Case Study: Foundation Crack Repair to Eliminate Basement Leaks in Aurora

Location: Aurora, Ontario
Client: The Douglas Family
Issue: Vertical foundation crack causing water seepage during rainfall
Service: Polyurethane crack injection and vapor barrier membrane installation

The Challenge

The Douglas family, living in Aurora Heights, discovered a vertical crack in their basement foundation wall after noticing water stains on the drywall and a persistent musty smell in their recreation room. The crack appeared small, but water was leaking through it during storms, damaging the drywall and carpet.

They had previously painted over the area with waterproof paint, but the issue persisted. They needed a quick, durable fix that would not require costly exterior excavation, as the wall backed onto a paved patio.

Our Solution

After assessing the foundation and moisture levels, Direct Waterproofing proposed a polyurethane injection repair, combined with a vapor barrier membrane applied over the interior foundation wall section.

Repair Process:

• Crack Exposure: Removed a small section of the finished wall to expose the full height of the crack in the poured concrete.
• Polyurethane Injection: Injected expanding polyurethane into the crack under pressure to fully seal it from the inside and prevent future seepage.
• Membrane Installation: Applied a dimpled drainage membrane to the repaired wall section to catch and redirect any incidental moisture into the interior drainage system.
• Drywall Restoration Guidance: Provided recommendations to restore the finished wall once the moisture was fully resolved and the area had dried.

The Result

The crack was permanently sealed. The basement remained completely dry through several spring storms, and the Douglas family proceeded with refinishing the drywall with full confidence that the leak would not return.

Client Testimonial

“We were impressed with how fast and clean the job was. Direct Waterproofing found the root of the problem and solved it in just a few hours. Our basement is dry again and we feel relieved knowing it’s fixed for good.”
— The Douglas Family, Aurora

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is polyurethane injection a long-term solution?
Yes. It expands inside the crack, bonds to the concrete, and remains flexible over time. It’s ideal for sealing active or potential leak points in poured foundations.

2. Do I need to dig from the outside?
Not in most cases. Polyurethane injection is done from inside and is especially useful when exterior access is blocked or costly.

3. How long does the repair take?
Most crack repairs take just a few hours. The area can typically be restored within a day after drying.

4. Will this work on finished basements?
Yes. We minimize disruption and only open up the affected section of the wall. After the repair, we provide guidance or work with your contractor to restore the interior.

5. Is the repair guaranteed?
Absolutely. Our crack repair work is backed by a long-term warranty for your peace of mind.

If you’ve noticed cracks or water seepage in your Aurora basement, visit our Basement Waterproofing Aurora page or contact us for a free inspection.