How to Repair Cracked Concrete Foundation
Foundation cracks indicate serious problems. Depending on the extent and nature of the crack, a professional repair service can be hired to inspect it and fix it.
Before filling in a crack with old crack-filler, you should first clean it. Sweep out or vacuum up any debris.
Repairing Non-Structural Cracks
There are two types of foundation cracks: non-structural, and structural. Non-structural foundations cracks are usually caused by soil movement, concrete shrinkage or aging. These cracks can be filled in with epoxy or polyurethane sealers.
Cracks running horizontally in your foundation walls can indicate serious problems. If your soil has not been graded and drained, water could soak the ground around your walls, causing hydrostatic pressure to exceed their weight-bearing capabilities. This can cause walls to bow, crack, or crumble.
You can repair horizontal foundation cracks using helical or push piers. Drilled concrete piers are also effective for underpinning the foundation. As a stabilization method against bowing walls, steel I beams or carbon fiber wall strips can be used. To add peace of mind, your contractor may also grade your yard to slope away from your foundation.
Repairing Structural Cracks
Cracks that are wider than 1/10th inch may indicate structural problems. A professional should assess any cracking that widens or other symptoms like wall bowing.
Cracked concrete foundations can be caused in many ways, including by normal concrete shrinkage and soil shifts. But severe horizontal and vertical foundation cracks often indicate foundation shifting that requires professional repair.
Before starting any crack repairs, make sure that the area is completely dry. Scrub with a wirebrush and shop vacuum to remove any loose dirt and concrete. A urethane sealer is the best solution for water damage.
In cases where structural problems are present, foundation contractors can anchor the foundation using helical or push piers. They then lift the foundation back into position with hydraulic jacks. Further, epoxy and carbon fiber wall strips can be installed for added strength, and water flow around the foundation can be altered.
Sealing structural Cracks
It is vital that foundation cracks are professionally assessed and repaired as soon as possible. This will prevent air and/or water infiltration and any other potential structural issues. Even if there are no structural concerns with a crack, it is important to repair it as soon as possible to avoid air and water infiltration or other potential issues.
Non-structural cracks are caused by concrete shrinkage. While they don't immediately threaten the structure of your house, if they continue to grow they could indicate more serious problems.
To seal these cracks first, you need to clean the area around them. You can use a wire brush or blower and a wire scrubber to remove any debris. Scrub cracks with equal parts of epoxy sealer mixed in two separate sticks to avoid contamination. Apply this sealer along each crack's entire length. Cover injection ports flanges and apply thick bead surface prep paste on top of each port.
Repairing Vertical Cracks
If you notice a crack that is less than an inch in width, it could be due to concrete shrinkage. It does not pose any structural danger. These cracks can either be sealed by a professional with urethane or cement and mixture. If they widen, however, it may indicate more serious structural issues that require repair.
It is important to address cracks in slab foundations as soon as possible. This will prevent them from getting worse over time. To correct this problem, you can use drilled concrete piers, helical or pushing piers.
Before beginning foundation repair, the technician will clean cracked surfaces so that resin injection can penetrate fully into any cracks. The presence of dust and debris may impede bonding. To prevent this, holes will be drilled into the crack on either side to create injection ports.
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Foundation cracks indicate serious problems. Depending on the extent and nature of the crack, a professional repair service can be hired to inspect it and fix it. Before filling in a crack with old crack-filler, you should first clean it. Sweep out or vacuum up any debris. Repairing Non-Structural Cracks There are two types of…