Over 95 percent of basement concrete cracks are not a structural threat to the foundation, basement walls, or floor. Most wall cracks only pose a water seepage problem. Leaks are not only inconvenient, but the continued moisture can decrease the indoor air quality due to hidden mold, mildew, and fungus concerns. Ignoring leaking water can result in time-consuming clean-up efforts and continual expenses.
The majority of basement concrete cracks are formed within the first 30 days after pouring the concrete structure. Until the cracks begin widening, detection may be delayed. These types of cracks often occur because insufficient amounts of working joints were placed during construction to account for drying shrinkage and thermal movement. Other common cracks involve structural settlement, overload, or earthquake damage.
Benefits of Epoxy and Polyurethane-Based Injection Materials
Epoxy and polyurethane-based injection materials are effectively used for concrete crack injection repair and waterproofing of basement leaks. Supporting materials such as dispensing equipment, surface ports, corner ports, grout injection packers, and assorted essential tools aid efficient injection for fast-reacting dual component polymers.
Low-pressure concrete crack injection (20 to 40 psi) permanently fills the entire length and depth of the crack, preventing water from further deteriorating concrete. Epoxy and polyurethane-based materials are superior for this purpose because they adhere to the concrete, water cannot erode the concrete any further, and the materials allow for slight concrete expansion and contraction while maintaining a seal.
Concrete crack injection has been the accepted method for these types of repairs for many years in the Midwest. The technique is being adopted by an increasing amount of nationwide foundation repair contractors because it is cost-effective, reliable, and permanent. Materials with differing viscosities are manufactured to ensure that contractors can offer homeowners an effective repair for only hundreds of dollars as opposed to thousands of dollars on more extensive structural solutions.
Low-pressure crack injection techniques are not suitable for repairs on larger structures such as, dams and bridges. These require the high-pressure techniques. Epoxy crack filler materials are most useful for repairing concrete block walls, large cracks in concrete slabs, and filling holes left by tie rod forms. Polyurethane materials are very useful for filling gaps around pipes through concrete walls because they adhere well to plastic or metal materials.
Avoid Superficial Repairs
Many homeowners may be tempted to use caulk or hydraulic cement to patch concrete cracks. It would be much more expensive, but better to go to the trouble of a structural excavation repair.
Caulk is superficial and will allow water to continue seeping behind the patch material, resulting in efflorescence, and eventually the caulk will peel off exposing an enlarged crack. Hydraulic cement does not bond well, also leading to efflorescence. Eventually, the water seepage will dislodge the cement plug.
Waterproofing and foundation repair specialists insist they have nearly a 100 percent success rate for crack repair work. Most contractors offer lifetime warranties for the injection repairs because they are confident in the product quality and the training received from the chosen manufacturer.
It is possible for a concrete contractor to perform multiple concrete repairs per day. The cost and minimal investment result in a profitable bottom line due to the manufacturers dedication to improving the materials and techniques offered.
Injection products create a win-win situation for the contractors, homeowners, and business owners. Contractors can reliably fix an inconvenience, while saving their residential and commercial consumers thousands of dollars for more extensive repair work and avoiding the inconvenience of excavation.
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