Masonry Foundation Repair & Waterproofing

Your foundation literally supports your entire home. When foundation problems develop, they affect everything above them, from floors and walls to doors and windows. Foundation issues never fix themselves. They only get worse over time, causing more damage and costing more to repair. What starts as a small crack in your foundation wall can spread, let water into your basement or crawl space, and eventually compromise your home's structural integrity.

In Amarillo, foundation problems often stem from our expansive clay soils that swell when wet and shrink when dry. This constant movement puts stress on foundations, especially during periods of heavy rain followed by drought. Poor drainage around your home compounds the problem by directing water toward your foundation instead of away from it. Add in freeze-thaw cycles that crack masonry, and you can see why foundation maintenance is so important for Texas Panhandle homes.

At AMM Amarillo Masonry, we specialize in repairing masonry foundations and protecting them from water damage. We understand how local soil and weather conditions affect foundations, and we know proven repair methods that stop deterioration and prevent future problems. Whether you have cracks in your foundation walls, water seeping into your basement, or settling that needs to be addressed, we provide expert foundation repair services that protect your home and give you peace of mind.

Foundation problems take many forms, and recognizing the warning signs early can save you thousands of dollars. Here are the most common foundation issues we see in Amarillo homes and how we address them.

Foundation Issues and Warning Signs

• Cracks in foundation walls: Vertical, horizontal, or stair-step cracks in brick or concrete block foundations indicate movement or settlement. Small cracks let water in, while larger cracks signal serious structural problems.
• Bowing or leaning walls: Foundation walls that bulge inward or lean indicate excessive soil pressure from outside. This can lead to wall collapse if not addressed promptly.
• Water intrusion: Damp spots, standing water, or water stains in your basement or crawl space mean your foundation is not keeping water out. Chronic moisture causes mold, wood rot, and foundation deterioration.
• Deteriorating mortar joints: Crumbling mortar between foundation bricks or blocks weakens the structure and allows water penetration. This is especially common in older homes with aging masonry.
• Settlement and sinking: When parts of your foundation sink lower than others, it causes uneven floors, cracks in walls, and doors that do not close properly.
• Efflorescence: White, chalky deposits on foundation walls indicate water is moving through the masonry, bringing salts to the surface. This signals drainage problems and potential water damage.

When you call us for a foundation inspection, we examine your entire foundation, both inside and out. We look for cracks, water damage, soil conditions, drainage issues, and structural movement. We use levels and measuring tools to detect settling and determine the severity of any problems. Then we explain exactly what is wrong, what caused it, and what needs to be done to fix it permanently.

Foundation repairs often work hand-in-hand with other masonry services. For example, if your foundation has settled and pulled away from your home, you might also need brick repairs to restore exterior walls affected by the movement.

We use proven repair methods tailored to your specific foundation problems. Every repair starts with addressing the underlying cause, not just treating symptoms. Here are the solutions we provide to Amarillo homeowners.

Masonry Foundation Repairs

For cracked foundation walls, we use several repair techniques depending on crack size and severity. Small cracks can be filled with specialized masonry sealants that flex with the foundation. Larger cracks require removing damaged sections and rebuilding with new brick or block. For horizontal cracks or bowing walls, we may install steel reinforcement or carbon fiber straps to stabilize the wall and prevent further movement.

When mortar joints have deteriorated, we perform tuckpointing to restore structural integrity and water resistance. This involves removing old, failing mortar and replacing it with fresh mortar mixed to the correct strength for foundation applications. Proper mortar joints are essential for keeping water out and maintaining foundation strength.

Waterproofing Systems

Keeping water away from your foundation is just as important as repairing damage. We install comprehensive waterproofing systems that include exterior drainage solutions, foundation coatings, and interior moisture control. On the outside, we excavate around your foundation, apply waterproof membranes, install drainage pipe at the footing level, and backfill with proper drainage materials.

We also address surface water issues by regrading soil around your foundation to slope away from your home, extending downspouts to carry roof water away from the foundation, and installing surface drains where needed. Inside, we can install sump pumps to remove water that does get in and apply waterproof coatings to foundation walls for extra protection.

Long-Term Protection

All our foundation repairs come with recommendations for ongoing maintenance to prevent future problems. This might include regular gutter cleaning, maintaining proper grading, watering your foundation during droughts to prevent excessive shrinkage, and periodic inspections to catch small issues early. We want your foundation repair to be a permanent solution, not a temporary fix.

We also coordinate with structural engineers when needed for major foundation problems that require professional engineering analysis and design. For homes with multiple foundation issues, we create comprehensive repair plans that address everything at once. We also offer tuckpointing services for above-ground masonry that has been affected by foundation movement.