Basement Foundation Crack Repairs
What are basement foundation cracks?
Basement foundation cracks are common problems that many homeowners face. They are usually the result of various factors that affect the stability and durability of your foundation. Basement foundation cracks can vary in size, shape, and severity, depending on the cause and location of the crack.
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Form Seam Cracks
Vertical cracks in basement walls are usually caused by concrete shrinkage or settlement. Concrete shrinkage occurs when concrete loses some of its volume and shrinks slightly as it cures. Settlement occurs when the soil under the foundation shifts or settles unevenly due to changes in moisture and temperature.
Basement Window Cracks
Foundation cracks below basement window cracks are very common. The corners become weak points when windows are cut into the foundation wall.
Also, window wells that don't drain well can trap water and build pressure leading to water intrusion.
Extra Wide Cracks
Some foundation cracks should be reinforced with carbon fiber stitches or staples when they are structural cracks that pose a risk of further movement or widening. These cracks can compromise the structural integrity of the foundation wall and allow water to seep into the basement. Carbon fiber stitches are strong and durable reinforcements that can stabilize the crack and prevent any future movement or widening
Beam Pocket Cracks
Just like basement windows, when beams are installed, they're sometimes cut into the foundation to make a "pocket" for the beam to rest in. It's common for the corners of that pocket to crack, which becomes a possible point of water intrusion.
How Do We Repair Foundation Cracks?
Crack Repair
We clean up the area around the crack by grinding the surface clean. This opens up the pores of the concrete and helps our liquid rubber repair bond tight with the wall.
We then fill the crack and build up multiple layers of our liquid rubber repair.
The repair cures over 24 hours, resulting in a tough and durable patch that still retains enough flexibility to remain intact if there are any small movements in the crack.
What about horizontal cracks?
Horizontal foundation cracks can be serious problems that can compromise the structural integrity of your home. They are usually caused by soil pressure, frost heaving, differential settlement, or uneven loading. These factors can cause the foundation wall to bow inward and crack horizontally, allowing water to seep into the basement and causing further damage.
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Rebar Pop
Rebar pop is a type of concrete spalling that occurs when the reinforcing steel bars (rebar) in the basement foundation walls rust and expand, causing the concrete to crack and fall off. Rebar pop can expose the rebar to further corrosion and water damage, as well as compromise the structural integrity of the wall.
Rebar pop can happen due to several reasons, but all are the result of water and oxygen exposure leading to rusting of the rebar.
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It's usually isolated to just a section of your wall, rather than along the entire wall, as it begins in single spot and widens as it worsens overtime.
Structural
Unlike rebar pop, which is usually isolated to a section of your foundation wall, a structural crack is usually much longer. Since it's the result of pressure being exerted on the outside of your foundation, it creates a wider crack along with deflection or "bowing" of the wall.
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If you have a block foundation, the horizontal crack will actually be the result of the blocks being pushed inwards and opening along one of the mortar joints
For more information on horizontal crack repairs that need structural repair, click the button below.
