Basement Crack Repair
Crack Repair in Media, Pennsylvania
One more common type of Basement Cracks occurs when materials like wood settle and move around inside of a basement. Often this can happen after a home has been built. Over time, if there are basement cracks, they'll build up toward the ceiling and eventually cause the ceiling to cave in. This can be a problem that can require a lot of money to repair. Luckily there are some very simple and easy solutions to these problems.
One of the most common causes of basement cracks is a lack of proper drainage. Most basements should have a series of drains to remove water from the home and to help keep dirt out of the foundation. Unfortunately, if the foundation cracks or the foundation starts to cave in, basement cracks may occur. Basement floor crack problems aren't usually a big problem if they're not causing structural damage to the home, but basement cracks may be necessary to have the floor repaired. If a cracked foundation floor crack causes you to have excess moisture in the basement, then you'll need to repair it as soon as possible.
Another common cause of basement cracks is the presence of soil pressure. Over time, basement walls can build up pressure underneath them and this can cause cracks in the foundation. You'll probably notice that water pools up around the foundation of the house in areas where there are basement cracks. If the water isn't moving toward the house but comes in contact with the house, you might get a basement crack that's easier to fix. Basement walls that are leaning due to the pressures will also likely need repairs.
Lead Gen Contact Form
Types of cracks that may occur in your home and basement.
There are some basement cracks types that are particularly tricky to repair. One of these is the capillary one that forms at the top of the basement ceiling. Basement ceilings are especially tricky to seal correctly because it's hard to see where the seals are located and in what areas they're supposed to be. Because of this, basement cracks types like this can form quickly and without notice, especially if the basement is a smaller area than the house itself. It's important that you work to repair any capillary basement cracks that you find, no matter how small they are.
Frequently check to see if the soil on which your home is built upon is shifting, causing basement problems and ultimately leading to foundation problems. Cracks in the walls, ceiling or floor are a sure sign of shifting and settling. Horizontal basement wall cracks result from excess weight being placed on the home's foundation. Vertical basement wall cracks are usually caused by a combination of both above and below ground factors. Horizontal Basement Cracks: These are normally the result of a cracked or deteriorating concrete slab around the foundation. Left unchecked, horizontal basement cracks can grow into large and costly cracks.
Often times, basement walls crack because of the weight of heavy objects placed on them. Over time, this can cause the wall to bend or even break. Many different things can contribute to basement wall cracking including soil shifting and/or excessive groundwater pressure. It is not unusual for the soil to settle to the bottom and then force upward against the walls of the home, creating basement cracks. Groundwater is also a contributing factor, particularly when concrete is cracked between floors, ceilings and walls. In such cases, seeking concrete wall crack repair in PA (Pennsylvania) becomes imperative. The state's varying climate conditions and soil types require a tailored approach to concrete wall crack repair Pennsylvania homeowners can rely on to ensure the structural integrity and safety of their homes.
Although basement wall cracks can occur anywhere in a basement, they are most common on the perimeter walls (entrance and exit doors). Unfortunately, this is also where most "accidental" or avoidable injuries to homeowners take place. Because of this, it is important to repair vertical and horizontal basement cracks promptly - before they become major issues. Here are some of the types of repairs typically recommended for this type of problem.
Horizontal Basement Cracks:
As mentioned above, this type of crack is often caused by excess weight and pressure placing stress on the foundation walls. Usually, this can be solved with simple floor or ceiling repair. However, there are cases in which the vertical cracks are much more severe and may need basement waterproofing or foundation walls leveling. In these cases, you may need to remove portions of your home and build anew. For instance, if your home was built with basements that are on a slope, and you have an upstairs landing with an opening onto a staircase, you may need to remove the staircase and reconstruct it from scratch. In addition, if your home is one with poor basement wall conditions, you may need to repair or replace basement windows and doors as well as adding additional floor and ceiling insulation.
Vertical Basement Cracks:
This is another common cause for basement cracks and also the most difficult to repair. Often, the only option is to demolish the foundation and start from scratch. Fortunately, this is not usually a major problem since most basements can be drained and waterproofed without major expense and hassle. In most cases, the only option for this type of repair is to add additional framing around the exterior of the home to ensure water does not enter through the cracks.
Conventional Basement Walls:
Most people have heard of basement cracks caused by soil settling above and around the foundation walls. This is a problem that can be addressed with various types of waterproofing products and techniques, depending upon the soil conditions in your area and the size and width of your home. Essentially, all you need to do is make sure the soil surrounding the walls is properly graded and that it will drain and settle properly over time. In the case of vertical basement cracks, you will also need to add extra framing around the outside of the home to ensure the water is draining properly. Also, if your soil is extremely fine, you may need to excavate around the house and add footers to the outside wall to elevate it off the ground and strengthen it.
Basement Waterproofing:
Basement waterproofing is a less common solution for basement cracks, especially if the soil surrounding the home is very fine. Basically, you just need to add a layer of plastic to the soil around the house and pump in water. While this technique does work and is effective in most cases, there are still a few disadvantages. The primary disadvantage of basement waterproofing is that it can actually add to the cost of your home, because it requires more digging and a significant amount of labor to install. Also, it doesn't address the drainage problem that contributes to basement cracks.
Basement Finishing:
Finishing off existing basements is an option that many homeowners opt for. This involves sealing the outside of the home, adding a decorative coating, sanding the interior, and then painting the finish in a color that compliments the rest of the house. The problem with this method is that it usually doesn't solve the problem and will just make the cracks grow worse in the future. In addition, it is a more complicated process that can be best handled by an expert in the structural integrity of basements.
Curious to learn more? Our blog is packed with additional articles on this subject!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What causes cracks in basement walls?
Cracks can result from foundation settlement, hydrostatic pressure, or temperature changes that cause concrete to expand and contract.
-
How do you repair basement cracks?
Basement crack repair can involve epoxy injections, polyurethane foam, or carbon fiber reinforcement, depending on the severity of the crack.
-
Are cracks in my basement a serious issue?
Yes, cracks can lead to water intrusion, mold growth, and structural damage, so it’s important to address them promptly.
-
Can cracks in basement walls be repaired permanently?
Yes, with the right professional techniques like epoxy injection and foundation waterproofing, cracks can be sealed permanently.
-
How much does it cost to repair a basement crack?
The cost depends on the size and severity of the crack but typically ranges from $500 to $1,500.