When a basement wall cracks, addressing it promptly helps prevent further damage and minimizes repair costs. A properly sealed basement also contributes to improved energy efficiency.

Untreated basement cracks can lead to water infiltration and other issues that impact both home safety and occupant health. Addressing these issues promptly can help preserve property value and meet building codes. Contact Basement Crack Repair Bismarck for professional help.

An effective and economical basement crack repair technique involves injecting a chemical polyurethane crack sealer directly into the cracks in concrete foundation walls to seal them. This provides a pragmatic resolution to water seepage and enhances the structural integrity of the wall, making it more durable and adding value to the home.

To perform this repair, a basement crack specialist cleans the affected area and installs injection ports. Then, he prepares a batch of epoxy crack sealer using a clean putty knife and two separate sticks to avoid contamination. After mixing the parts together, he spreads the sealer onto the base of one of the injection ports, being careful not to plug up the port’s hole. He then slides the port over the nail sticking out of the cracked wall and presses it to the surface. He repeats the process for all of the injection ports.

Epoxy crack repair requires high injection pressures and specialized equipment, which can be expensive to purchase and operate. Moreover, the injection material has limited flexibility and cannot accommodate much movement in a concrete foundation wall. Nevertheless, it’s an excellent choice for filling and sealing hairline cracks and providing a waterproof barrier against water infiltration.

Basement crack injection can also be used for more severe structural problems, such as bowing basement walls or uneven floor levels. These problems may be caused by shrinkage of the poured concrete after construction, freeze-thaw cycles, or lateral soil pressure from tree roots. In these cases, the injected epoxy resin hardens within the cracks to provide a strong and stable solution, restoring the structural integrity of the wall.

Another effective basement crack repair technique involves carbon fiber strips bonded to the wall surface to strengthen and stabilize it. These strips provide additional tensile strength to the wall, particularly in horizontal or diagonal cracks that indicate a more serious problem. To do this, a basement crack expert cleans the affected surface area of any dirt or debris and grinds the top edge of the cracked wall to create a smooth, flat face for bonding. Then, the carbon fiber strips are bonded to the wall surface with high-strength epoxy.

Polyurethane Foam Injection

Polyurethane foam injection is a relatively new method of basement crack repair that is effective in addressing issues like water intrusion. It is often preferred over epoxy injection as it is flexible enough to accommodate changes in crack movement and expansion that can occur due to changing soil pressures or minor settlement of the foundation. In addition, it is effective for wet or actively leaking cracks since it reacts with moisture and expands to create a watertight seal.

Injection of polyurethane foam is typically conducted from the inside of the foundation wall, eliminating the need for extensive excavation and allowing for quick and cost-effective repairs. It also requires less preparation of the area than mudjacking, which involves drilling holes along the surface of the foundation.

Before the crack is injected, it is first assessed to determine its size, condition, and location of the leak. Then, the crack is drilled at angled intervals to allow for the injection of the polyurethane foam. Nylon injection packers are then inserted into the holes, establishing a secure entry point for the liquid polyurethane foam to enter and fill the crack.

The polyurethane injection liquid is pumped through the injection ports into the crack, which then expands to completely fill all of the voids within the crack. This creates a strong, waterproof seal that prevents future recurrence of the problem and provides a safe and reliable solution to basement water infiltration.

After the polyurethane injection has cured, the injection ports are removed and the surface is cleaned. Once the process is complete, it is important to properly maintain the exterior of the foundation, including promoting proper drainage away from the structure and regularly cleaning gutters to ensure that they are free of debris and water.

Basement cracks are common in many homes and can be caused by a number of different factors, from shifting soils to structural failures. If left untreated, these cracks can lead to costly water intrusion problems. To prevent the spread of these cracks, it’s essential to work with a professional contractor that has the equipment and expertise needed to perform a thorough assessment and repair the problem in a timely manner.

