Concrete foundation repair

Concrete foundations are of two types: poured concrete and concrete blocks. Poured concrete is a modern way of laying a foundation, while cinder blocks are more traditional. Cinder blocks are preferred for their visual appeal and strength. However, as time passes, there may be degradation of the concrete.

The main cause of cracks in concrete foundations is water seepage. Such cracks caused by water leakage are fine and fine. They may widen over time, but are present only in those areas where seepage occurs. To repair leak cracks, it is first necessary to investigate the source and point from which the leak originates.

There may be other reasons for the concrete foundation to collapse. The soil can lose its moisture content in summer. There may be underground roots that can wither and die. These natural causes cause the soil to shrink and therefore the foundation to shift. Although this movement is gradual, over time it will cause cracks to occur. These cracks will be large and open, running the entire length of the base. They can even be in the form of small holes in certain places.

Whatever the reason, foundation cracks are very dangerous if ignored. The repair must be done as soon as possible. The difficulties involved in the repair process are influenced by the size of the cracks.

For small cracks created by moisture, the repair is relatively simple and almost anyone can do it. These crevices must first be cleaned with a wire brush. A water jet can be passed to remove any loose concrete particles within the crack. The crack is then allowed to dry completely and filled with concrete putty. If the crack is large, then it is filled with repair materials that are available specifically for concrete. These patching materials must be wet when applied. They are limestone based and expand as they dry, filling the crack completely. The final touch is to apply a sealant to the repaired crack.

But if the crack is sinister and not the DIY kind, it’s wiser to shell out a few bucks and hire good repairmen. These cracks occur due to the rods that may have rusted inside and broken or due to the deterioration of the materials present in the concrete. Some leak cracks when ignored can also reach dangerous levels. These cracks are found more in poured concrete.

Contractors treat concrete foundations with urethane injections to remove embedded water. They can even excavate the area around the foundation and replace the defective shingle or build a provision to keep water out of contact with the foundation.