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Cracked Basement Walls
Cracked basement walls are a common problem for homeowners and can be caused by a variety of different factors. No matter what the cause, there is a solution. Read on for more about the causes of cracked basement walls, how to fix them, and how Moisture Loc can help.
Common Causes of Cracked Basement Walls
Water Infiltration
The most common cause of cracked basement walls is water infiltration. Water can enter the basement through cracks in the foundation, windows, or doors or through seepage from the ground. When water enters the basement, it can cause pressure to build up on the walls and floor, leading to cracking.
Poor Construction Techniques
In addition to water infiltration, other causes of cracked basement walls include poor construction techniques, soil settlement and erosion, and changes in temperature or humidity levels. Poor construction techniques can lead to cracked basement walls if there are gaps between the wall panels or if they are not properly sealed when installed.
Suppose these gaps are not filled with appropriate materials, such as caulk or expanding foam insulation. In that case, moisture will be able to penetrate into the wall cavity, causing it to expand and contract with changes in temperature and humidity levels which will eventually lead to the cracking of the wall material.
Additionally, if there is an inadequate amount of reinforcement within the wall structure, then this, too, can lead to cracking as it won’t be able to support its own weight over time.
Soil Settlement and Erosion
Soil settlement and erosion can also cause cracks in your basement walls due to shifting soil around your home’s foundation. As soil settles around your home’s foundation, it creates pressure on your home’s foundation, which can eventually lead to cracks forming in your basement walls as well as other structural damage, such as bowing floors or sagging ceilings.
Erosion is another factor that may contribute towards cracked basement walls; when rainwater runs off from higher elevation areas near your home, it carries away soil particles which may leave behind voids beneath your home’s foundation that could potentially lead to further settling issues down the line resulting in cracked basement walls.
Changes in Temperature or Humidity
Finally, changes in temperature or humidity levels within your home could also contribute towards cracked basement walls due to the expansion and contraction of materials used for building purposes, such as wood framing members or drywall panels which may have been improperly sealed against moisture intrusion during installation leading them vulnerable against any changes in temperature or humidity levels within their environment resulting in eventual cracking over time due their inability withstand these changing conditions without suffering any damage themselves.
There are many potential causes for basement walls to crack, all of which should be taken into account when attempting to diagnose why you might have developed this issue.
You’ll also want to take appropriate action accordingly whether that means repairing existing damage yourself, using appropriate materials for sealing/reinforcing purposes or calling upon professional help depending on how severe you believe this issue might be at the present time.
Cracked basement walls can be a major problem for homeowners. Not only are they unsightly, but they can also lead to water damage, mold growth, and other structural issues. Fortunately, there are several ways to fix cracked basement walls that can help restore the integrity of your home and prevent further damage.
How To Fix Cracked Basement Walls
1. Identify The Source
The first step in fixing cracked basement walls is to identify the source of the cracks. Common causes include foundation settlement, soil erosion, hydrostatic pressure from groundwater buildup, and seismic activity.
2. Address The Cause
Once you’ve identified the cause of the cracks, you can take steps to address it.
Foundation Settlement
If foundation settlement is causing your basement walls to crack, then you may need to have your foundation professionally inspected and repaired. This could involve installing additional support beams or piers beneath the foundation in order to stabilize it and prevent further settling.
Soil Erosion
If soil erosion is causing your cracks, then you may need to install a drainage system or regrade your yard in order to divert water away from your home’s foundation.
Hydrostatic Pressure
Suppose hydrostatic pressure is causing your cracked basement walls. In that case, you may need to install an interior waterproofing system, such as a sump pump or French drain, to reduce water buildup around your home’s foundation. You may also need basement wall supports to permanently stabilize the structure.
Seismic Activity
If seismic activity is causing the cracks, then you should consult with an engineer or contractor who specializes in earthquake retrofitting to make sure that your home meets local building codes for seismic safety.
3. Repair The Cracks
Once any underlying causes have been addressed, it’s time to repair the cracks themselves. Depending on their size and severity, this could involve anything from filling them with caulk or concrete patching compound up through more extensive repairs such as injecting epoxy into larger cracks or replacing sections of the wall entirely if necessary.
4. Use A Waterproof Sealant and Ensure Proper Drainage
Finally, once all repairs have been made, it’s important that homeowners take steps towards preventing future cracking by sealing their basement walls with waterproof sealant and ensuring proper drainage around their homes by diverting runoff away from foundations with gutters and downspouts whenever possible.
Taking these steps will help ensure that any future cracking will be minimal at best so that homeowners don’t have to deal with this issue again anytime soon!
If you’re a homeowner in South or North Carolina experiencing cracked basement walls, give Moisture Loc a call! Moisture Loc is a professional, experienced company working within the Carolinas. Contact Moisture Loc for your basement wall crack repair.
