Why Crack Sealing Is Necessary In Your Basement And How It's Done
Posted on: 21 March 2022
If you see cracks in your basement walls or on the floor, you may want a foundation contractor to look at them. Cracks can be one of the first signs of foundation damage, but sometimes, the cracks are only cosmetic. Still, you'll want the cracks sealed whether they are harmful to your foundation or not. Here's a look at why you should seal cracks and how you or a foundation contractor might go about sealing cracks in your basement.
Why It's Important To Seal Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks push up against the soil on the other side of the wall. This allows insects, such as termites, to enter your basement. Plus, water can leak through a crack and keep your basement damp. It's also important to seal cracks so they don't get bigger. Crack sealing stabilizes the cracks so they don't spread or get bigger and cause even more problems with your foundation.
While it's important to seal cracks, it's also important that you make sure the cracks aren't a sign of a foundation problem that needs to be repaired as well. That's why it's a good idea to ask a contractor's advice even if you plan to seal the cracks yourself.
How Crack Sealing Is Done
The methods for crack sealing are different for different types of cracks. Tiny cracks might be filled by hand using an applicator with a small tip while larger cracks are more complex to fill and require using an injection system. Before epoxy filler can be injected into a crack, the crack has to be completely dry. If water is seeping through the crack, you may need to wait until it stops so the water doesn't start leaking again when you're halfway through the repair.
Also, the concrete above the crack has to be cleaned so no debris or dirt is in the way. You might clean the concrete with a wire brush and then be sure to brush away the dust. Before crack sealing actually begins, you'll need to attach the ports that will be used for the injection. This involves placing the ports over the crack and adhering them with the epoxy filler. The filler can then be used to cover the top of the crack to seal it closed.
After that, the epoxy can be injected into the lowest port until it starts to come out of the upper port. When that happens, you can seal off the ports because the epoxy has gone all the way through the crack and filled it. When crack sealing is complete, the repairs will be visible since the epoxy is a different material and color from the concrete. The cracks will be sealed so water and bugs can't get in your basement anymore.
Contact a foundation contractor for more information on crack sealing solutions.
Share