Tips on Fixing Basement Walls
Even if your basement is not finished or used for storage, swampy conditions can lead to the growth of mold, mildew and bacteria. Bulging or buckling basement walls are more serious because they can indicate serious structural issues. If your basement remains sturdy but has developed leaks and minor cracks, you can do some basic repairs yourself. Does this Spark an idea?
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Find the Leaks
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Before you try to dry out your basement by sealing the walls, you should determine exactly where moisture is seeping through. In some cases it will be obvious with visible cracks in the wall that are dripping water. However, subtle and unseen leaks can be found with a sheet of plastic and some duct tape, says This Old House. Water gathering on the side sealed to the wall indicates a leak in the area you covered.
Leaking Rods
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One common source of leaks in a basement wall occur around the snap ties used to hold the concrete forms together as the wall is poured. These metal rods rust and can give water a conduit into your basement if they aren't completely covered, according to This Old House. If you see small dimples or round holes in your basement walls that are leaking moisture, the hydraulic cement used to seal these rods has fallen off. Chiseling out the hole and filling it again with hydraulic cement will help stop these leaks.
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Sealing Cracks
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Small cracks in your concrete basement walls may not be a serious problem, but they do let water seep through and look unsightly. One of the simplest ways to seal these cracks securely is to use an expanding polyurethane foam, states Inspectapedia. The foam expands throughout the crack and plugs it securely. If the cracks are large or accompanied by bowing and buckling, sealing them with foam won't do very much. Basement walls must be replaced or reinforced with steel once they begin to collapse.
Extra Support
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Basement walls that are beginning to bow can be saved in most cases with the installation of the proper supports. While many companies may try to push for a total rebuilding of the basement wall, a variety of anchors and reinforcing materials are available for this purpose. The Basement Troubleshooting Guide says that carbon fiber fabric can be attached to the wall with epoxy for a strong and easy-to-install wall support. If you expect the wall to continue to bow due to soil pressure, an adjustable foundation anchor will allow you to keep it straight.
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