Stone Foundation Repair in Andover, MA
Andover homes sit on very different ground depending on where you are, from glacial till in the uplands to sand and gravel down in the river valleys. That’s why one house stays dry and the one down the street floods every spring. We find the real cause first, then seal the cracks, stop the water, and restore your foundation for good.
Serving Andover homeowners since 1998, backed by a lifetime warranty and 15-year money-back guarantee.
Why Foundations Fail in Andover
Andover was long summed up as “the Hill, the Mill, and the Till”: the academy on the hill, the mills on the Shawsheen River, and the farms on the glacial till. That same geology decides how your foundation behaves today. The uplands sit on glacial till, while the river valleys hold stratified sand and gravel, and drainage changes street by street. On lower lots near the Shawsheen and its wetland pockets, the water table climbs each spring and presses groundwater against basement walls, forcing it in through cracks and joints. The Shawsheen itself has a documented flood record in Andover, with major events in 1936, 1996, and 2010 and repeated flood-stage crests at the Ballardvale gauge in recent years. Add New England freeze-thaw cycles and uneven settlement, and a hairline crack can become a steady seep. Because Andover’s homes range from antique fieldstone foundations to 20th-century poured and block walls, the right fix depends entirely on which home and which neighborhood you have, and there is no single recipe.
Foundation Crack Repair
The most common issue Andover homeowners face is foundation cracks, especially in the town’s many mid- and late-20th-century poured and block homes where settlement and freeze-thaw do their work. Over time, foundation cracks widen, letting water seep through and damage the interior of your home. Whether the cracks are large or small, horizontal or vertical, our team handles all types of foundation crack repair.
At Done Right Services, we use the highest quality materials and techniques to repair and waterproof your basement and foundation. Our crack repair and waterproofing method is the strongest yet most flexible on the market today, letting your foundation expand and contract without breaking the repair. Unlike companies that rely on outdated methods such as epoxy injection, polyurethane foam, and hydraulic cement with limited warranties, we back our crack repair with a lifetime warranty and a 15-year money-back guarantee!
Bulkhead Waterproofing
Water entering through your bulkhead can cause significant damage to your home’s foundation, a real risk on Andover’s lower, wetter lots near the Shawsheen where the spring water table is high. If you notice water in your basement, it could be a sign of leaks around your bulkhead. Bulkhead waterproofing is a key service we provide to keep water from seeping into your basement through these areas.
Our bulkhead waterproofing solutions for precast bulkheads, block wall bulkheads, or stone foundation bulkheads include waterproof coatings, drainage systems where needed, and waterproofing of joints and seams. We ensure your bulkhead is fully waterproofed, protecting the foundation and keeping your basement dry and safe from water damage.
Basement Crack Repair
Basement cracks are another common issue for Andover homes. They often form from settlement, shifting soils, or seasonal swings in temperature and humidity, and they tend to show up first in Andover’s mid-century poured and block homes. If left untreated, basement cracks can let moisture or radon into your home, leading to mold growth, rotting wood, and damage to your flooring.
Our basement crack repair service uses the best quality methods to fill and waterproof these cracks and ensure a water-tight seal, preventing further damage. Our team is trained to identify the cause of the crack and provide a long-lasting solution that protects your basement and foundation.
Garage Floor Crack Repair
Garage floor cracks might seem minor, but they can lead to bigger problems if left unaddressed. These cracks let water and radon penetrate beneath the surface, which can damage your garage and eventually affect your home’s foundation. Beyond the structural risk, unsightly cracks also detract from the appearance of your garage.
Our garage floor crack repair service seals cracks with specialized materials that create a barrier against moisture and keep the cracks from spreading. Whether you’re dealing with hairline cracks or more serious damage, our team has the expertise to restore your garage floor to its original condition.
Cove Joint Waterproofing
The cove joint, where the basement walls meet the floor, is a vulnerable spot in most homes. Water and radon seep through it easily, causing moisture buildup and potentially serious foundation damage, a frequent problem on Andover’s high-water-table lots.
We specialize in cove joint waterproofing, applying high-quality sealants and waterproof coatings to prevent water infiltration. Our solutions keep your basement dry, prevent mold growth, and protect your foundation from water damage. For heavier water intrusion through the cove joint, we can install an interior drainage system tied into a sump pump.
Cold Joint Waterproofing
Cold joints occur where two sections of concrete meet. A perfect example is a home addition, common across Andover’s suburban stock, where new foundation is poured against the existing foundation, creating a cold joint.
These joints become weak points where water and radon seep in, causing mold and weakening the structure. Cold joint waterproofing is essential to keep water out at these vulnerable points.
