Glossary of Foundation Repair and Waterproofing Terms
Understanding foundation and basement terms doesn’t have to be confusing. Use this glossary to learn what common terms like “underpinning,” “sump pump,” and “egress window” really mean. Click on a term below to jump to the definitions for that service.
Foundation Repair
Underpinning
A method of strengthening a foundation by extending it to more stable soil layers, often using piers or pilings.
Helical Piers
Steel shafts with helical plates that are screwed into the ground to support and stabilize foundations.
Active Zone
The upper layer of soil near the foundation that experiences moisture fluctuations, leading to expansion and contraction.
Foundation Settlement
The downward movement of a structure due to soil compression or erosion beneath the foundation.
Load-Bearing Soil
Soil capable of supporting the weight of a structure without significant compression or movement.
Differential Settlement
Uneven settling of a building’s foundation, leading to structural issues like cracks and misaligned doors or windows.
Basement Waterproofing
French Drain
A trench filled with gravel or rock containing a perforated pipe that redirects surface water and groundwater away from the foundation.
Sump Pump
A pump installed in a sump basin to remove accumulated water from a basement or crawlspace.
Vapor Barrier
A material, typically plastic or foil, used to prevent moisture from penetrating walls or floors.
Hydrostatic Pressure
The pressure exerted by standing water in the soil against basement walls, which can lead to leaks or structural damage.
Weeping Tile
A porous pipe used for underground drainage, directing water away from the foundation.
Egress Windows
Window Well
A semi-circular excavation around a basement window, often with a retaining wall, that allows for emergency escape and natural light.
IRC Code Requirements
Standards set by the International Residential Code dictating the minimum size and accessibility of egress windows for safety.
Casement Window
A window hinged on the side that opens outward, commonly used for egress due to its wide opening.
Tempered Glass
Safety glass treated to be stronger and, if broken, shatter into small, less harmful pieces.
Dehumidifiers
Relative Humidity (RH)
The percentage of moisture in the air relative to the maximum amount the air can hold at that temperature.
Desiccant Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier that uses a moisture-absorbing material to extract humidity from the air, effective in cooler environments.
Drain Hose
A hose attached to a dehumidifier allowing continuous drainage of collected water, eliminating the need to empty a reservoir.
Humidistat
A device that measures and regulates humidity levels, often integrated into dehumidifiers for automatic operation.
Street Creep
Expansion Joint
A flexible joint in concrete structures that absorbs movement caused by thermal expansion and contraction, preventing cracks.
Driveway Compression
The pressure exerted on a home’s foundation when expanding concrete slabs, like driveways, push against it due to temperature changes.
Control Joint
Grooves placed in concrete to control where cracks occur, guiding them along predetermined lines.
Bowed Wall Repair
Wall Anchors
Steel plates connected by rods that are installed to stabilize and straighten bowed basement walls.
Carbon Fiber Straps
High-strength straps bonded to walls to reinforce and prevent further bowing without significant intrusion.
I-Beams
Steel beams installed vertically against walls to provide structural support and prevent inward movement.
Soil Pressure
The lateral force exerted by soil against basement walls, which can cause them to bow inward over time.
Foundation Wall Crack Repair
Epoxy Injection
A method of sealing cracks by injecting epoxy resin, restoring structural integrity.
Polyurethane Foam Injection
A flexible sealant injected into cracks to prevent water intrusion, accommodating slight movements.
Hydraulic Cement
A fast-setting cement used to patch leaks in concrete and masonry, expanding as it sets to create a tight seal.
Horizontal Cracks
Cracks running parallel to the ground, often indicating pressure from soil or water against the wall.
