Foundation Repair | Waterproofing | Foundation Crack

Everything you have to know about Foundation Crack Repair

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Foundation cracks should be repaired professionally and on time to avoid further development of structural issues of the building.
A well-structured home can exist but a perfect structured home does not exist. With time the concrete starts to crack because of shrinkage and moisture. Homes are built keeping in mind numerous resilient factors. Although, the various proofing around our house can save us from the hustle of property structural damage is an unavoidable scenario. Concrete is not cracked proof and it tends to wear down after years. But not all foundation cracks can capture the peace of your mind. Here is everything you need to know about concrete cracks and foundation crack repair.

What are foundation cracks and repairing?

Foundation cracks initially a hairline crack appeared in the concrete foundation near the basement walls. These cracks at the initial stage are not worrisome but if left unnoticed for a long time might cause structural damage. Foundation crack happens for numerous reasons moisture, harsh weather conditions, poor drainage, expansive soil, etc. Foundation crack repairing is a method proposed by engineers. Repairing involves concrete injections and hydraulic pressure that waterproofs the basement walls and balances out the wall. Waterproofing prevents future cracks and damage and stops leakage for a long time. Foundation crack-repairing methods are various in number.

What are the types of foundation cracks?

Foundation cracks have different types. Some are structural, and some are non-structural cracks. Structural Cracks are dangerous wider than 2mm and threaten the building. Structural cracks are caused by poor construction, expansive soil, moisture, or some chemical reaction. Structural cracks need foundation crack repair.

Non-structural cracks are not threatening. They are less than 2mm and are caused by the aging of houses, moisture, and weather conditions. Non-structural cracks do not need our immediate attention, but when left untreated for a long time might turn into structural foundation cracks.

Hairline crack: Hairline cracks are non-structural. They are thin like a thread and appear within a short time after the construction of the house. Hairline cracks are common and not dangerous.

Horizontal crack: Horizontal cracks less than half an inch is not threatening. Cracks wider than one inch are dangerous. These cracks are caused by water pressure against a foundation wall. Horizontal cracks are treated permanently.

Diagonal crack: Diagonal cracks are not threatening but check if they don't grow longer. Diagonal cracks are like hairline cracks that expand in a vertical direction and are not straight.

Foundation slab crack: Foundation slab cracking is a structural crack caused by uneven soil level or overloading of material. Some foundation slab cracks are due to the drying of the foundation surface. Others are due to excessive load on the foundation surface.

Vertical crack: Vertical cracks do not pose a threat. These are like hairline cracks that appear after a year of construction. Dry concrete walls are prone to vertical cracks. They can be treated permanently by conventional foundation repair methods.

Shrinkage crack: Shrinkage cracks are not dangerous. They appear on the foundation wall after a new house is built. Make sure the cracks do not emerge near a gas pipeline because it might cause gas leakage.

Stair step cracks: Stair step cracks are dangerous. These cracks normally appear near a block structure of the house. Stair step cracks are threatening the basement walls and might cause water leakage.

Foundation cracks need repairing, whether structural or non-structural. The cracks will result in water seepage, gas leakage, or structural damage. There are numerous methods of foundation crack repair. Ask for professional advice and choose the best procedure.

What are the types of foundation crack repairs?

Foundation Repair:


Steel piers: The steel piers method involves connecting epoxy-coated columns with each. The columns are drilled by hydraulic into the load-bearing soil beneath your home. The epoxy-coated columns will lift the building.

Concrete piers: The concrete piers process includes pouring concrete into holes in the ground. The method takes a long time, and concrete needs to be completely dry.

Pressed concrete piers: Concrete columns in this method are readymade. These concrete columns pressed into the soil. The pressed concrete pier is more inexpensive than other methods, and the installation is easy.

Helical piers: Helical piers are screw-like epoxy-coated pipes. Screws are present at the end of the columns. They are pressed by a hydraulic ram into the roll-bearing soil and lift the building.

Wall Crack Repair:

Cracks on the wall must be filled or repaired to prevent future damage.

Crack Injection: Crack injection is a method involving filling up the cracks with epoxy or polyurethane. This method is necessary when the wall cracks are less than one inch. Epoxy is effective when you want to seal the cracks. Epoxy paste has a strong viscosity that provides tensile strength to the wall, and it takes longer to harden. Polyurethane is effective when you want to seal the cracks to avoid water or gas leakages. It is necessary for waterproofing. Polyurethane is used to prevent water leakages and not for structural repair.

Carbon wall strap: Carbon fiber straps are an application used to stabilize the wall after cracking. The straps have an epoxy paste. When these straps are attached to the walls,

the epoxy on the strap fills up the space in between cracks.

Carbon patches: Carbon patches perform a similar function as that carbon straps. Patches have epoxy under the surface. Carbon patches are used only when there are minor cracks.

What are the benefits of crack repair?

1. Non-structural cracks are not threatening and small but they can turn into structural cracks leading to property damage. Crack repair prevents water seepage from small cracks and stops it from getting large.

2. The building has structural integrity and tensile strength. The epoxy for crack repair provides tensile strength to the walls and makes the wall stronger.

3. Foundation crack repairing prevents flooding of basements. The repair mechanism acts as a barrier against the moisture and seepage of water.

4. Crack foundation repair creates compelling visuals. Cracked walls have an unattractive appearance. Repaired walls have a cosmetic foundation, and the cracks are concealed.

10/10/2022