How To Repair Cracks In The Basement Foundation

Outside of hairline cracks, larger stress cracks occur when a house settles or the footing beneath information technology shifts. These types of cracks don't usually pose a threat to the structural integrity of a house, but they practice allow for a potential opening for groundwater, insects and radon gas.

We'll bear witness you a simple and effective way to patch cracks with the best concrete crack filler.

Gear up Concrete Cracks in 8 Steps

Step one: Repair a Foundation Crack With an Epoxy Sealer

Photo Geoffrey Gross

We repaired a foundation wall, which had an viii-ft.-long fissure that leaked water into the basement during periods of heavy rainfall. To permanently patch the crack nosotros used an epoxy-injection system from Polygem, called the Liquid Physical Repair Kit (most $60).

Each kit contains a two-function epoxy crack sealer, two 10-oz. tubes of Liquid Concrete Repair (LCR), a viscous epoxy that comes in a caulk-blazon cartridge, and seven plastic injection ports that deliver the LCR deep into the crack. At that place's plenty textile in each kit to repair a 1/16-in.-wide x 8-in.-deep x eight-ft.-long scissure.

Before you start, bank check to brand sure the fissure is dry. If the cleft is slightly clammy, dry information technology with a blow-dryer, so await 15 minutes. If it remains dry, go on with the repair. All the same, if the dampness returns, water is still seeping into the crack and you'll have to wait for it to dry on its ain.

First, scrub the crack clean of any loose concrete, paint or old fissure filler using a wire brush. Remove all dust and debris with a store vacuum.

Footstep ii: Block Out the Injection Ports

Photo Geoffrey Gross

Tap 3-in. (10d) finishing nails partway into the crack, spaced 12 in. apart. You lot'll use them to align the injection ports with the fissure.

Step iii: Mix the Epoxy Sealer

Photo Geoffrey Gross

Open up up the two containers of epoxy cleft sealer and scoop out equal amounts of Office A and Office B; apply 2 separate sticks to avoid contamination. Mix the 2 parts on a scrap board using a clean putty knife; blend until you attain a uniform gray color.

Step 4: Attach the Injection Port

Photo Geoffrey Gross

Spread some sealer onto the base of operations of one of the plastic injection ports, being careful not to plug up its hole. Slide the port over one of the nails sticking out of the crack and press information technology to the wall. Install the remaining ports in a similar manner.

Step five: Spread Sealer Along the Crevice

Photograph Geoffrey Gross

Next, mix up a slightly larger batch of epoxy sealer and utilize it to the entire crack using a ane ½-in.-wide putty knife or margin trowel. Spread the sealer about 1/viii in. thick and 1 in. on either side of the crevice. Besides, cover the entire flange of each injection port with scissure sealer, leaving only the extended neck portion showing. Smoothen out the sealer and feather its edges with a paintbrush dipped in mineral spirits.

Step 6: Inject the Epoxy into the Scissure

Photo Geoffrey Gross

If the other side of the wall is accessible, see if the crack goes make clean through. If information technology does, seal it up with crack sealer, besides. Allow the sealer to cure for six to 10 hours before injecting the epoxy. Thoroughly mix the LCR epoxy using the plunger rod that comes with the kit. Identify the LCR cartridge into a caulk gun. Starting at the lowest injection port, manipulate the epoxy into the crack. Continue squeezing the trigger until epoxy begins to ooze out of the port directly above.

Step 7: Seal Up the Injection Ports

Photo Geoffrey Gross

Remove the gun and plug up the port you just filled. Now insert the cartridge tip into the port that's oozing and squeeze the trigger to dispense the epoxy. Repeat this process for the remaining ports; plug upwardly each one before moving on to the side by side.

Step 8: Cut Away the Injection Ports

Photo Geoffrey Gross

Allow the LCR to cure for five days, and then cut off the necks of the ports with a hacksaw. If desired, you can patch the severed ports with a little crack sealer.

Resources:

Polygem
Box 609
Dept. TH700
W. Chicago, IL 60186
Polygem
630/231-5600

Source: https://www.thisoldhouse.com/masonry/21016504/fixing-cracks-in-concrete

Posted by: moorewitherrom.blogspot.com

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