A crack can occur in the foundation of a house, regardless of the building material used. The causes are diverse and can affect any home: ground movement, extreme temperatures, frost, humidity or the presence of large quantities of water.
But how do you get a foundation crack repaired ? Find out how to fix this problem when you see one on your home.
Why repair a crack in a foundation?
A crack in a foundation can occur on both a new and an older home. They can also occur on concrete foundations, but also on other types of materials. The causes are variable and unpredictable, but it is important to remedy them quickly, as a crack can alter the strength and lifespan of a home.
A crack in a wall is never trivial and it is important to remedy it quickly. Knowing how to repair a crack is not very complicated and once you have learned how to identify a crack and how to repair it, you will be able to do it in a child’s play for the next cracks
Three things to know before making repairs
How do you analyze a crack?
Before proceeding with the repair, it is important to inspect the cracked foundation . This will allow you to identify the causes and make the most appropriate repairs.
First of all, it is important to know that not all concrete cracks are the same. They have characteristics that do not have the same impact or risk to the structure:
- Active crack: this crack is not set in stone and may enlarge over time.
- Passive crack: this is fixed and will not move.
To define the type of crack, there is a simple method which consists of making a mark along the crack and observing the same crack a few months later to check if it has moved or grown. If this is the case, it is an active crack! Much more unstable, this crack is likely to widen, especially during periods of severe weather or ground movement.
In the case of passive cracks, these are often due to the shrinkage of the concrete during the construction of the foundation. Although less harmful, it is still advisable to fill the crack to seal it permanently, thus avoiding possible water infiltration.
What method should be used for effective repair?
To repair a foundation crack, there are two very specific methodologies:
- Establish an Inside Repair: Mainly used to fill a small passive crack.
- Establish an outward repair: mainly used to repair a crack
Both methods are a priori equally good, so it is the size and nature of the crack that defines the choice of repair.
Of course, it is best to contact a professional to get their opinion and choose the best method: this could also prevent you from investing a lot of time and money in work whose results over time will not be up to par.
Which product should I use to repair a crack?
Depending on the type of crack, as well as the material used in the design of the foundation, it is necessary to choose the type of consolidation with which to repair the crack in the foundation. Our specialists perform either high-pressure or low-pressure injection.
Finally, the injected product also differs according to the cracks, between polyurethane or epoxy, the choice will be made according to the nature of the crack. These two methods react differently depending on the type of crack to be sealed, the moisture of the wall, and other technical considerations.
Experts at your service for a successful repair
You already know how to repair a foundation crack. You understand that poor crack repair can do more harm than good, which is why we advise you to call in professionals for this type of work. Groupe Fissure Expert’s specialists will be happy to help you and your home: contact us for a free quote !
Need a Crack Repair Expert?
If you notice cracks on your foundation, it is important to act quickly. Fissure Expert offers professional foundation crack injection services throughout Quebec. Call a certified foundation crack contractor for a free estimate. We serve Longueuil, Gatineau, Chicoutimi and many other cities.