Wall Cracks – Different Types & How to Fix Them
In almost all residential foundations, it is not unusual to find wall cracks in the basement. Caused by construction, accidents, settling of your home, uneven moisture around the foundation, poor drainage, hydrostatic water pressure or just a natural expansion and contraction caused by fluctuating temperatures.
Most cracks are not serious enough to cause leaks but don’t let that stop you from being thorough. Cracks that seem small can still penetrate through the thickness of your wall and allow water to enter into the basement. When and if that happens, you need to repair those leaking cracks if you want to keep out water.
Types of Basement Wall Cracks
Hairline Cracks: Within the first year of being built, foundation cracks are likely to appear. Common wall cracks do not pose any structural concerns or failure of the foundation. The biggest problem with these is water leakage.
Vertical Cracks: Typical foundation cracks run vertically or at an angle. This is caused by the shrinking of the concrete as it cures, this is true with the settlement.
Horizontal Cracks: If the crack is at the mid-point of the wall, it is subject to lateral pressure. This causes the wall to bow and damage the wall structurally.
Polyurethane Injection
Designed for concrete repair, polyurethane injection sealers are the perfect tool. They are highly popular today because of their flexibility and durability. When injected the sealant expands upon contact and fills the crack completely. While the foundation continues to shift, the polyurethane remains flexible and ensures that there is no future water leakage.
Working from inside your basement is the best way to repair concrete foundation cracks. Holes are drilled along the crack through the soil and the polyurethane sealer is then injected. Unlike other surface repairs, the injected polymers are not weakened due to weathering, traffic, or ultraviolet rays.
Most importantly, polyurethane injection will prevent expensive repairs and problems in the future. Potential damage done by water leaks to the finished basement or cost of repairing concrete walls caused by corrosion show the clear advantages of permanent crack repair.
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