How to Fix Cracks in Basement Walls & Floors
Concrete, block and brick foundations are prone to cracking over time. Basement walls and floors are constantly subjected to moisture from ground water. This moisture causes the concrete, brick or block to shrink and grow. The result is cracks. If your cracks are more than ¼-inch wide, consult a professional foundation installer to inspect the wall for serious structural issues. Otherwise, you can repair the cracks yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Wire brush
- Small flathead screwdriver
- Polyurethane foam injection foundation repair kit
- Caulking gun
- Utility knife
Instructions
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Wipe down the wall with a wire brush. This removes debris and calcium buildup from the hole in the crack and from around the crack. If necessary, use a small flathead screwdriver to clean out loose material from the crack.
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2
Mix the activating agent into the bottle of polyurethane and then place the bottle into a caulk gun. Cut the tip off the bottle with a utility knife to open the bottle.
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Place the tip of the bottle against the top of the crack and inject the polyurethane into the crack by pushing on the trigger of the caulk gun. As you fill the crack with the polyurethane, the polyurethane will create a foam. The foam fills up the crack and seals it.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure the weather outside will be dry for at least three days after you install the sealer. This will ensure the sealer has time to completely cure.
After the first rain, inspect the cracks for any leaking. If leaking occurs, add a second application of the sealer. If it still leaks, consult a professional foundation installer for an inspection.
References
- Photo Credit David De Lossy/Photodisc/Getty Images
