How To Fix A Foundation Crack In The Basement

Outside of hairline cracks, larger stress cracks occur when a house settles or the ground beneath information technology shifts. These types of cracks don't usually pose a threat to the structural integrity of a house, just they do allow for a potential opening for groundwater, insects and radon gas.

We'll bear witness yous a simple and effective fashion to patch cracks with the all-time physical cleft filler.

Ready Concrete Cracks in 8 Steps

Pace 1: Repair a Foundation Crack With an Epoxy Sealer

Man Using Wire Brush to Clean Crack in Concrete

Nosotros repaired a foundation wall, which had an 8-ft.-long scissure that leaked water into the basement during periods of heavy rainfall. To permanently patch the crack we used an epoxy-injection system from Polygem, called the Liquid Physical Repair Kit (about $60).

Each kit contains a two-function epoxy cleft sealer, two x-oz. tubes of Liquid Concrete Repair (LCR), a viscous epoxy that comes in a caulk-type cartridge, and vii plastic injection ports that deliver the LCR deep into the fissure. There's plenty material in each kit to repair a 1/16-in.-wide x 8-in.-deep 10 8-ft.-long crack.

Earlier you start, cheque to make certain the cleft is dry. If the crack is slightly damp, dry it with a blow-dryer, and then wait fifteen minutes. If it remains dry, go on with the repair. However, if the dampness returns, water is nevertheless seeping into the scissure and y'all'll have to await for it to dry out on its own.

First, scrub the crack clean of whatever loose concrete, pigment or old crack filler using a wire brush. Remove all dust and debris with a shop vacuum.

Pace ii: Block Out the Injection Ports

Hammering Nail In Crack For Injection Ports

Tap 3-in. (10d) finishing nails partway into the crack, spaced 12 in. apart. You'll use them to align the injection ports with the cleft.

Step 3: Mix the Epoxy Sealer

Open the two containers of epoxy crevice sealer and scoop out equal amounts of Part A and Part B; employ two separate sticks to avert contagion. Mix the two parts on a scrap board using a make clean putty knife; blend until yous achieve a uniform gray color.

Footstep 4: Attach the Injection Port

Attaching Injection Port in Cracked Concrete

Spread some sealer onto the base of 1 of the plastic injection ports, beingness careful non to plug up its hole. Slide the port over one of the nails sticking out of the fissure and printing it to the wall. Install the remaining ports in a similar manner.

Step 5: Spread Sealer Along the Crack

Applying Epoxy Sealer on Crack on Concrete Wall

Next, mix up a slightly larger batch of epoxy sealer and apply it to the entire crevice using a ane ½-in.-wide putty pocketknife or margin trowel. Spread the sealer nearly one/viii in. thick and 1 in. on either side of the cleft. Also, embrace the entire flange of each injection port with fissure sealer, leaving only the extended neck portion showing. Smooth out the sealer and feather its edges with a paintbrush dipped in mineral spirits.

Step 6: Inject the Epoxy into the Crack

If the other side of the wall is accessible, see if the cleft goes make clean through. If it does, seal it up with crack sealer, besides. Allow the sealer to cure for 6 to 10 hours before injecting the epoxy. Thoroughly mix the LCR epoxy using the plunger rod that comes with the kit. Place the LCR cartridge into a caulk gun. Starting at the lowest injection port, dispense the epoxy into the crack. Continue squeezing the trigger until epoxy begins to ooze out of the port direct above.

Step 7: Seal Up the Injection Ports

Remove the gun and plug up the port you lot just filled. Now insert the cartridge tip into the port that's oozing and squeeze the trigger to dispense the epoxy. Echo this procedure for the remaining ports; plug up each one before moving on to the next.

Step 8: Cut Abroad the Injection Ports

Allow the LCR to cure for five days, and so cut off the necks of the ports with a hacksaw. If desired, you can patch the severed ports with a piddling crack sealer.

Resource:

Polygem
Box 609
Dept. TH700
W. Chicago, IL 60186
Polygem
630/231-5600