Every homeowner would love to find easy solutions to basement cracks. One such solution that requires minimal effort and cost is crack injection. Not all kinds of cracks however are meant to be fixed through this method. You’d have to find out first the type and kind of crack that you have in your basement.

Cracks in Basements

Basement cracks can differ widely. The most common type is hairline cracks that often run diagonally. This is often caused by foundation drying when it is first poured or set. Hairline cracks can detract from the general appearance of your basement and can lower the overall value of your home. They often however do not present structural problems unless widening begins and does not stop. Wide cracks can lead to water seepage among other problems. This can cause damage to the things in your basement and can even lead to mold and mildew formation which can be a serious health hazard.

Some cracks are more serious because they can affect the stability of a houses foundation. Stair or zigzag wall cracks for example that run from a window can indicate foundation heaving while horizontal cracks on a wall can mean that the foundation wall is poorly designed. Before you implement any basement designs for remodeling, you need to ask for expert help in dealing with foundation crack problems. Otherwise you could be putting not just your basement but your entire house at risk as well.

Crack Injection

Crack injection solutions are best used for hairline basement cracks or hairline cracks that have widened. They are also intended only for poured foundations. They cannot be used for block walls because these walls have hollow centers.

The method often involves injecting polyurethane into the crack. The substance fills the entire space and can effectively prevent water seepage. The best part about this solution is that it does not involve drilling or excavation. Homeowners can even repair the cracks themselves by using a crack injection kit that is freely available in many home improvement stores both online and offline.

Why Think Twice

Basement repair is not the same as basement decorating. Obviously, so much more is at stake when repairs are in question. You might be able to seriously consider performing repairs yourself if you have a track record for being an excellent handyman. Aside from having some handyman skills, you also need to possess basic research skills to help you arrive at the right solution. Problems may arise though if you cant even recognize various types of cracks and what they mean. You may already have a problem that can seriously compromise your homes foundation. If you aren’t confident about your skills and expertise, don’t hesitate to call for expert help.

Crack injection is definitely the easy way out of basement cracks. Never assume though that all cracks can be dealt with effectively through do-it-yourself crack injection. Take the time to evaluate the situation and determine if you can solve it yourself or if you need to hire an expert.



Filed under: Basement Ideas

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