Foundation crack
Although foundations are normally strong and long lasting, sometimes they require some type of maintenance. Cracks are common in foundation walls, which may allow water to infiltrate the foundation and weaken the structure. With due diligence, you can maintain your foundation with a few simple fixes. The average do-it-yourself homeowner can complete this task in four to eight hours, depending on the size and scope of the project. Does this Spark an idea?
Foundation Cracks
Foundations crack when the footings beneath them settle. The shifting of the footings cause the foundation walls to crack, sometimes bad enough to risk the structural integrity of the foundation walls. These cracks will also leak, allowing water to penetrate the foundation wall, which causes further damage to the structure.
To fix cracks, major and minor, there are two approaches that are equally effective; however, before you do anything to the cracks, you must thoroughly clean out the cracks using a screw driver, wire brush and water hose. The cracks should have all loose debris removed from within so as to allow for good adhesion of the crack repair compound.
The first method for repairing your foundation cracks requires the use of hydraulic cement. This material can be purchased dry and in 25 lb. bags. Add sand and water to the mixture, attempting to gain a biscuit batter mixture. You will want the mixture so that you can knead it in your hand. It is best to use a small point trowel to force the cement into the crack, but make sure that the crack is moist, first. You may cut the extra cement off even with the surface of the foundation wall. The cement will expand as it dries, thus sealing off the crack.
Another method, equally effective, requires the use of epoxy cement. The mixture comes in two separate tubes, and once the two are mixed, the hardening process begins. Fill your cracks with the syringe that comes with the epoxy. After 30 minutes, the epoxy will be rock hard.
After your crack had been repaired, it is best to paint over the repair with dry-loc waterproofer, which provides double protection from any water that may enter the wall crack.
Without Cracks
For foundation walls that are not cracked, but are leaking water from the outside, try covering the inside of the wall with several coats of dry-loc waterproofing paint. This will help seal off the foundation, keeping the inside dry.
Tags: foundation walls, equally effective, foundation wall, your foundation