At Done Right Services, we provide cold joint waterproofing solutions that address these entry points. Our team uses advanced waterproofing products and techniques to seal the joints and keep your home dry and safe. Whether it’s a crack, seam, or joint, we have the tools and experience to provide a lasting solution, with an unbeatable money-back guarantee!
Waterproofing Contractors
Waterproofing your basement and foundation is one of the most important steps you can take to preserve your home’s structural integrity. Our team of foundation waterproofing contractors has years of experience protecting Andover homes from water damage. We offer a comprehensive range of basement waterproofing services that address both exterior and interior foundation issues.
Done Right Services is known as one of the top waterproofing contractors across New England, diagnosing problems and providing customized solutions. Whether it’s a leaking basement, re-pointing of your stone foundation, or external foundation waterproofing, we work with you to develop an effective plan to protect your home from the devastating effects of water intrusion.
Pipe Penetrations and Tie Rods
Another key focus in foundation waterproofing is preventing water entry through pipe penetrations and tie rods. These points, where pipes or rods pass through the foundation, can become weak spots in your home’s waterproofing system.
At Done Right Services, we seal pipe penetrations and tie rods so water cannot enter through these points. Our team uses specialized materials to fill gaps and cracks around these penetrations, providing a barrier against water infiltration and helping maintain the integrity of your foundation.
Block and Stone Foundation Repair
Many of Andover’s antique and estate homes have stone foundations, where maintaining the mortar joints between the stones is essential. Over time the mortar cracks and deteriorates, letting water seep in and causing further damage. Inside or out, we can re-point your stone foundation for a weather-tight seal, drastically reducing rodent activity, cold drafts, and heat loss. Ask about our waterproof coatings!
Our stone foundation re-pointing service carefully removes damaged mortar and replaces it with new, high-quality lime mortar. This not only improves the appearance of your stone foundation but strengthens and stabilizes it. We take great care to preserve the historic character of your Andover home while making sure it is properly protected from the elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Andover neighborhood affect what kind of foundation repair I need?
Yes, quite a bit. A low lot in Ballardvale near the Shawsheen River is far more likely to face a high water table and seasonal flooding, which calls for drainage and waterproofing. A home in Shawsheen Village or an antique near Phillips Academy may instead need crack repair or stone re-pointing. Because Andover’s soils and home ages vary so widely, we always diagnose your specific site before recommending a repair.
What are the common causes of foundation cracks in Andover?
Most Andover cracks come down to three things: a seasonally high water table on lower lots near the Shawsheen, freeze-thaw cycles each winter, and uneven settlement in the soil. Poor drainage makes any of them worse. Alone or combined, these are what turn a hairline crack into an active leak over time.
Why does my Andover basement get water every spring?
Spring is when snowmelt and rain raise the Shawsheen River and the groundwater table across town. On lower-lying lots, that rising water presses against your foundation and finds its way in through cracks, cove joints, and cold joints. The fix is usually a combination of sealing those entry points and managing the water with interior drainage and a sump pump.
Is repairing an antique home’s foundation different from a modern house?
It is. Many older Andover homes have fieldstone foundations set in lime mortar, which are repaired by carefully removing failed mortar and re-pointing, not by the crack-injection methods used on poured concrete and block. Using the wrong approach on a historic foundation can do more harm than good, so we match the method to the wall and take care to preserve the character of the home.
How long does foundation crack repair take?
It depends on the severity of the damage and the repair method. Minor cracks may take 1 to 3 hours, while more extensive waterproofing, drainage, or stone re-pointing projects could take a few days. Our team provides an estimate for the repair duration once we assess the damage.
What can I expect from a foundation inspection?
During a foundation inspection, we thoroughly examine your home’s foundation, interior, and exterior. We walk the property looking at gutters, downspouts, grading, cracks, moisture intrusion, and other issues, and on lots near the Shawsheen we pay particular attention to how water moves across your site. We then provide a detailed report of our findings and recommend the best course of action for repairs.
At Done Right Services, we are proud to serve Andover and its surrounding areas. Please refer to the map below for our service area.
Need Foundation Crack Repair Specialists in Andover, MA?
If you’re looking for expert basement waterproofing and foundation crack repair specialists in Andover, MA, look no further! At Done Right Services, we offer comprehensive foundation repair and waterproofing solutions tailored to your home’s unique needs, whether that’s a flood-prone lot in Ballardvale, a 1920s home in Shawsheen Village, or an antique near Phillips Academy. Our team is committed to lasting repairs that keep your home stable, safe, and dry for years to come.
Don’t wait until small issues become major problems. Schedule a free consultation and discover how we can help protect your home from foundation damage. Let our experts restore and waterproof your foundation to its original condition and provide peace of mind for your family.