DIY Sealing of Foundation Cracks Won't Stop Leaks
At Advanced Basement Systems, we believe that if you’re going to do something, do it right the first time! And this certainly includes sealing foundation cracks.
Whether the crack is leaking or is not leaking yet, repairing foundation walls can be an expensive and time-consuming process, especially if it’s not done correctly the first time!
Many times, homeowners often try to fix the cracks themselves. The most common do-it-yourself “fix” is to fill the crack with an epoxy or resin, with the belief that if the crack is filled, the leaking should stop…. However, this type of fix is simply not effective at stopping foundation walls leaks.
First of all, it’s important to understand why the walls have cracks.
In general, cracks occur for two reasons:
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Shrinkage cracks are the result of curing concrete.
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Cracks caused by ground movement as a result of the expansion or contraction of the soil around your home, which is very common in southwestern Ontario with our seasonal freeze-thaw cycles.
Patching the cracks with epoxy or resin may last for a short time, but this method doesn’t allow for further movement caused by the expansion and contraction of surrounding soils. Water will eventually make its way around the fill, as we see in the photo below.
Essentially, a patch is not a permanent fix and the water will eventually find its way in.
Knowing this, the longest-lasting and most effective means to eliminate costly water damage and the ensuing mould growth is to install an in-floor drain system, (our WaterGuard® Below-Floor Drain System) which allows water to enter, (as it will!) and flow safely into a sump pump.
Along with the Waterguard® system, our patented FlexiSpan® Foundation Crack Repair System is the perfect partner. FlexiSpan® is made of special polyurethane material, which unlike DIY “fixes”, it doesn’t dry out or re-crack due to the natural movement of the foundation walls. Rather, it adheres, bends and stretches with future foundation movement or as the crack widens.
Check out this video to see the entire process of installing FlexiSpan®
If you’re ready to learn if our basement waterproofing solution and crack repair system is the right (and permanent!) repair option for your leaky foundation walls, please reach out to us for a complimentary inspection and free, written estimate. Click here to submit your information online, or give us a call: 1-800-638-7048
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