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Austin Home Foundation Inspection: Epoxy Inject Cracks

By Aaron Kuertz

Concrete foundations can develop cracks over time. These cracks can then let in water and damage the interior contents of the basement. In severe cases, cracks in a concrete basement wall can signify that there is a structural defect with the wall. Whether it is to stop water or to structurally reinforce the concrete crack, epoxies can be injected into it.

Causes of Concrete Cracks

The most common is that the concrete actually shrinks as it cures. This curing process reduces the amount of water in the concrete and it shrinks in volume. This shrinkage causes stresses to occur and to relieve this stress, the concrete cracks. This is a normal process and it is not to be a cause of concern. However, they can still let in water and damage the interior contents of a basement. Shrinkage cracks usually are less than 1/16″ in width and remain a constant width throughout the life of a foundation.

A more serious concern is when the concrete has been structurally damaged. This could be occurring for a number of reasons. One of which is that the house is settling into the ground. Or the house may be sliding down a hillside. A very common reason, especially in older homes is the lateral force exerted by the soil onto the foundation. This will be evident by a bowing in of the concrete wall.

How to Determine if a Crack is Structural

There are a few easy ways to determine if a concrete crack is the result of a structural compromise in the foundation.

1. The crack runs on a severe diagonal
2. Horizontal cracks in a foundation wall indicate a serious problem
3. Crack widths that increase over time.
4. Cracks with widths in excess of 3/4″

If you are not sure or are concerned, you should contact a professional to determine if the crack is structural in nature and how to fix it.

Epoxy Injection

Whether it is a shrinkage crack or a structural crack, epoxies can be injected to make the repair. Epoxy injection is done from the interior of the basement, so no excavation on the outside needs to be done. The epoxies hardened in the crack and reinforce the concrete. They will fill the crack entirely from the bottom to the top and from front to back. In many cases, the epoxies are stronger than the concrete itself. The concrete crack will no longer be able to allow water to enter the basement.

This article is written by Aaron Kuertz with Applied Technologies. Aaron has been in the waterproofing industry since 1998. Applied Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier to professional waterproofing contractors and homeowners in the United States. To learn more about epoxy concrete crack repair visit Applied Technologies on the web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaron_Kuertz

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Concrete Crack Repair – Epoxy Injection
By Aaron Kuertz

Concrete foundations can develop cracks over time. These cracks can then let in water and damage the interior contents of the basement. In severe cases, cracks in a concrete basement wall can signify that there is a structural defect with the wall. Whether it is to stop water or to structurally reinforce the concrete crack, epoxies can be injected into it.

Causes of Concrete Cracks

The most common is that the concrete actually shrinks as it cures. This curing process reduces the amount of water in the concrete and it shrinks in volume. This shrinkage causes stresses to occur and to relieve this stress, the concrete cracks. This is a normal process and it is not to be a cause of concern. However, they can still let in water and damage the interior contents of a basement. Shrinkage cracks usually are less than 1/16″ in width and remain a constant width throughout the life of a foundation.

A more serious concern is when the concrete has been structurally damaged. This could be occurring for a number of reasons. One of which is that the house is settling into the ground. Or the house may be sliding down a hillside. A very common reason, especially in older homes is the lateral force exerted by the soil onto the foundation. This will be evident by a bowing in of the concrete wall.

How to Determine if a Crack is Structural

There are a few easy ways to determine if a concrete crack is the result of a structural compromise in the foundation.

1. The crack runs on a severe diagonal
2. Horizontal cracks in a foundation wall indicate a serious problem
3. Crack widths that increase over time.
4. Cracks with widths in excess of 3/4″

If you are not sure or are concerned, you should contact a professional to determine if the crack is structural in nature and how to fix it.

Epoxy Injection

Whether it is a shrinkage crack or a structural crack, epoxies can be injected to make the repair. Epoxy injection is done from the interior of the basement, so no excavation on the outside needs to be done. The epoxies hardened in the crack and reinforce the concrete. They will fill the crack entirely from the bottom to the top and from front to back. In many cases, the epoxies are stronger than the concrete itself. The concrete crack will no longer be able to allow water to enter the basement.

This article is written by Aaron Kuertz with Applied Technologies. Aaron has been in the waterproofing industry since 1998. Applied Technologies is a manufacturer and supplier to professional waterproofing contractors and homeowners in the United States. To learn more about epoxy concrete crack repair visit Applied Technologies on the web.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aaron_Kuertz
http://EzineArticles.com/?Concrete-Crack-Repair—Epoxy-Injection&id=2463767

Repair Foundation Cracks Before They Seriously Damage Your Home

By Matt Gallo

Cracks in your foundation are much more than simply an aesthetic issue. Whether they’ve been caused by hydrostatic pressure, soil setting, or routine shrinkage, these fissures need to be fixed immediately. The longer the breaks persist the more likely it is that your foundation will develop structural damage. Water may also seep (or gush!) into your basement through the crack, creating the possibility of mold growth, water damage, and additional structural problems!

If you have a crack, fissure, break, fracture, crevice, or other void in your foundation, it’s time to repair the damage (and preclude additional injury to your basement, foundation, and house). Depending on the nature and severity of your foundation problems, there are a number of solutions:

* Poured concrete
* Injected epoxy
* Vinyl board
* Crystalline waterproofing agents

One innovative solution is the A-1 Foundation Crack Repair method. This state-of-the-art technique was initially developed from a US Army Corps of Engineers’ dam repair process: holes are drilled into the crack at 45 degree angles along both sides and a closed cell polymer resin is sprayed into the holes. Appropriate for both structural and nonstructural repairs, this process completely seals the crack with a dynamic material able to expand and contract as needed, ensuring a long-lasting repair.

Regardless of which foundation repair method you select, it’s important to keep in mind that each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. Some create more mess than others; some require excavation around your foundation, etc. Also, you’ll want to keep in mind climate issues: if you live in an area with extreme seasonal temperatures, your foundation is constantly expanding and contracting. Any basement repair technique you choose will also need to be dynamic–able to fluctuate along with the foundation. If the material used to mend the foundation crack is not able to expand and contract, the patch won’t hold and you’ll be back where you started!

To learn more about what repair methods are best for your area and your house, contact your local [http://foundation-repair.boston-biz.com/]foundation contractors. They’ll be able to provide information and make expert recommendations regarding the ideal solution for your foundation problems. Don’t forget, you need to fix basement leaks and foundation cracks immediately, so don’t wait. Call your foundation specialist today!

Matt Gallo is a home improvement specialist and the the Internet Marketing Manager for Prospect Genius, a leading provider of [http://www.prospectgenius.com/site/services]online local advertising.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Gallo http://EzineArticles.com/?Repair-Foundation-Cracks-Before-They-Seriously-Damage-Your-Home&id=2013941