A foundation crack can be a significant problem for your home. Not only is it a sign of structural damage, but it can also lead to water infiltration and other serious issues. If you’re dealing with a foundation crack, don’t panic. You can take steps to repair the damage and prevent further problems. This article will discuss eight tips for foundation repair in Houston. Keep reading to learn more.
Assess the Severity of the Crack
Before you begin any repairs, it’s important to assess the severity of the foundation crack; This can be done by either a professional or by using simple tests yourself. The most important thing is determining whether the foundation crack is actively leaking water. You will need to take immediate action and call a foundation repair specialist if it is.
Find Out the Crack Size
The foundation crack size is essential to consider when determining how best to repair it. Suppose the foundation crack is less than half an inch wide. In that case, you may be able to repair it yourself with epoxy injections or urethane foam sealant without needing professional help from a foundation contractor.
If the foundation crack is more than half an inch wide, then it is a sign of severe foundation damage that needs to be fixed as soon as possible by an experienced foundation repair company.
If you’re still unsure whether or not your foundation crack requires professional help, visit us at AAA Foundation Service, and we’ll send one of our experts over for an inspection.
Prepare the Site for Repair
Once you’ve determined that the foundation crack needs to be repaired, the next step is to prepare the site for repair. This includes removing any debris or obstructions from around the foundation crack and then cleaning the surface of the foundation so that the adhesive will stick properly.
If possible, it’s also a good idea to widen the foundation crack by chiseling away at the foundation with a hammer and cold chisel. This will make it easier to fill in later on when you’re applying epoxy or urethane foam sealant.
Repair the Minor Cracks
If the foundation crack is less than half an inch wide, you can repair it yourself using epoxy injections or urethane foam sealant. Epoxy injections are a two-part adhesive that cures and hardens when mixed. Urethane foam sealant is a one-part adhesive that expands as it dries, which helps to fill in the foundation crack.
You can purchase both of these adhesives at most hardware stores or home improvement centers. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly before using them, and always wear gloves and safety glasses when working with epoxy or urethane foam sealant.
Repair Large Cracks
If the foundation crack is more than half an inch wide, it needs to be repaired by a foundation repair specialist. The foundation contractor will first assess what caused the foundation crack and how extensive the damage is before making any repairs.
They may also recommend using carbon fiber strips and epoxy injections or urethane foam sealant to reinforce the foundation crack and prevent it from spreading further.
Seal Off the Foundation Cracks
Once the foundation crack has been repaired, it’s vital to seal off the foundation cracks, so they don’t re-open. This can be done by using a concrete patching compound or elastomeric coating.
A concrete patching compound is a cement-based product that fills in small holes and cracks in concrete surfaces. It can also be used as a foundation crack sealant on foundations with cracks less than half an inch wide.
Elastomeric coating is a rubber-based product applied to the foundation to fill in and seal large cracks, holes or joints. Elastomeric coatings are typically only recommended for use on foundation walls that have been repaired with foundation piers for foundation wall anchors.
Put in Place the Preventive Measures
Once the foundation crack has been repaired and sealed off, it’s a good idea to install foundation piers for foundation wall anchors on your foundation walls. These foundation repair products are designed to prevent foundation cracks from re-opening in the future.
Foundation piers are metal tubes driven into the ground beneath your home’s foundation to prevent foundation movement. Foundation wall anchors are metal cables or rods attached to the foundation walls to stabilize them and keep them from bowing, leaning or cracking further.
Find a Reliable and Professional Foundation Repair Company
If you’re not comfortable repairing your foundation crack yourself, or if the foundation crack is more than half an inch wide, then it’s best to call a professional foundation repair company. A foundation repair company will have the experience and expertise necessary to assess the damage and make the necessary repairs properly.
Be sure to ask for referrals from friends and family and to read online reviews before choosing a foundation repair company. And always be sure to get multiple estimates before hiring anyone.
If you have a foundation crack, it’s important to take action and repair it as soon as possible. Not only is foundation damage unsightly, but it can also lead to further structural damage to your home. There are many different ways to repair foundation cracks, so be sure to consult a professional before starting any repairs yourself.