Crack Stitching

Basement wall cracks can be a serious structural concern for homeowners, jeopardizing the integrity of the foundation and potentially allowing water to seep into the home. Addressing wall cracks promptly can help prevent further deterioration, costly repairs and potential health issues such as mold growth. Fortunately, there are many advanced techniques available for repairing foundation cracks and strengthening walls against moisture intrusion.

Basement crack repair methods vary by type of crack and cause, with some approaches more effective than others. Hairline cracks that extend vertically through mortar joints and brick and are less than 0.4″ wide can often be repaired with concrete caulk, which must be applied to a clean surface and cured according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Epoxy filler is an excellent choice for small to medium-size cracks on non-moving surfaces, as it provides a strong and durable seal that can be used in conjunction with other reinforcement materials.

Carbon fiber reinforcement is a common method of addressing horizontal and stair-step cracks in basement walls that are caused by lintel corrosion, soil expansion or settling. This method uses carbon fiber strips, straps or sheets bonded to the wall with high-strength epoxy resin. This technique offers significant structural strength and can be installed quickly with minimal disruption to the home.

Another method of addressing these types of basement cracks is through the use of earth anchors, which are screw-like steel piers driven into the ground to stabilize and lift a settling foundation. This is a more extensive project that requires excavation around the foundation to expose the footing, then installation of helical piers followed by backfill and finishing of the excavation area.

Several types of topical crack sealing products are available on the market, including silicone and epoxy. However, basement floor cracks are usually wet and the constant moisture makes it difficult for any topical sealant to adhere to the surface. In addition, the moisture in these types of cracks can weaken the concrete and lead to further deterioration.

Basement cracks are a common problem for homes with foundations made of poured concrete, concrete block or brick. Depending on the cause, these cracks can range from minor cosmetic concerns to significant structural problems that require professional attention and repair. By understanding the different types of basement cracks and the various repair methods available, homeowners can take a proactive approach to protecting their foundation and their investment in their home.

Drywall Tape

Foundation cracks are a common problem that can threaten the structural integrity of a home, allowing moisture infiltration. While some cracks may be harmless, others may indicate serious issues that require professional evaluation and repair.

Cracks in basement walls can be caused by a number of factors. These include soil settlement, expansive soil pressure, hydrostatic pressure, freeze-thaw cycles, poor construction practices, and more. Cracks that are horizontal in nature, indicating pressure against basement walls, are especially concerning, as they can indicate significant structural damage.

Fortunately, there are many advanced techniques that can be used to repair basement wall cracks and fortify against moisture intrusion. Some of these techniques are complex and require the skill and expertise of a professional, but they can be effective in strengthening and stabilizing basement walls.

The first step in basement crack repair is preparing the area. This includes removing any loose material, cleaning the area, and sanding down the surface of the concrete to remove any rough edges. The next step is to apply a waterproofing sealant to the area. This can be done using either epoxy or polyurethane. Both are effective waterproofing products that can be used to fill and seal basement wall cracks.

Once the waterproofing sealant has been applied to the crack, it is important to use drywall tape to seam the sheets of drywall together. This will create a stronger, more seamless joint and help reduce any further movement or cracking in the future. It is also a good idea to use a vapor barrier on the drywall to prevent moisture from seeping into the basement.

There are several types of drywall tape available, including paper and fiberglass. Paper tape is easier to fold into corners and butt joints, but it is less flexible than fiberglass. Mesh drywall tape has the advantage of being self-adhesive, making it easier to apply and faster to cure than paper tape. It is also resistant to mold, which makes it an excellent choice for humid environments.

Regardless of the type of basement crack repair that is used, it is important to address all of the basement cracks. This is because water will take the path of least resistance. If one crack is fixed while the others remain unrepaired, water will leak into the leaking crack and cause further damage. When you have all the cracks repaired at once, it will minimize the amount of time that water is able to penetrate your basement walls and reduce the overall cost of repairs.

Erika Waller