finish. This ensures repairs are done right and your foundation stays dry and stable for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Concerned about your foundation? Call today for a free inspection and honest assessment.