Have you noticed cracks cropping up at the base of your home? If so, you could potentially have a problem on your hands. While some of these cracks are fairly harmless, others can be a major cause for concern.
At the very least, it’s a good idea to have these cracks inspected when they do show up. If they’re determined to be severe, repair will be needed. What does foundation crack repair entail exactly? Let’s discuss.
Why Should You Repair Foundation Cracks?
You may think that you can go on living with a few cracks in the foundation of your home, and, to an extent, this is the truth. Small cracks measuring in at under an inch typically won’t pose much of a hazard.
However, if your foundation is inundated with a bevy of large cracks, you have something to worry about. Large cracks are hazardous for a number of reasons. Not only do they allow moisture into your home, but they are indicative of a weakening foundation. The longer you allow them to remain, they weaker and weaker your foundation will become.
It should also be noted that large foundation cracks leave your home vulnerable to mold. Because these cracks allow moisture to enter your home, and because moisture breeds mold, you could be dealing with an infestation in no time. This will destroy the quality of your air, subjecting you to allergies, infection, and a variety of other ailments.
Repairing Interior Cracks
Cracks can occur on both the interior and exterior of your home’s foundation. Depending on what type of crack is being repaired, the repair process will vary. First, let’s discuss the repair process associated with interior cracks.
The first step is to clean the crack so that any loose debris is cleared from it. After this is done, mastic will be applied to the crack. While this mastic is drying, the exterior of the wall will be checked to ensure that the crack has not gone entirely through the foundation.
Next, a resin will be pumped into the crack, filling it, and essentially replacing deteriorated concrete. This resin will be applied beyond the ends of both sides of the crack, ending just below the top and bottom of the foundation.
After this is done, you’ll just have to wait for the resin to dry. This will usually occur within a few hours.
Repairing Exterior Cracks
When you’re repairing an exterior foundation crack, things are done a little differently. The first part of the process involves cutting a hole in the surface of the foundation to expose the entirety of the crack.
After this has been done, the crack is cleared of all dirt and debris. Next, the surface of the crack is covered with a concrete patch. This patch is situated so that the ends of the crack remain exposed.
Next, visqueen is pumped into the crack. This joins the crack, replacing the deteriorated residue. After this has been done, a substance known as bentonite is applied to the surface of the repair.
When this has been completed, the soil which has been dug up will be put back down, covering the crack entirely.
Looking for Professional Foundation Crack Repair?
Are you ready to undertake the foundation crack repair process? Looking for a professional to get the job done? If so, and if you live in the Chicago area, we here at ULB-Dry Waterproofing are the people to call.
With over 25 years of experience on our side, we are more than capable of repairing foundation cracks. It would be our honor to sure up your foundation.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!