The home foundation’s integrity is important for maintaining its overall safety and security. Whether you are dealing with the cracks in your basement foundation or beginning to construct a new foundation for your basement, it is always important to understand the process involved in all these things, for which you need to consult the Basement Foundation Crack Repair specialists.
For the latter purpose, you need to get in touch with people specializing in Basement Foundation Construction, who will help you form a strong and reliable foundation.
This guide will help you understand the best ways to repair cracks that are present in your basement’s foundation.
However, before understanding the steps for repair and construction, you should know what a basement foundation is and why it is important for your home.
This will help to Modernize Your Home Atmosphere.
What is a Basement Foundation?
A basement foundation acts as a support for the entire structure of your house, and it typically goes deep inside the ground. There are three types of basement foundations, such as:
- Full Basements: These are the most prevalent. They provide additional living and storage space and are at least seven feet high.
- Crawl Space Basement: It is smaller than full basements. It is at least measured to be three or four feet high. They can be useful for storage or as a space for electrical systems and plumbing.
- Slab-on-Grade: This is the type of foundation in which the construction workers pour the concrete slab directly into the ground. It is a simple process, which, however, doesn’t provide further space for storage or living.
These types of basement foundations have their own properties that are suitable for different purposes.
Repairing Cracks in Your Base Foundation
If the cracks present in your base formation are not repaired on time, they can become a huge issue. They can result in infiltration and leakage of water, structural damage, and even the growth of mould inside your surroundings. Here’s a step-by-step guide to Basement Foundation Crack Repair:
● Identifying the Type of Crack:
Two types of cracks can develop in the foundation of your basements, such as hairline cracks, structural cracks, and hydrostatic cracks. Hairline cracks are harmless and thin.
However, you should monitor them and take further steps to avoid any unwanted situations. Structural cracks are wide in size and can show significant movement present within the foundation. Hydrostatic cracks are caused by water pressure, leading to leaks.
● Determine the Course of Action:
You should understand the type of crack and determine whether you would be able to fix the crack by yourself. Before proceeding with further action, you need to consider the situation of your foundation. You can address smaller hairline cracks with DIY solutions. However, if the cracks are wider, you can consult professionals specializing in Basement Foundation Cracks Repair. These people have the experience and knowledge to repair cracks that are bigger in size. It will improve the strength of your home’s structure with due effect.
● Gather all the Tools and Supplies Important for Repair:
After creating your plan of action, collect all the tools and items that are important for your job. For hairline cracks, you need masonry paint. You should have sealant or concrete fillers to fix cracks that are moderate in measurement. For major cracks, you should consult experts who have extensive experience and knowledge in Basement Foundation Construction. They will get the job done for you, ensuring the utmost strength for your basement.
● Clean the Crack:
Before beginning the repair, start cleaning the crack. You should get rid of any loose concrete, dirt and debris with the help of a wire or brush to make the surface smooth and apply the sealant in the crack.
● Start Applying the Concrete Filler:
The next step is to apply the concrete filler in the area of cracks. It is important to fill the crack with the sealant from the rock bottom to get rid of air bubbles. If the sealant’s tube doesn’t have an applicator, you can directly apply it to the surface. Another thing you can do is to cut the tip of the sealant applicator at a 45-degree angle and fill it into a caulk gun. Then you will be able to apply it effectively.
● Smooth Out the Applied Sealant:
After filling the sealant to the surface, smooth it out with a putty knife. You can overfill the crack a little bit to help the sealant stand out a little bit over the concrete surface.
● Allow The Surface To Get Dry:
Follow the basic instructions given on the sealant’s cover to let it dry on the surface. Duration for drying can vary, but it will definitely at least take several hours.
● Start Sanding the Surface:
After the filler is dry, use a medium-grit sandpaper to ensure the filter is flush with the rest of the concrete surface.
● Paint The Area of Repair:
You can paint the repaired area with a primer and paint to conceal the surface if you wish to do so.
Importance of Getting Your Basement Cracks Repaired
Cracks in the basement foundations are common, and you don’t need to worry much about them. However, they can deteriorate progressively and cause further damage to your home’s structure.
Sometimes, the home’s setting, shrinkage and curing of concrete, and poor construction are some crucial reasons why these cracks are formed on time. If you get them repaired on time, your home’s structure will stand tall without any problem, thus helping the building stand the test of time.
Conclusion
Basement foundations are essential for a house’s structure. It helps a building stand tall and remain strong without any problems. These foundations need to be free of cracks that can be detrimental to their strength.
If you find any cracks, get them fixed without any delay. You can also seek professional assistance from experts specializing in Basement Foundation Crack Repair. They have the knowledge and expertise to handle such tasks and ensure the best outcomes.
This will help you improve the strength of your building and help it remain free from problems that can leave the whole structure of your house unsettled, leading to unwanted outcomes.
