Seeing cracks in the house’s foundation is one of the biggest concerns for every house owner. Small and minor cracks are not alarming. Major cracks need to be checked immediately. It is important to stop them from spreading to prevent serious damage to the structure of your home. Water can seep through these cracks causing problems like wet basement, mold/mildew and weakening of foundation walls.
The Foundation supports the entire house and it is very important to make sure that it remains sound and healthy. Cracks will not only make it look bad, but also can lead to high repair costs, if ignored. Check your foundation walls for any cracks which need repair. Fixing the cracks before they grow big will be easier and cheaper. Here are some ways to carry out foundation crack repairs:
Inspect– Cracks can occur for a number of reasons. To repair cracks and address the real reason of cracks to develop, you will need to deeply inspect your home’s foundation. In most cases, you will able to yourself detect the cause of the cracks. The most common reason for these cracks to develop is due to the settling of the soil. Another common cause is the development of excessive moisture around the foundation. If the crack is small, you can easily repair it using DIY methods. But, if the crack is very large, call in a professional for evaluation.
Preparing the Crack for Repair– You will first have to clear all the loose material with the help of a screwdriver and a brush. You can use a hammer and a chisel to widen the crack and undercut the crack edges. After this, rinse the crack with water using a garden hose and pat the area dry using a towel.
Repairing Thin Cracks– There are many patching compounds available in the market, which you can apply using a paintbrush. You can also patch the crack using a cement mixture. Pack the mixture firmly into the crack and level it with a finishing trowel. After about an hour, go over the surface in circular motion using a float or a trowel. This will help it in blending with the surrounding surface.
Repairing Larger Cracks– These can be repaired using Polyurethane, silicone or latex concrete caulk. They can also be filled using hydraulic cement. But, it is always advisable to take the help of an expert.
Sealing the Walls– After the crack and filled and dried, apply waterproof sealant to the foundation walls. This will help in preventing water infiltration.
Foundation crack repair is important to preserve the integrity of the foundation by keeping water away from it.