FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about foundation repair, waterproofing, and our services at Action Alberta Foundation Repair.

What kind of foundation problems do you deal with?

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Most of the calls we get are from people who see cracks in the basement wall or a bit of water where it should not be. Sometimes it is a hairline crack, sometimes it is one of those long ones that runs halfway down the wall. We also deal with settling issues, floors dipping a little, sump pumps that never stop running, and basements that smell damp for no clear reason. Every house is different, so we take a look and explain what is actually going on instead of guessing from the driveway.

Do you come out and look before giving a quote?

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Yes, always. We prefer to see the problem in person because a photograph never tells the whole story. We check inside the basement, walk around the outside, look at how the yard drains, and ask a few questions about when you first noticed the issue. After that, we give you a straight answer on what is happening and what the fix looks like. No pressure. You decide when you want to move ahead.

How do you repair cracks?

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Cracks are not all the same. Some are harmless and others can grow into something bigger. We fill the smaller ones with an injection that seals it from the inside out. The bigger cracks usually need a deeper repair. We tell you which is which so you are not paying for something you do not need.

What is involved in waterproofing a basement?

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Waterproofing is a bit messy, to be honest. Most of the time we have to dig along the foundation, fix whatever has failed, and add a drainage system that moves water away from the house. Inside the basement, we might add a channel or upgrade the sump pump if it is struggling to keep up. We clean up when we are done so you are not left with a disaster in the yard.

Do you install sump pumps?

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Yes. We replace old pumps, install new ones, and add backup systems when needed. If your pump is loud or running constantly, something is off and it is worth checking before it burns out.

What is a weeping tile system?

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It is basically a hidden pipe that collects water around the foundation and carries it away. Older homes in this area usually have worn-out or plugged lines, which is why some basements stay damp no matter how much you run a fan. We repair the old ones or install a new system if the original one is past saving.

Do you fix window wells too?

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Yes. A lot of basement leaks come from window wells that fill up because there is no drainage underneath. We dig them out, rebuild them properly, and make sure they drain instead of flooding the window.

How long does the work usually take?

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Small fixes are done the same day. Bigger waterproofing jobs might take a few days, depending on how much digging is needed and what we find once everything is opened up. We walk you through the timeline before we start so you know what to expect.

Will the work mess up my yard?

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There is no way to dig next to a house without disturbing the soil a bit. We try to keep things controlled, protect what we can, and clean up properly. We treat the yard like it is our own and do not leave piles of dirt everywhere.

Why should I choose your company?

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We are not a big crew with rotating workers. We are local, we know the soil here, and we take the time to explain things in a way that makes sense. People tell us they appreciate that we do not push unnecessary repairs. We show up when we say we will, and we do the job right the first time. That is really the whole thing.

How do you price the work?

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Every job is different. A small crack costs far less than a full waterproofing job, so we do not have a flat price list. After the inspection, we give you the number and explain exactly what you are paying for. If something can be done a cheaper way without cutting corners, we mention it.

Do your repairs come with a warranty?

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Yes. The warranty length depends on the type of repair. We explain it upfront so you know what is covered.

Can you help prevent future problems?

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Usually yes. Sometimes it is as simple as adjusting the slope around the house, fixing a downspout, or replacing an old sump pump. After the repair, we tell you what to keep an eye on so things do not come back.

When should I call about a crack or leak?

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Right away. Little cracks turn into bigger ones when the weather changes. A bit of dampness today can become standing water after a heavy rain. It is easier and cheaper to deal with it early.

How do I book an inspection?

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Just call or send a message. Tell us what you are seeing, even if you are not sure it is serious. We can usually book an appointment quickly.