Cracks in concrete walls are not just an aesthetic problem. They can lead to structural damage and other issues that require immediate attention. There are many causes of cracks in concrete, but the most common ones include water intrusion, improper curing, or drying conditions. Other reasons are the inappropriate use of additives during construction and seismic activity to Fix Cracks.
Table of Contents
1. Hire Professional Help
The first thing you should do if you see any cracks is seek professional help. A professional will tell you what caused the crack and how they can help you fix it. Alternatively, you can find out what caused the damage yourself and then hire a professional to help you.
Hiring professionals is always recommended if there are any serious issues like structural damage or water damage. The costs of hiring professionals will be worth it compared to fixing more significant problems later on.
2. Spread A Sealer
If you have a crack in your concrete wall, spreading a sealer over it is the first thing to do. Water can lead to bigger basement wall cracks, so keep this tip in mind and prioritize sealing up all gaps as soon as possible.
In case there are no visible signs of damage on the surface, but you suspect that there might be a problem, you can take measures to prevent any further damage from occurring. Sealing the crack is an effective way of preventing water from entering. Sealing up cracks will also fix the aesthetic issues caused and reduce critter infestations in attics and basements.
3. Scratch The Surface of The Cracks
Scratching the surface of a crack will help you know what is underneath. If there are multiple layers, it won’t be easy to fix them all. You should first scratch off each layer and then apply fresh concrete over the topmost layer. If any critters have nested in your walls or if moisture has seeped through somehow, scratching the surface of a basement wall crack can help you know what is inside.
4. Fill the Ports
If the scratch test reveals multiple layers, you will have to fill up all ports. You can do this by using a grout bag or squeegee with concrete filler in it. Ensure that your solution is mixed well before applying it on top of each layer so that they don’t show through later on.
Filling the ports is a good way of filling up cracks. Knowing how to fill the ports correctly will be very helpful if you are doing this independently.
Filling the ports can also work as an aesthetically pleasing option for those who want their concrete walls back to looking new again. However, don’t forget that the solution only works if all cracks are filled up.
5. Deal With The Source
If you see that the crack will not be fixed using any of these methods, it is time to deal with the source. The cause needs to be removed before trying anything else.
Otherwise, the crack may become bigger and require even more extensive repairs, which might cost much more than they are worth. Dealing with the actual source can be very difficult if you are not a professional.
In summary, if there are cracks in your concrete walls, you should first hire a professional like 58 Foundations or find out what caused the problem before trying to fix it yourself. If all of that fails, deal with the source by looking for its cause and removing it so that you can prevent future problems from happening.
