Your foundation.
You might not think about it that much, but your home’s foundation is kind of like your health: when it’s doing well, you don’t think about it. But when there’s a problem, everything starts to fall apart, literally.
Spring has sprung in London, Ontario, and with it comes the rage of thawing ground, rain showers, and, unfortunately, leaky basements for many Londoners.
Yes, you’re not alone.
Houses throughout Southwestern Ontario face a surge of moisture around their foundations during spring.
A foundation contractor in London, Power Foundations, says that among the foundation solutions they offer (from crack repairs to helical pile installation), basement waterproofing London stands out in spring and summer “as the most high-impact, urgently needed service to keep homes dry and structurally sound.”
In this article, we’ll break down what specific foundation repair to look for, what it might mean, and what kind of help is out there, from waterproofing to structural repair to soil stabilization.
Why Spring & Summer Are Hard on Your Foundation
Let’s start with the obvious: London’s weather is no friend to your home’s foundation.
When the frost leaves the ground each spring, the soil expands with moisture. The pressure gets pushed right up against your foundation walls. Combine that with spring rain (and increasingly frequent summer downpours), and suddenly, your home’s base is under attack.
According to Upper Thames River Conservation Authority, London’s rainfall increases from 15 mm in February to over 50 mm by May, and summer storms can dump 75 mm or more in a single hour, just like the July 2024 flash flood that swamped parts of our city.
That much water doesn’t just seep into basements. It shifts soil and exposes every tiny weakness in your foundation, especially if your home was built more than 20 years ago.
6 Signs Your Foundation Needs Help
More than anyone, you know your home better. You don’t need to be a contractor to spot early signs of trouble. Here are six red flags to watch out for:
- Cracks in walls or floors – Hairline cracks aren’t always serious, but diagonal or widening cracks can signal movement.
- Doors and windows that stick – This can happen when your foundation shifts unevenly.
- Uneven or sloping floors – If your floor suddenly feels “off,” your foundation may be settling.
- Water in the basement – Obvious, yes, but often the tip of the iceberg.
- Bowing walls – A clear sign of lateral pressure from wet, heavy soil.
- Musty smells or mold – Often caused by invisible cracks or moisture seepage.
According to industry data, foundation damage affects 1 in 4 homes at some point, and 98% of basements will experience water issues during the home’s life. Most people ignore the signs until it becomes an expensive emergency.
If you see any of the above red flags, don’t panic! Just call your foundation contractor right away.
Let’s Talk Solutions: What Foundation Repair Involves
At Power Foundations, we fix a wide variety of foundation issues. Here’s a quick rundown of what we do and when it makes the biggest impact:
1. Crack Foundation Repairs
Best time: Spring & Summer (when cracks are visible and accessible)
Not all cracks are created equal. Some are harmless; others are a roadmap to serious structural failure.
At Power Foundations, we assess and seal them with epoxy or polyurethane injection, preventing water from getting in. This way, we avoid further damage to your foundation.
Fun fact: Water expands 9% when freezes, so even small cracks can grow rapidly in winter. Sealing them in warm months like spring and summer is key.
2. Basement Waterproofing London
Best time: Spring (before the heavy summer rains)
It’s not just about floods, even dampness can destroy your basement’s structural integrity. Not only that, 38% of damp basements eventually develop mold.
The best solution for wet basements is waterproofing. Our team uses the best technique to waterproof from the inside and out, including vapor barriers, sump pump systems, and exterior membranes.
According to the Government of Canada, the average flood repair cost base is $43,000 per basement. The sad part is, your insurance may not cover flood damage, so you need to talk to your provider. Early action and preventive maintenance are key.
3. Helical Piles (Foundation Underpinning)
Best time: Summer (dry soil = better access)
If your home is sinking or shifting, helical piles can stabilize or even lift it. These steel supports screw into stable soil layers and take the weight off unstable ground.
Used for: Settling homes, new additions, decks, porches, or garages showing movement, and more.
Foundation settlement is one of the top 3 most expensive home repairs, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $40,000+, depending on severity.
Power Foundations provides the best value helical pile investments for your property. With no commitments, you can get a free quote here.
4. Carbon Fibre Reinforcement
Best time: Spring/Summer (before cracks get worse)
If your foundation walls are starting to bow or crack from pressure, carbon fibre strips offer a non-invasive, ultra-strong reinforcement that locks them in place.
10x stronger than steel, virtually invisible after installation, and ideal for block walls under lateral pressure.
5. Hydrojetting (Drain Cleaning)
Best time: Summer or after wet spells
Sometimes the problem isn’t the walls, it’s clogged perimeter drains (weeping tile). Hydrojetting uses high-pressure water to clear out sediment, roots, and debris from the drainage system.
Great preventive option for homes with slow-draining sumps or mysterious water ingress.
6. Structural Repairs
Best time: When you see visible movement or load-bearing failure
With structural repairs, we’re talking about the heavy stuff. This includes wall rebuilds, beam reinforcement, and pier footings.
If you think your home has serious structural issues, early intervention can literally save it from collapse.
We use engineered repair plans customized for London’s clay-rich soils, which expand and contract like crazy with moisture.
Foundation Repair: The Cost of Waiting
Here’s what we’ve seen: most homeowners don’t act until it’s urgent. And by then, it’s usually more expensive.
Based on HomeStars, here are the average costs of foundation repairs.
- A small crack? $500–$1,500 to seal.
- A bowed wall that wasn’t reinforced? Could become a $15,000+ rebuild.
A leaky basement ignored for 2 years? Mold remediation, flooring replacement, and drywall: $30,000–$50,000.
Cost varies depending on size, materials, and severity. It’s essential to consult a trusted and experienced foundation repair company near me.
Reminder: Your foundation supports 100% of your house. It’s worth investing in.
You’re Not Alone – Here’s What Others Are Googling
Wondering if you’re the only one searching “how to fix basement wall crack London Ontario”?
You’re not.
Here’s what’s trending each spring and summer on Google in our area:
| Search Term | Interest Surge (April–July) |
| “basement waterproofing London ON” | ↑ +320% |
| “foundation crack repair Ontario” | ↑ +275% |
| “helical piles for sinking deck” | ↑ +190% |
| “carbon fibre basement repair” | ↑ +160% |
Tip: SEO experts agree that foundation repair terms peak from March to July, so it’s also when most homeowners realize they need help.
Final Thoughts (Foundation Repairs – From One Homeowner to Another)
Your foundation might not be the sexiest part of your home, but it’s the most important.
Every squeaky floor, sticky door, or musty basement could be telling you something, and ignoring it won’t make it go away.
At Power Foundations, we’re here to help. We’ve got tools (and the expertise) to make sure your home stays strong.
Thinking you might have a foundation issue? Give us a call for a no-pressure inspection.
We’re local, we know London soil like the back of our hand, and we’re here to help your foundation stay rock solid.
