How to Fix a Crack in My Basement Wall
Cracks in concrete walls, such as those on basements or foundations, are a problem many homeowners encounter. Ignoring the cracks is a mistake. If not repaired, the cracks may continue to grow. Eventually, this will allow water to seep through the walls and into the basement. As more water seeps through, the crack will inevitably grow and possibly lead to structural instability. Fortunately, it is possible to fix the crack before major problems occur. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Epoxy-based concrete repair kit
- Hair dryer, if necessary
- Wire brush
- Wet/dry vacuum
- 3-inch finishing nails
- Hammer
- Scrap lumber
- Small plastic applicators
- Putty knife or trowel
- Caulk gun
- Hacksaw or reciprocating saw
Instructions
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1
Inspect the crack on the basement wall. If the crack is damp or wet, use a hair dryer turned on its highest setting to remove any moisture. After the crack is dry, wait for 10 to 20 minutes and check back. If the crack remains dry, proceed. If moisture reappears, it is a sign the soil outside the wall is saturated. Wait for a prolonged dry spell for the soil and wall to adequately dry.
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2
Brush the crack in the wall with a wire brush. Remove any loose concrete, paint or other debris. Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove any dust from the crack, as well as to clean the floor after brushing the wall.
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3
Drive 3-inch finishing nails lightly into the crack on the basement wall, using a hammer. Position the nails approximately 12 inches apart. Do not drive the nails completely into the wall.
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4
Mix a small amount of epoxy on a clean, flat piece of lumber. The kit will contain two tubes or containers of epoxy that require mixing to activate. Remove each epoxy from its container with a separate plastic applicator. Do not use the same applicator to remove both epoxies. Use a putty knife to thoroughly mix the two epoxies together on the piece of lumber.
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5
Apply a small amount of epoxy to the base of one of the plastic ports that came with the repair kit. Slide the port over one of the finishing nails inserted the cracked wall. Press the base of the port against the wall so that it seals tightly. Use the same technique to place a plastic port over each finishing nail.
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Mix a larger amount of epoxy. Once the epoxy sealant is thoroughly mixed, use a clean putty knife to apply it to the entire length of the crack. The epoxy should cover the base of the injection ports and extend approximately 1 inch to the left and right of the crack. The coat of epoxy sealant should be roughly 1/8 inch thick. Allow the sealant to dry for roughly 10 hours.
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7
Mix a third batch of epoxy in the cartridge designed to fit in a standard caulk gun. Most kits will include the cartridge that fits into a caulk gun. Insert the cartridge in the caulk gun and then place the tip of the cartridge into the opening on the bottommost injection port. Squeeze the epoxy into the injection port. Continue injecting epoxy until you see excess epoxy coming out of the port directly above. Fill each injection with epoxy in this manner. Allow the epoxy to dry for the time indicated on your specific kit's directions.
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8
Cut off the injections ports with a hacksaw or reciprocating saw. Cut the port, along with the nail inside, so that it is flush with the wall. Cover any small holes left by the injection port with leftover epoxy.
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Tips & Warnings
Check the directions on your concrete repair kit for the exact time required for the sealant to fully dry.
