How to Fix a Concrete Basement Wall

Basement walls often help provide the foundation for a house. Therefore, it is absolutely vital that they be free from any damage that might cause the house to weaken. If you notice cracks in the basement walls, fix them as soon as possible. Fixing small cracks in the walls is something you can do yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Chisel
• Hose
• Wet/dry vac
• Wire brush
• Cement mix
• Trowel
• Plastic tarp
• Duct tape

1. Use a chisel to widen the crack. The interior of the crack must be wider than the outside edge.

2. Use the garden hose to throughly wet the area around the crack. This will keep the surrounding concrete from drawing moisture from the concrete patch.

3. Clean away all of the excess water with the wet/dry vac. Vacuum any dust or debris that may be in the crack. Clean it throughly with the wire brush.

4. Mix the concrete with water to form your concrete patch. The patch should be the consistency of thick paste.

5. Use the trowel and fill the crack with the paste. Make the patch even with the wall.

6. Let the patch dry for a few hours. Hang the tarp over the patch with duct tape. Throughly water the area under the tarp once per day for five days and clean any excess water up with the vacuum. Remove the tarp after the fifth day.

Tips & Warnings

• If the crack is small enough, you can try to use an instant concrete patch. These can be purchased at any hardware store.
• Make sure all of the water is cleaned up each time you wet the patch. Basements don't allow for fast evaporation of water, and that could lead to mold. Force as much of the patch into the crack as possible, or you might end up with a patch that doesn't set properly and will re-crack.

References

• How to Repair Concrete