If you’ve ever found water seeping into your crawlspace or noticed cracks forming in your basement walls after a storm, hydrostatic pressure could be to blame. It’s one of the most common causes of foundation issues—and one of the least understood.
At Dunwell Structural Repair, we deal with the effects of hydrostatic pressure all the time. The good news? Once you understand what it is and what to look for, you can take steps to protect your home.
So, What Is Hydrostatic Pressure?
In simple terms, hydrostatic pressure is the force that water exerts when it builds up in the soil around your foundation. After heavy rain or poor drainage, water collects in the ground and starts pressing against your foundation walls and floor.
Since water is heavy—more than 60 pounds per cubic foot—that pressure can add up fast, especially when the soil is saturated.
How Does It Damage Your Foundation?
Over time, this pressure can:
- Push water through small cracks in your crawlspace or basement walls
- Cause new cracks to form in concrete or masonry
- Bend or bow foundation walls inward
- Lead to persistent moisture issues, mold, and poor air quality inside your home
Left unaddressed, these problems only get worse—and more expensive to repair.
What Are the Warning Signs?
Here’s what to look for after a storm or during a wet season:
- Damp or musty crawlspace
- Cracks in concrete walls or floors
- Water stains along the base of foundation walls
- Pooling water near the perimeter of your home
- White, chalky deposits (efflorescence) on walls
If you’re seeing any of these symptoms, it’s time to bring in a professional.
How We Help
At Dunwell Structural Repair, we offer long-term solutions to protect your home from hydrostatic pressure:
- Drainage correction to keep water away from the foundation
- Interior or exterior waterproofing
- Crawlspace encapsulation to block moisture
- Foundation stabilization when structural damage is already present
And we make it easy to get started with free inspections and estimates—no pressure, just honest guidance.
Stop Water Before It Becomes a Problem
📞 Call 336.867.0298 or visit 🌐 dunwellsr.com to schedule your free estimate today.
We’ll help you stay one step ahead of the pressure—literally.