Cost-Effective Solutions for Repairing Cracked Concrete Foundations
A crack that grows larger over time needs to be addressed immediately. A licensed foundation contractor can inspect and evaluate the cause behind this growth to avoid structural damage and lower your overall repair costs.
Foundation cracks can be repaired by professionally sealing them. The process involves cleaning the crack of loose concrete, inserting plastic injection ports, and injecting expanding polyurethane foam.
Epoxy Injection
This is a proven method for repairing structural cracks in concrete foundation walls. This crack repair technique uses epoxy injection that penetrates deeply into narrow fissures to provide a strong bond across layers of concrete. A caulking gun is used to dispense the epoxy into the cracks and then a sealant is injected over it to fill voids, keep pests out, and prevent bulk water intrusion in foundation walls.
Before injection, the cracks are cleaned with a wire brush and vacuum to remove dirt from the crack surface. Then the cracks are widened slightly using a hammer and chisel to create a bonding space for the crack repair materials. click on the link for more: https://clevelandohconcrete.com/
Then surface ports, which are actually plastic tubing with epoxy paste adhesive on one side, are glued to the concrete over the cracks. The cracks are injected with epoxy until the port appears to refuse more. Then the next clean port is inserted and the process is repeated.
Polyurethane Foam Injection
Using a different approach to the problem, polyurethane foam injections provide a cost-effective, swift solution to cracking and imbalances in foundation walls, floors, and driveways. The foam fills in voids and compacts the soil beneath the slab, which lifts the concrete foundation back to its original level.
It’s a minimally invasive repair that’s often completed in less than a day. It’s also over 80% quicker than alternative methods like mudjacking.
The process is similar to epoxy injection, except the injected slurry or foam is injected directly into sunken holes in your concrete slab (versus drilling through your house floor). The polyurethane expands and hardens as it flows into the voids, lifting the slab as it goes. Technicians monitor the lift and seal the injection ports once the slab is at its proper level. The injected material is resistant to moisture, which is important in Houston where water penetration into home foundations is common. It also creates a watertight seal that prevents future sinking and damage.
Urethane Caulk
Urethane caulking is a quick and inexpensive solution for sealing cracks in concrete walls. It can be applied in less than a hour and keeps water from seeping into gaps, freezing, expanding, and worsening the cracks over time.
While not as strong as epoxy or polyurethane foam, urethane is flexible and maintains contact with the foundation wall even as the foundation shifts. In contrast, epoxy is rigid and prone to cracking as the foundation shifts – exposing the basement to renewed leakage.
When choosing a company to perform a concrete crack repair, ask about the type of resin they use. If they offer a DIY kit that utilizes metal injection ports, opt for polyurethane instead. It is stronger, will last longer, and bonds better with concrete than epoxy. Additionally, it is much more affordable than a structural solution with pricey bracing and piers. This type of injection can also be done from the inside, eliminating the need for expensive excavation work.
Porthole Injection
Most cracks that aren’t structural and only leaking can be repaired with epoxy or polyurethane foam. However, if the cracks are too large or have multiple points of failure a professional must inject exterior crack repair materials with a machine and pump. This solution requires excavation and foundation waterproofing which can increase the cost significantly.
Stair-step or diagonal cracks are common in concrete block and brick foundations and can be a sign of serious problems. These types of cracks are most likely caused by soil pressure and will continue to grow. If a homeowner notices these types of cracks they should call a foundation contractor for an evaluation as soon as possible.
If a foundation is shifting and bowing, a professional will have to install carbon fiber straps or steel pilings in order to stabilize the foundation. These solutions are more expensive than crack injection, but they offer a permanent solution to severe foundation problems.