Basement crack repair is one of the most difficult home repairs. Your foundation walls were specifically designed to withstand the weight of the house and to withstand moisture that flows near them. If foundations fail, though, you literally get to live in a dry and unstable environment. When they crack, excess moisture seepes into your basement; this damages wood, promotes mold growth, and destroys household items like furniture, carpeting, and appliances.
Many people choose basement crack repair after foundation shrinkage, which can occur when ground conditions change due to a storm or water pressure. Foundation shrinkage often occurs with older homes because they were built with soil and concrete that can’t handle much change. Other factors, such as soil movement, groundwater pressure, tree roots, and more, can also cause foundation cracks. These factors can increase the chance for future foundation failure, so they should be taken into consideration when planning any remodeling or construction. When it comes to basement cracks, though, your best bet is to hire a professional company to fix the problem.
Basement cracks are very tricky, especially those located within damp or moist parts of your home. This is because they can grow quickly and spread if left alone. They can even get worse if not treated properly. Because basement cracks can lead to health risks like mold, mildew, and asthma, it’s important to prevent them from getting worse. That’s why it’s recommended that you address any cracks in your foundation immediately. To learn more about basement crack repair and how to prevent similar problems in the future, keep reading.
If you’re seeing wall cracks in your basement or crawl space that you can’t identify, it’s likely that you have water leaking in there. Basement wall cracks can usually be identified by checking for damage along the wall, which should look discolored, thick, and uneven. However, if the crack in your foundation is near a floor or an area that gets a lot of foot traffic, it’s best to contact a basement crack repair company to take care of the problem.
Epoxy coatings can help repair many types of cracks. Epoxies, which are generally sold under the names Styrofoam, Neoprene, and acrylics, can be applied on your own using a brush, paintbrushes, or other tool. The coatings bond to the surrounding materials and provide a solid seal that prevents moisture from penetrating the concrete. Some epoxies bond to the soil around the hole too, which can help prevent additional moisture from getting into the basement. If you choose epoxy over an acrylic, be sure to use products with lower toxicity levels.
In order to get the absolute best results, sealing your cracks and crevices with a marine epoxy is the best thing you can do. A marine epoxy is designed specifically to fill in small cracks and gaps. It seals the sides and bottom of the hole and creates a waterproof seal. In addition to sealing cracks and gorges, it can prevent future leaks from occurring by filling holes larger than three inches by filling tiny gaps. You’ll have to apply the sealant in a certain pattern in order to prevent future leaks from happening.
Next, if you want to pursue sealing and repairing the crack yourself, be sure to follow the manufacturers’ directions carefully. This is especially true if you have large or irregular cracks or gorges in your basement. Epoxy and injection ports can be difficult to apply if you don’t have access to the correct tools or equipment. Also, be careful about how you apply the first step. Some methods leave a white hard coating on the walls which can be unattractive and difficult to remove.
If the crack seems too big for an epoxy or injection port seal to effectively cover, contact a professional window sealing company. Most of these companies use high quality silicon based sealants that are easy to apply, but can be difficult to remove. A high quality silicon based seal can be effective for small cracks and can also prevent future water leaks from occurring. By using a high quality seal, you’ll be guaranteed that your walls will remain waterproof for years to come.
