Summerside: Foundations and Realities of the Northumberland Strait

Summerside, Prince Edward Island’s second largest city, stretches along the south coast of the island facing the Northumberland Strait. This privileged coastal position gives it a slightly milder microclimate than the rest of the island, but also direct exposure to the storms of the strait and coastal erosion that gradually modifies the shore and the level of the water table in the districts close to the sea.

Summerside’s soil shares the geological features of the entire island: a base of red sandstone covered with glacial clay and sandy deposits. In waterfront neighborhoods and around the harbor, historic embankments add a layer of complexity, as these built-up soils settle unevenly over decades, creating differential movements that can cause significant foundation cracks .

Summerside’s Real Estate Stock and Its Issues

Summerside’s economic heyday was the fox farming industry in the early 20th century, and then the military base that stimulated the construction of family housing in the 1950s and 1960s. The closure of the base in 1989 left a large stock of military houses converted into civilian residences. These dwellings, built quickly according to the standards of the time, often have minimalist foundations that today show the effects of weather and climate.

The high average age of Summerside’s housing stock means that many foundations need attention, from shrinkage cracks widened by decades to chronic seepage caused by the deterioration of the original waterproofing membranes.

Repair Solutions for Summerside

Foundation crack injection is the most commonly recommended solution in Summerside. Fast, non-invasive and achievable in all seasons, it allows cracks to be sealed from the inside without excavation. For properties exposed to sea winds and coastal groundwater, exterior waterproofing with membrane provides complete protection.

The interior repair on a concrete foundation and the judicious choice between flexible polyurethane and epoxy make it possible to adapt the intervention to each specific situation.

Coverage of Prince Edward Island

Our specialty contractors cover Summerside, Kensington, Borden-Carleton and all of Prince County. A foundation inspection by our team takes into account the specific conditions of each locality.

Fissure Expert also serves Charlottetown, Alberton and the entire island. Contact us for a free evaluation.