Foundation Cracks in Holland MI
Foundation cracks in Holland MI are usually an indication of foundation settlement while vertical cracks are often the result of the concrete shrinking over time. If you notice cracks in your foundation, it would be highly advantageous to consult a professional who can view the foundation as well as provide a solution to the problem. Furthermore, if not addressed quickly the problem may worsen over time.
Repair for vertical foundation cracks
When choosing a method to repair cracks in foundation walls, it is important to ensure that it can last a long time. Therefore, a professional can advise you on the best method for repairing the cracks by analyzing the cause of the cracks and the extent of damage.
Small cracks that are not leaking fortunately require only a cosmetic repair solution. Furthermore, these are cracks that are leaking but do not pose a threat to the stability of the foundation. They can be repaired without the need for drilling into walls or the use of high-pressure injections.
Common repair methods
-
Caulk application
This is the most common method used for repairing cracks. However, this repair method is only cosmetic and can only be applied to small cracks that are not leaking. If water is leaking through the crack, it will fill the space behind the patch, break the seal and cause the patch to peel off. This type of repair is only a temporary solution and should, therefore, be treated as such.
-
Filing cracks with hydraulic cement
This method is also cosmetic and should only be applied to cracks that are small and not leaking. The application of this rigid cement is also a long-term solution in repairing leaking cracks. What happens is that the hydraulic cement does not bond with the concrete of the foundation properly, which causes water to build up in the crack. In turn this leads to efflorescence where water will begin leaking around the plugged area.
-
Using epoxy injections
Epoxy is a strong crack-filling agent, which is often used to seal cracks with the added benefit of strengthening the wall. However, epoxy is quite inflexible. As the concrete in the wall expands and contracts, the seal will not adjust accordingly. There are situations where this results in even more foundation cracks.
Cosmetic solutions, as presented above, can often result in increased damage. Therefore, if you notice cracks in your foundation, be sure to contact a professional as soon as possible. They will help you consider the best possible solution that offers long lasting benefits.