Basement Wall Cracks

Do you have cracks in your basement wall or concrete floor? The old saying goes, "There are two types of concrete - concrete that's cracked and concrete that's going to crack." If you have the former, don't be alarmed just yet. There are several things to look for before becoming concerned.

First, consider the size of the crack. If it looks particularly large or you could fit two quarters into it, then it's most likely a problem. Similarly, if the crack is consistently growing, there is likely an issue. Additionally, if there is seepage or moisture around the crack, this is a cause for concern.

If the crack is horizontal on either a poured or CMU block wall, it may indicate a bowing or leaning wall and inward pressure on the wall. If one side of the crack is higher or lower than the other, this could indicate differential settlement or differential movement and requires attention.

The most common crack repairs are those in poured basement walls that leak during heavy rains. The most common repair option is to inject the crack with a polyurethane or epoxy to seal it and stop water flow. Other methods include making repairs from outside the structure by digging out the exterior.

For cracks in flat work (concrete slabs), repairs can be as simple as sealing with caulk, filling with cement, or making a structural repair with epoxy. In some cases, carbon fiber stitching can be used to strengthen the repair.

Other cracks could be a sign of a foundation problem, requiring larger repairs. If you are concerned about a crack, fill out the form on the right-hand side of the page or send us an email with photos to [email protected].