A cracked basement wall doesn’t necessarily mean that your home is in structural danger. However, cracks will get bigger over time. Additionally, cracks allow moisture, insects and radon gas to enter your living space.
Repairing a cracked basement wall will prevent further damage and keep your home safe from harmful pollutants. If you’re repairing the crack yourself, you’ll need the appropriate sealants, a caulk gun, a putty knife, a scrap board and a hacksaw.
Scrub the Surface
Remove any loose debris from the area of the crack with a wire brush. Then, using a vacuum, make sure the area is free of dust for maximum effectiveness when applying the sealant later on.
Also, if you have access to the other side of the wall, check to see if the crack goes straight through. You want to repair that side as well to avoid further erosion.
Align Injection Ports
By tapping nails into the crack, align enough injection ports as best you can along the crack. Keep a distance of approximately four to six inches between ports for the length of the crack.
Prepare Sealant
The sealing compound you will be using contains two different materials that you’ll need to mix. Take equal amounts of each material and mix them on a scrap board. Keep mixing until the compound reaches a homogeneous gray color.
Apply Sealing Compound
Start the sealing process by spreading the sealing compound onto the base of the first injection port. You want to avoid plugging up its hole.
Now that you’ve capped off the ports, the adhesive will force the bonding agent into the crack, ensuring the gap is filled.
Apply Epoxy
Now it’s time to apply the rest of the epoxy sealer into the crack. Mix up a larger amount this time and apply it to the entire area of the crack. A putty knife or similar implement will help you spread the compound as necessary.
Be liberal with the sealer on each side of the crack so there is no indentation left. Now, go ahead and smooth out the compound. You can use a paintbrush dipped in mineral spirits to create a finer surface.
To prepare for filling the ports, mix the LCR epoxy with a rod that is included in the kit. Using a caulk gun, start at the lowest point and shoot the epoxy into the crack.
Fill the Ports
Continue injecting epoxy until you can see the material starting to come out of the next port. Take the caulk gun out and plug up the port you just worked on.
Insert the gun into the port with the epoxy coming out. Fill that port until you notice material coming out of the next one. Continue with the process until you reach the last port in the crack.
Cut the Port Necks
Take a few days off. The material will need time to harden before you remove the ports from the wall. After at least two days, cut the ports off the wall using a hacksaw.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can use some crack sealer to mask the spots where the ports have been cut.
Don’t Put it Off
Don’t put off repairing your cracked basement wall indefinitely. While doing the work yourself isn’t prohibitive, you can entrust an expert with repairing a crack in your basement wall. 58 Foundations has been doing quality work for its clientele since 1958 and will ensure a hassle-free experience.
