While there are different causes of cracks in the basement walls and floor, the most common cause is the pressure from the soil outside the wall. When soil absorbs water, it exerts pressure on the walls exceeding the walls capacity, resulting into a crack. Cracks cause water to leak into the basement, resulting in a damp and dank basement. This does not, however, mean you should tolerate a dump basement. Cracks can be repaired. The following are the types of crack and their repair methods
Types of Basement Cracks
1. Non-structural cracks. These type of cracks are caused by shrinking as the concrete cures or from outside pressure over time. These do not pose a structural danger although they are a nuisance and cause water leakage into your basement. They are identified for being vertical or diagonal in nature and less than a quarter inch wide
2. Structural cracks. These are horizontal in nature and are larger than quarter of an inch. These kinds of cracks could represent a structural issue. They represent a weakness in the wall and could even cause bowing of the wall. These type of cracks need urgent attention whenever they are discovered. Each of these different types of crack has its own repair method as follows
Non-structural cracks repair method
The evolution of concrete products has given rise to one of the most effective methods of non structural crack repair, which is the Urethane crack injection. It is specially formulated for foundation walls. It works by expanding to several times its original volume adhering to form an air and water tight seal. It freezes and contracts with the changing weather conditions.
Structural Crack repair methods
With structural cracks, Epoxy is used. Epoxy fuses the crack back together and does not expand like Urethane. Together with carbon fiber, Epoxy strengthens the cracked structure and prevents further damage. Epoxy is so effective that it can be used to restore a broken concrete object. These repair methods are readily available among professionals in Basement Crack Repair in Maryland.
If you are looking for experts in Basement Crack Repair in Maryland, ensure you get professionals who know their trade and are up to date with the latest basement crack repair techniques. Remember self diagnosis for the cracks in your basement is not advisable because some cracks like the structural cracks need to be handled with care.