It is rare to find a foundation that at some time over the years does not crack. Depending on where you live, they can be merely unsightly to extremely problematic. Even small cracks can allow insects to inter your structure. More worrisome are cracks that seep water. Fortunately, there's a way to stop active leaks immediately. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Choose the correct repair product. Even for minor cracks, a hydro-plug type product is best. These are readily available at your home improvement stores. They set very fast, expanding to the point that they can be used even if water is continually seeping in as you work. Whether your foundation is a crawl space or full basement, cracks visible on the outside are usually on the inside too. For basements, both inside and outside should be addressed.
2. Begin outside by digging alongside the crack in a fashion that will allow you to reach down and spread the product effectively. This can either involve a short distance or in extreme cases much further down, even to the footing. Hopefully, your repair does not go that far. Once the digging is complete, clean the surface around the crack with a brush.
3. Put the safety glasses on and using the hammer and chisel, begin at the top working your way down as far as necessary. Chisel about an inch on each side of the crack and it is best if the bottom of the work is slightly wider than the surface. This will help bind the product. Then, with the brush, clean the entire area, removing the dust and small particles.
4. Chisel the same way inside except that it will need to extend the full length of the crack, even if you did not go that far on the outside. Chisel as before, removing debris and dust as you go. Remember, it is essential to wear those safety glasses.
5. Read and understand the mixing directions for your hydro-plug product. Mix only what you think you can apply in a few minutes. It sets very fast. Before mixing, make sure that the newly chiseled area you will be working in is moist. Mix material and water in the bucket and stir thoroughly with the stick. Protect the floor with the drop cloth or tarp.
6. Start from the top, working your way down by using the small trowel and applying the product firmly into the chiseled repair area. As you work your way down, scrape the excess off smooth to the foundation surface. Work all the way to the bottom of the repair in the same manner. Scoop up the product that falls to the floor so that it does not stick and become unsightly. Do the same on the outside now.
7. Slow the process down for cracks that are actively leaking by working the product in and actually holding it in place as it begins to set. This will allow the expansion in that area, stopping the leak. It is slower and you may have excess material to scrape off, but the leak will stop.
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