Foundation damage is so common that nearly one-quarter of all U.S. homes are estimated to “suffer structural distress” at least once over a lifetime.
Most homeowners will never get to that point because they stay on top of foundation crack repairs. Damage to your foundation usually begins with small cracks that are never fixed.
Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know about a home foundation crack repair.
Understanding Types of Foundation Cracks
Most homes will develop some cracks in the foundation as a result of natural settling. Other reasons include poor drainage, hydrostatic pressure applied to foundation walls, or if you have expansive clay soil.
Whether these cracks are a sign of serious damage depends on how big they are, if water is seeping inside, or if basement walls are starting to bow.
As a homeowner, it’s important for you to know the difference between foundation cracks so you can stay on top of repairs.
- Vertical cracks: these types of cracks are caused by a home’s natural settlement
- Horizontal cracks: you’ll see these cracks in concrete or brick walls, and they indicate there is a problem with your foundation
- Diagonal cracks: keep an eye on these cracks because they could mean an uneven settlement
- Stair-step cracks: these types of cracks are what happens when diagonal cracks get worse and need to be repaired
Now, let’s discuss your two options for foundation crack repairs.
Epoxy Injections
One of the most common repairs for foundation cracks is an epoxy injection.
Before fixing a client’s cracks, we examine the entire foundation. We need to determine whether the structural integrity has been compromised, otherwise, an injection won’t prevent further damage.
If the foundation is sound, we can proceed with the epoxy injection. There are multiple types of epoxy resins and urethanes that can be used to seal cracks in a home’s foundation.
Although the process sounds easy to do on your own, we recommend calling a professional. There are many technical and safety considerations involved in an epoxy injection.
Exterior Excavation & Sealing
The second option is for homeowners with a finished basement who don’t want to tear out the drywall. In this case, we’ll excavate the exterior of your home, exposing the foundation crack entirely. From there, we can seal any cracks from the outside of your home.
While this technique will require heavy machinery in your yard, it is an effective way to get a good look at your foundation wall. We can inspect it for any irregularities and ensure everything is probably sealed.
Foundation crack repair experts also learn more about your ground soil. They can make recommendations to improve drainage around your home to prevent future issues.
Learn More About Foundation Crack Repairs
While you shouldn’t panic about seeing a crack in your foundation, it’s important to use an epoxy injection to stop them from growing bigger or letting water into your home.
Our residential foundation crack repair services offer you the options of a simple epoxy injection or exterior excavation.
Call us today at 847-382-2882 if you have any questions about foundation crack repairs or if you’d like to schedule a free consultation.
