It can be unsettling to find a crack in your basement. You might notice a hairline fissure running from a window down to the floor or a horizontal line where the wall meets the slab. Perhaps you’ve patched it with storebought cement only to see the crack widen again after the next heavy rain. As owners of Altman’s Waterproofing of Staten Island, we hear from homeowners every day who worry that cracks signal expensive structural problems or that repairs will require tearing up the basement. That isn’t the case when cracks are fixed properly and early.

At Altman’s Waterproofing, we specialize in interior crack repair that seals leaks without excavation. Our proprietary epoxy injection fuses the concrete from the inside out, eliminating the need for destructive trench drains, French drains, or sump pumps. Because we stop the water at its source, no exterior digging is required, and your basement remains intact.

These fears are understandable. Cracks often form because water seeps into the foundation. Without intervention, the cracks can grow, allowing more moisture to seep in. Moisture can lead to mold, weakened walls, and expensive repairs down the road. Thankfully, modern repair techniques can seal cracks quickly and permanently, eliminating the need for messy jackhammers or trench drains.

Why Do Foundation Cracks Appear?

Foundation cracks aren’t always the result of a catastrophic failure. They usually form for a few common reasons.

• Water leaks and hydrostatic pressure: Water pressing against the outside of your foundation exerts tremendous force. Over time, this pressure creates vertical cracks that often run from a window down toward the floor.
• Settlement and soil movement: Staten Island’s soil can expand when wet and shrink when dry. This constant movement causes small fissures where the wall meets the floor or at corners.
• Temperature fluctuations: Concrete contracts and expands with temperature. Repeated freezethaw cycles can lead to cracking, especially in older homes with minimal reinforcement.
• Improper drainage: Poorly directed downspouts or clogged gutters dump water directly against the foundation, amplifying hydrostatic pressure.

Why Minor Cracks Shouldn’t Be Ignored

A hairline crack may not seem urgent, but ignoring it can lead to significant problems.

• Moisture intrusion: Water naturally follows the path of least resistance. Even small cracks can allow moisture to seep into the basement, leading to dampness and mold.
• Structural weakening: Repeated cycles of water infiltration and drying cause cracks to widen and travel. Over time, this weakens the foundation and can lead to bowed walls or uneven floors.
• Hidden damage: Cracks often indicate underlying issues such as leaking pipes, clogged footing drains, or poor soil drainage. Addressing the crack without identifying the cause leads to repeated failures.

Why Altman’s Epoxy Injection Beats Trench and French Drains

Some contractors still recommend installing interior French drains or trench drains, which involve cutting a channel inside the basement floor to funnel water into a sump pump. At Altman’s Waterproofing, we strongly advise against this approach. Cutting into your concrete footing weakens the structure and does nothing to stop water from entering the wall. Instead of inviting water in and relying on a pump to keep up, we seal the crack so water stays out. Here’s how our epoxy injection process works:

• Inspection and preparation: A trained technician from Altman’s Waterproofing assesses the crack to determine its size, depth, and cause. The area around the crack is cleaned, and small ports are inserted along its length.
• Injection: Our proprietary twopart epoxy resin is injected under pressure through the ports. The resin fills the crack completely, bonding to the concrete and creating a watertight seal that fuses the wall together.
• Curing and finishing: The epoxy cures within hours, permanently sealing the crack. Any surface ports are removed, and the area is refinished. No jackhammers, trenching, or sump pumps are ever needed.

This method is less invasive, faster, and far more effective at stopping leaks than digging trenches or installing interior drains. By repairing the foundation itself, water can no longer enter, preventing further deterioration and protecting your investment.

When to Call a Professional

Not every crack requires immediate intervention, but if you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to call Altman’s Waterproofing.

• A crack is wider than a quarter of an inch or continues to widen.
• Multiple cracks appear in the same area, or you notice horizontal cracks where the wall meets the floor.
• Water seeps through the crack during or after rainstorms.
• You notice uneven floors, sticking doors or windows, or other signs of foundation movement.

Our specialists can diagnose the cause of the cracking, recommend appropriate repairs, and address any related drainage or moisture issues.

Protect Your Home’s Foundation

Foundation cracks in Staten Island are common, but they don’t have to become a significant problem. Most cracks form because of water pressure and normal settlement. Addressing the cause and sealing cracks early prevents moisture intrusion, mold growth, and costly structural repairs. Our proprietary epoxy injection seals cracks quickly and permanently without the mess of trench or French drains. If you’ve spotted a crack in your basement or are concerned about moisture, contact Altman’s Waterproofing of Staten Island for a free inspection. Acting now will protect your home and give you peace of mind.

Related Reading

• Why Staten Island Basements Leak After Heavy Rain — and How to Stop It for Good
• Basement Water Damage & Insurance: Why Staten Island Homeowners Need More Than a Policy
• Understanding the Costs of Basement Waterproofing: What Staten Island Homeowners Should Know