Basement Waterproofing Baltimore
So we all know concrete doesn’t last forever, right? This rule applies to many things: roads, sidewalks, stairs, The Sphynx… And your foundation walls are no exception! We should all know at this point that a crack is bound to appear on your foundation at one time or another. If you didn’t know, then here’s your official notice: Your foundation will crack. There, now that that’s settled let’s move on.
Let’s talk about foundation cracks. There are a few ways to deal with them, and it is helpful to break them down into two broad categories: interior fixes and exterior fixes. Each solution has its own benefits, and are both dependent on surrounding conditions. Let’s take a look at the interior solution.
Repairing cracks from the inside is a cheap and easy way to go, and can generally be done in an hour or two. This solution is great for smaller hairline cracks, and cracks that are producing little to no water seepage. Basically, if the crack is relatively new, less than 1/8″ in diameter, and your foundation doesn’t have much of a history of seepage: go with a quick interior fix. This can be done a few different ways: by chipping it out, or by injecting it. Chipping out a crack is a bit more labor intensive, but will yield a more natural looking result (if done neatly). Basically the process involves using a large chipping hammer to chip out the existing crack, approx. 3 inches wide and 3 inches deep, and then filling the void with waterproof hydraulic cement. You can then simply smooth out or grind down any excess. This method is great for those who are a bit more concerned with aesthetics. There is, however, a slightly more effective interior solution, usually reserved for larger or wetter foundation cracks. This method is called epoxy injection. Basically this involves a high pressure injection of polyurethane foam directly into the crack, and all the way through the wall. This repair “stands out” a bit more, visually, but will generally produce a stronger patch than cement.
Have more questions? Feel free to contact us.
