How to Repair Foundation Cracks From Outside
Foundation cracks can fall into two broad categories; non-structural and structural. A crack that remains static and does not grow or move is not a big concern.
This type of crack is typically caused by the natural drying, settling, and curing of concrete slabs and poses no structural threat to the house. It’s best to seal these cracks to keep out soil smells, moisture and radon gas.
Epoxy Injections
This crack repair method involves low-pressure injections of epoxy resin through ports installed along the length of the foundation wall. A capping paste seals the surface of the foundation, allowing the injection ports to adhere to it and preventing water and other contaminants from entering the crack during the process. Once the capping paste is set, the injection equipment is connected and the epoxy is injected into the concrete. The epoxy resin is a low-viscosity material that dries with a high modulus, which can help stabilize your foundation and restore its design strength.
Before beginning this type of repair, your foundation contractor will thoroughly inspect the cause and severity of the crack. A professional will also determine the allowable crack width for your foundation to remain stable. If the crack is too wide, this may indicate that a more significant structural issue exists that requires a different fix.
First, experts dig a 2’ x 2’ hole centered on the crack. They will then remove any debris or dirt from the area to prepare for the repairs. They will then apply hydraulic cement along the inside and outside of the crack. The cement will fill the crack and bond it together, restoring the structural strength and stability of your foundation.
After the crack is sealed, a vapor barrier will be applied. This protects the waterproofing tar while experts backfill the area. Once the crack is filled, the vapor barrier will be removed and the area will be tidied up.
Then, your foundation contractor, Foundation Repair Tulsa, will install the injection ports. Typically, they will be spaced 8 to 12 inches apart and will consist of one or more surface mount ports with a socket. Depending on the crack repair kit, you may need to nail these ports into the wall or use screws for faster installation. Once the ports are secured, your technician will spread an epoxy crack sealer over the flanges of each port and over the crack itself. This crack repair product is a thicker formula than the polyurethane expanding foam you can purchase at home improvement stores.
Hydraulic Cement
Cracks in foundation walls can signal a wide variety of problems. Some can be structural and require professional repairs while others are more minor and can be sealed using a concrete and latex mixture, hydraulic cement or caulking. It is always a good idea to have non-structural cracks professionally inspected by a certified inspector to ensure they do not represent serious problems like water intrusion or pest infiltration.
Hydraulic cement is a material that a foundation repair contractor may use to fill cracks in basement and crawl spaces but it can also be used for exterior applications to stop leaks. It is easy to apply and sets quickly, normally within three minutes of mixing with water. Warm water accelerates the set time while cold water retards it.
The product comes in a dry powder form and is mixed with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. After a thorough mixing, the cement is pushed into the crack with a putty knife. A trowel can be used to level and smooth the patch with the wall surface. The patch will dry darker but paint can be used to lighten the color and match it with the wall.
This type of crack repair is a short-term solution as it lacks the durability of epoxy injections and other permanent options. It is also less resistant to freeze-thaw cycles and UV degradation. Home mixing can result in inconsistencies that can decrease the quality and strength of the finished patch.
Start at the top of the crack and work your way down, pressing the cement firmly into place. This will create a seal that blocks the leak.
Hydraulic cement is an effective repair for active leaks, voids, holes and cracks in concrete and masonry. It works well in most waterproofing projects to seal cracks in floor-wall joints, utility entrance holes and for stopping leaks in floor-wall corners.
It is best to fix non-structural cracks as soon as they appear. This will prevent the cracks from getting worse, which can lead to water infiltration and a weakening of the structure. Other preventive measures include maintaining clean gutters, grading the landscape around the foundation and ensuring that the soil is not retaining moisture near the building.
Polyurethane Foam
When you walk through your local home improvement store, you probably see no shortage of sealants, epoxies, quick-setting concrete, caulks, and foams in the home repair section. With so many options, it can be hard to decide what product is the right fit for your foundation cracks. To make the decision easier, you need to understand what each type of product does and what the advantages are of using each for your foundation repair project.
One of the most effective ways to stop leaks from a foundation crack is to use polyurethane foam injection. This product consists of an expanding foam that penetrates the entire width of the crack and forces its way into the void, resulting in an airtight seal. Polyurethane foam can be used for any crack in the wall, including hairline and wide ones, and it can be applied directly to wet surfaces within the crack.
Another common method of repairing concrete cracks is to use epoxy spray-on coatings, which coat the surface of the concrete and create a powerful waterproof barrier. Epoxies are composed of two chemicals, a resinous material and a hardening agent, that mix when they are spread over the concrete. The coating is then allowed to cure, creating a powerful seal that stops water from entering the cracks.
The downside of epoxies is that they take hours to fully cure, meaning that while they work great for sealing the surface of the cracks, they do not have the compressive strength necessary to support heavy loads or to hold back soil from shifting. They also do not penetrate into the deepest parts of the cracks, making them less effective than polyurethane foam.
To properly apply epoxy sealers or epoxies, you will need to purchase a special epoxy crack injection kit that contains injection ports and an injection applicator. This allows the sealant to be injected through the ports, into the deeper parts of the cracks, where it can be more effective at stopping leaks and preventing further damage. Once the epoxy or polyurethane has cured, you can remove the injection ports and apply a surface sealer if appearance is important. Visit https://www.foundationrepairtulsa.com/ today to schedule a free estimate for Tulsa residents!
Caulking
We pay a lot of attention to paint and siding, but caulking is another critical feature in any building. The right caulk seals leaks and stops moisture from damaging the foundation, too. There are several types of caulks that work best for different tasks, including silicone, latex acrylic, and butyl rubber. It’s important to use the right caulk for each job and that it is applied when the weather is dry.
Before applying any type of crack repair material, it’s a good idea to widen the crack just a little bit with a hammer and chisel. This helps the material adhere to the concrete and also allows it to penetrate deeper into the crack for a better fix. It’s important to wear safety glasses and gloves when chiseling to protect your eyes and skin from any small particles that may fly away.
When repairing foundation cracks, it’s important to monitor them and call in a professional if you notice that they are getting larger or worsening over time. If you do notice that a crack is growing or changing, it’s a good idea to have it repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and costly repairs in the future.
Keeping water away from the foundation is one of the best ways to prevent mold and mildew, so it’s essential to properly waterproof your basement and crawl space. This includes installing guttering and downspouts to carry water away from the foundation, removing any plants or flowers that are too close to the foundation walls, adding soil to the yard that slopes down at a 2 percent gradient, and sealing all exterior penetrations with waterproof masonry sealants.
Hydraulic cement is an effective solution for repairing cracks in concrete foundations. It’s designed to flex with changes in moisture, unlike other concrete crack repair methods that can cause the cracks to widen again over time. Before repairing a crack with hydraulic cement, experts dig a 2 x 2’ hole centered on the cracked area and apply a layer of hydraulic cement along and inside the crack. They then backfill the hole, tamping the dirt as they go to ensure a solid, durable seal. Click Here to visit your local Tulsa experts today!
Foundation cracks can fall into two broad categories; non-structural and structural. A crack that remains static and does not grow or move is not a big concern. This type of crack is typically caused by the natural drying, settling, and curing of concrete slabs and poses no structural threat to the house. It’s best to…