The foundation of your house is the most important factor in the safety and security of your home. At the first sign of any weakness or loss of integrity, repairing the foundation is a priority. There are a number of signs that indicate the foundation is in need of repair. Over the years, your house settles as the soil condition changes. This can causes small cracks to appear which, if left unattended, may enlarge and create more severe problems. It is easier and more achievable to repair the cracks when they first appear to avoid any potential problems. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Use a stiff-bristled brush to thoroughly clean the inside of the crack and surrounding area. You may need to use a chisel and hammer to remove any loose pieces of concrete around the area where the crack is located.
2. Clean the area around the crack with a sponge soaked with a pH-neutral cleanser. Be sure to clean inside the crack. Rinse well with clear water and allow the area to air-dry, or use a rag to accelerate drying.
3. Open the crack slightly with a crack chaser blade and rout the crack to form an equal depth of 1 inch along the entire length. Still using the blade, remove enough concrete from the walls of the crack so that the bottom of the crack is actually wider than the top. This creates a triangular shape to the crack that better withstands the movement of the foundation as it continues to age and settle.
4. Use a wire brush and the sponge with the cleanser to clean out the debris from Step 3. Allow to dry thoroughly, at least an hour, before proceeding with repairs.
5. Apply a thin layer of epoxy gel adhesive to all the surfaces of the crack using a brush. This aids in binding the patch material to the existing concrete to create a secure repair to the crack. Allow the adhesive to dry to the point where it is no longer wet but still sticky to the touch.
6. Use a putty knife to press an epoxy resin firmly into the entire crack, leaving no portion of the crack exposed. With the knife, even out the resin on top of the crack to make it flush with the surface of the surrounding concrete. Read the instructions that come with the epoxy resin to determine the appropriate amount of time for curing it, as it may differ from product to product.
7. Use a circular motion with a concrete grinder to flatten the patch and level it with the surrounding foundation surface. Work along the length of the crack, taking care not to grind away the edges of the patch. Use the wire brush to clean and dust off the entire area.
8. Utilize a concrete sealant on the resin and all around the area of the crack in the foundation. This provides additional protection against weathering and erosion.
Tags: around area, clean inside, clean inside crack, crack that, epoxy resin, inside crack