The Work Of Concrete Contractors

What To Know About Foundation Crack Repair

6 June 2019

Jeffery Hayes

Foundation cracks are common, even in new houses, since concrete shrinks as it cures. Cracks that develop due to concrete shrinkage aren't usually a cause for concern, while other types of cracks could be an indication of foundation problems. Here's why you should have cracks in your foundation repaired and how the work might be done.

Why You Should Seal Concrete Cracks

Cracks in the concrete can allow radon to seep up through the soil and enter your home. One step involved in radon mitigation is to seal all cracks in the foundation. Water can also leak through cracks when there's a heavy rain, and then you'll have wet basement problems to deal with. Structural cracks tend to get worse over time, and this could lead to problems with the foundation walls of your home. Unlike shrinkage cracks, structural cracks are often caused by the pressure of water in the soil pressing against a wall. This can cause concrete to crack and shift until the wall bulges and become unstable. In that case, repairing cracks is important for protecting your home.

How Foundation Crack Repair Might Be Done

Cracks can be sealed to keep radon and water from leaking through. This is done with an epoxy sealer. Epoxy bonds with the concrete and makes the cracked area strong. A cement filler won't work as well, and the crack may return in a few years. Epoxy is injected into the crack to seal and stabilize it. Also, the surface of the crack is covered with the epoxy to cover it for further protection and cosmetic improvement.

If a crack is uneven because part of the slab has sunk or if a wall is already bowed along with the cracking, then foundation repairs may need to be done before the cracks are repaired. This might involve bracing walls or lifting the sunken area of the foundation by injecting chemical grout under the slab. Once the foundation is stable, the cracks can be filled in and repaired.

Also, the contractor may help you determine the cause of the cracking. This can often be determined by the way the cracks develop and present themselves. The direction of the crack and the width can distinguish cracks caused by concrete shrinking and hydrostatic water pressure. If the cracking was caused by water, then putting on gutters or sloping the soil away from your house might be necessary to prevent further cracking.

Foundation cracks aren't always a reason for alarm, but having them filled and checked by a contractor is a good idea so you know if the foundation has been damaged and how bad it is. Contact a company like Saber Concrete Repair for more information.

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