Foundation cracks can be a nuisance and frustrating, especially if the house is old. Many first-owners never wish to encounter such faults, but they tend to be inevitable and avoidable. Foundation cracks develop on the foundation walls and surface and later widen, leading to water sipping into the foundation and basement. Water leaks resulting from foundation cracks significantly threaten the house’s stability since the entire house sits on the foundation. Besides, any items stored inside the basements get destroyed by the water and pest such as termites that might pass through the cracks in the foundation.
Most homeowners must be more conversant and familiar with installing cracks on a house foundation. Gladly, this article sheds light on the steps you need to start fixing cracks in your hose foundation. Here is a complete step-by-step guide on how to fix foundation cracks.
Step-by-step procedures for fixing foundation cracks
Foundation crack repair is now easier than before. The procedures for doing so are open and straightforward. Some can be done by yourself, while in severe condition, a specialized waterproof expert must be handy.
Epoxy concrete injection
This procedure involves filling an Epoxy through the cracks that later heals and expands, filling up the gaps and spaces caused by the cracks.
Step 1. Secure an epoxy repair kit
Epoxy foundation repair is one of the most flexible processes for fixing foundation cracks that can be quickly done at home without much experience. What is needed is an epoxy repair kit that includes; Liquid Concrete Repair, caulk-type cartridge, and injection ports.
Step 2. Clean the cracks
Once the kit is secured, you can head over and feel the cracks for dampness. If the foundation cracks are well, use a hot air blower to dry the cracks. Liquid Concrete Repair comes in two types. We have Epoxy and Polyurethane. Epoxy can only be applied on dry cracks and performs poorly on wet cracks. On the other side, the Polyurethane gets applied and works perfectly on wet cracks.
Once the cracks are dry, clean the surrounding area to get started with crack foundation repair. Use a dry brush to scrub off any excess dirt within the cracks, the surrounding paint, and even the old sealer previously applied. Vacuum all the dust to leave behind a clean surface to work on.
Step 3. Tap 10d headless nails into the cracks
Once you are sure of a clean and dry, head over and slowly hammer the headless nails into the crack. Once pushed through the injection ports, these nails form a path where the Epoxy will form. Make sure the nails are not entirely inside the crack and leave room that you can use to pull them out.
Step 4. Mix the Epoxy and attach the injection ports
Mix the two types of epoxies with a wooden board and a putty knife until a gray uniform color is achieved. Once that is done, dip the rear end of the injection port to be attached to the crack in the foundation wall. Now, fix the injection port through the headless nails and press on the foundation surface. Repeat the same procedure for all the remaining nails.
Step 5. Pull the nails off the cracks.
After sticking the injection ports on the cracked foundation wall, slowly remove the nails. You can do so by holding on to the injection ports and gently pulling the headless nail that is sticking out.
Step 6. Spread the epoxy mix on the cracks
Once the nails are out of the injection ports, scoop vast portions of the epoxy mixture and apply over the cracks. Apply a 1/8-inch-thick epoxy on the cracks using a putty knife or trowel and 1 inch to the sides of the foundation crack. Once done, Epoxy on the crack to heal undisturbed for 6 to 8 hours straight.
Step 7. Pump the Epoxy through the injection ports
After the applied Epoxy on the crack is healed enough, process filling the Epoxy via the injection ports. To begin the process, ensure to start filling the crack using the injection port on the bottom. Continue doing so until the Epoxy starts oozing out through the injection ports.
Step 8. Tightly seal the injection port
You are now a step away from finishing fixing foundation cracks. This step involves sealing up the injection port nozzles after filling. Tighten the nozzles and leave the Epoxy to heal for the next 5 days.
Step 9. Cut off the injection ports
After five days, head back to your foundation and inspect if things are in order. Once you ascertain the crack is completely healed, now cut off the protruding injection ports.
Conclusion
Foundation crack repair won’t be a problem if you can execute the above steps effortlessly. The method used for sealing up the cracks is easy, and anyone can do that, provided they have the necessary tools and follows the steps to the latter.
However, in some scenarios, doing that by yourself is never sufficient or guaranteed enough that the cracks will be healed for good. You might need a skilled helping hand. We are a phone call away from fixing all your foundation-related problems. Consider giving us a call using our toll-free line 1-800-277-5411 or write to us at info@dryshield.ca
