After eleven years in business providing residential and commercial foundation repairs across the region, The Crack Specialists have made the move from Waterloo to St. Jacobs.
![Lorrie and Todd Martin moved their business, The Crack Specialists, from Waterloo to St. Jacobs in December. [Scott Barber / The Observer]](https://www.observerxtra.com/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/post_venture_cracks.jpg)
It makes a lot of sense for owners Todd and Lorrie Martin, as the husband and wife team and their two children live in the village, just a hop, skip and jump from the new digs at 1600 King St. N.
“St. Jacobs is our home, and we absolutely love it here,” Lorrie said. “We understand that this is a service-based community. In order to stay in business here, we know that the people here truly value integrity and we are proud to stand behind our work. … I’ve got to be able to stand in the grocery line in town with my head held up high, knowing that we provide a quality to service to our clients.”
The Crack Specialists repair foundation cracks internally and externally. The internal methods involve the injection of a sealant, either a polyurethane flexible resin or an epoxy resin. External repairs require excavation and the installation of a double membrane system (for keeping water out) and a weeping tile replacement.
Other repair methods include the putting in place of interior membranes and under-floor drainage, the installation of sump pumps, and window wells with drains tied to weeping tile.
Cracks are typically noticed in the spring when the snow melts or after heavy rainstorms. That’s when things get hectic for the Martins: a big storm or a fast melt can cause a tidal wave of calls to come in all at once.
But they really enjoy helping people out.
“We help a lot of people, and I think that is at the root of where the joy comes in, because fixing a foundation crack isn’t exciting. But when you’ve got somebody who has water coming into their basement and we can go in and fix it quickly for them and that gives them peace of mind, that’s what brings us joy.”
Foundation cracks can cause a ton of property damage for homeowners. And the problem is widespread, with some estimates speculating that up to 75 per cent of homes in the province have cracks, Todd said.
Even newer homes, some built hastily during recent housing booms, often have foundation cracks.
The best way to prevent leaks in your basement is to inspect the drainage around your home, Todd said.
“It’s very important to consider how you are managing the water off the roof and eavesdrops and to think about the grading around the house. Especially when you’re building a deck in the backyard; make sure you have proper drainage before you build the structure because once it’s built, it’s going to be very difficult to address any problems that might arise.”
Over the past decade, the business has come a long way for the Martins. What began as an idea at their kitchen table and started with a van out of their garage has grown to include some ten employees and three red trucks that have become quite recognizable around town.
And yes, they’ve heard all the jokes in the book when it comes to the company name.
