How To Fix A Crack In Your Basement Wall Leaking Water
- Epoxy crack injection – Experts can fix cracks using epoxy injections that seal, waterproof, and reinforce your basement walls. First, a surface patch is created using an epoxy bonding solution. Then, the 2-part special epoxy is pumped into the cracks until it fills the voids.
- Carbon fiber staples – First, slots are grinded into your basement wall along the crack. Then the high-strength carbon fiber staples are inserted into the cracks and fused into the concrete using an epoxy. These staples will prevent the cracks from growing larger.
- Exterior crack repair – If you have a finished basement and you don’t want any drywall removed, experts can fix leaking cracks from the outside. First, they dig outside your foundation and clean the area around the crack. Next, they apply hydraulic cement along and inside the crack. After that, an elastomeric waterproofing tar is applied all across the crack. Lastly, they apply a vapor barrier or an insulation board to protect the tar as they return the dirt.
Why Are Cracks Forming On Your Basement Wall?
Experts recommend sealing both cracks in order to stop water seepage and prevent basement leaks. Structural cracks might require more work to solve the root of the problem. For example, your home might be settling into the soil beneath it and may require underpinning. If outside pressure is pushing against your basement walls, experts might install wall plate anchors or carbon fiber straps to pull your wall back outward and stabilize any further movement. Once these issues are addressed, experts can move on to filling in the cracks.
Why Is Your Crack Is Leaking Water?
Your basement wall crack is most likely leaking water because there is moisture built up in the soil outside your foundation. This is called hydrostatic pressure. Water can weigh around 60 pounds per cubic foot, and if it begins to accumulate outside your foundation walls, it’s going to try and find a way into your basement.
How To Prevent Cracks From Forming On Your Basement Walls
The best way to prevent cracks from forming on your basement walls is by limiting how much water saturates the soil outside your foundation. You can do this by:
- Installing a French drain – A french drain is a perforated pipe that’s placed underneath your yard. This will collect water in areas of your yard prone to pooling and direct the moisture to a lower part of your property away from your home.
- Installing gutter extensions – If your gutters are dropping water close to your home, it can saturate the soil outside your basement walls. Experts recommend extending your gutter downspouts by at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Grading your yard – Experts recommend grading your yard away from your home. The ideal slope is one inch for every foot. You make minor adjustments to your grading using a shovel and wheel barrel, but for larger projects, we recommend calling a professional.
6 Responses
Thank you for mentioning exterior crack repair. I want to also have my home waterproofed after a big storm this week. I will find a good waterproofing service in the area.
Happy to help! What area are you in? We know a lot of waterproofers around the country and could possibly point you in the right direction.
Basement water leaked from wall
Hello! Yes, that can happen in most basements. If you’re looking for a quote, give us a call! 847-756-7987
517 no Jackson st
Hi Jhon!
Do you have any more info? Maybe a phone number we can call you on?