It is easy to overlook concrete cracking that has started to spread in your basement. Whether you don’t spend that much time in your basement because it’s only used for storage, or you simply write cracks off as a normal occurrence, cracking on basement walls or floors can be hard to catch. These cracks spread over time, causing your foundation and walls to shift, let in leaks and pests, create tripping hazards, and more.
With PolyFoam Solutions, you can rest assured knowing that we offer the best services for your concrete repair needs. With trained experts and high-quality products, our solutions are effective and long-lasting. Save the money spent on tearing up damaged concrete and call us today for affordable, efficient concrete fixes.
Risks of Concrete Cracking in Basement Walls
When your basement’s concrete is compromised, the damage can spread and cause greater problems for the house.
- Mold or mildew growing in the damp and dark cracks.
- Water leaking into the basement from outdoor soil.
- A weak foundation caused by shifting cracks.
- Insects and small animals make their way into your basement.
- Trapped gases under the soil, like radon, enter the house.
- Exposed edges can cause dangerous trips and falls.
Fix concrete cracking before it spreads, causing dangerous and expensive damage. Keep an eye out for these cracks forming in your basement:
1. Hairline Cracks
Common with new construction foundations, hairline cracks often form around a year after the house was built. Hairline cracks are caused by the drying and settling of a newly laid foundation. Luckily, these cracks are easy to repair, as they are usually cosmetic.
2. Horizontal Cracks
Horizontal cracks forming in your basement walls are a much bigger problem. Often caused by uneven soil and water pressure moving your foundation wall, cement block and poured concrete walls are both susceptible to this kind of crack. Water that creeps between the cracks and expands when it freezes can create extra pressure and create these horizontal cracks as well.
3. Vertical Cracks
Much less worrisome than horizontal cracks, vertical concrete cracking in your basement wall does not threaten the structural integrity of the house. The most common type of crack found in basements, vertical cracks usually appear with a poured concrete foundation and are caused by the concrete slowly drying or the foundation settling over time.
4. Diagonal Cracks
Similar to vertical cracks, diagonal concrete cracking is much less serious than horizontal cracks. These cracks are also usually caused by curing concrete or the settlement of the foundation. If the crack appears small enough, polyfoam will be an easy way to take care of it.
5. Stair Crack
Stair cracks can be a common issue with laid concrete block walls, and become a big threat to your basement’s foundation. Stair cracking appears along the mortar crevices between blocks, and can spread in a staircase pattern going up and over diagonal blocks like steps. These cracks are often caused by either moisture buildup in the soil outside of your foundation or foundation sinking.
6. Structural Foundation Crack
Usually caused by movement from a change in temperature or soil pressure, structural foundation concrete cracking poses a great threat to the house’s structure. With structural foundation cracks, you will notice them going in horizontal or zig-zag pathways, and a width greater than ⅛ inch. These cracks will need immediate attention and repair.
7. Wet Foundation Crack
Concrete cracking caused by the foundation shrinking due to evaporating water will often have wet concrete with potential mold, mildew, or rust surrounding it. These cracks usually appear sometime within the first month after the foundation has been poured, and with more moisture leaving the concrete, more shrinking happens. Depending on the severity of the crack’s width, these kinds of cracks dry on their own and are easily repaired with polyfoam.
Concrete Basement Wall Repair With PolyFoam Solutions
At PolyFoam Solutions, we are experts at diagnosing cracks and finding the right fix for your house. When repairing concrete cracking, we inject polyfoam grout right into the cracks, letting it expand and seal up holes. This gets rid of leaks, drafts, shifting concrete, and other hazards. If we recognize a crack is too serious to fix with our own repairs, we will forgo any charges and point you in the direction of a foundation repair team that can help you. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today!
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