Most Effective Way to Repair Foundation Cracks

As the housing market continues to pivot, we are experiencing interest rates and home purchasing/selling like no other time in history. On average, a homeowner will put an offer on four houses before that offer is accepted and the process continues. As the housing market has changed, we are reminded that some homes are sold "as is" or have a few issues that are not perfect, requiring the new homeowner to repair that problem. As both a home buyer and seller, we should always be concerned about the current state of the home's foundation.

In Kansas City, we are known for our fluctuating temperatures... .the "Missouri swing" of freezing, raining, snowing, and then 70* and sunny a day later. This can wreak havoc on your foundation cracks - worsening the existing cracks, or creating new cracks. 

How can you tell if the cracks are dangerous or just normal settling? 

Cracks in a basement foundation or crawl space wall are common, which may seem alarming. But as we mentioned, the Kansas City weather fluctuates so often and the freeze/thaw cycles can create cracks that allow water to seep in. 

Ask yourself a few questions when you begin to see foundation cracks, water seeping in through the walls, or other concerns.

• How long has the water been present? 
• Do we have mold issues? If so, when did they begin? 
• What are our options for repair? 
• How much will this cost? 
• How long will the repairs last?
• What repairs are most urgent?
• How much foundation damage has been caused? 
• Who do I call to repair the cracks the right way the first time?
  

Not all repair companies are created equal in their experience, equipment, and customer service. Determining the most effective solution to a foundation or wall crack can be difficult and a solution is not a ‘one size fits all’ mentality. In fact, many factors are considered by our team before proposing a solution to our customers. Those factors include the width and thickness of the crack and the surrounding area, foundation movement, and structural damage. There are two solutions that we suggest to our customers: 

1. EPOXY

Epoxy injections should be used for cracks that need to be structurally repaired and serves more as a barrier that bonds and holds. Epoxies can add a great amount of strength to a foundation as they are known for their static condition. The epoxy injection process begins by cleaning the crack and the surrounding area of all debris. Injection ports are then inserted along the length of the crack. The epoxy is then injected through the ports until the crack is completely sealed.

How does Epoxy work?

A team of experts will come to the location and clean the surrounding area, assessing the situation. The actual epoxy injection process begins by cleaning the crack and the surrounding area of all debris. Injection ports are then inserted along the length of the crack. The epoxy is then injected through the ports until the crack is completely sealed.

2. POLYURETHANE RESIN

Another method of repairing foundation cracks is polyurethane resins, which are known for their flexibility. Depending on the size and mobility of the crack, the poly resin will move with the wall during expansion and contraction of the surrounding soils. This specially formulated polyurethane can even be injected into actively leaking cracks, stopping water within minutes. 

The advantages include:

• Flexibility
  
• Sealing qualities of foundation walls
  
• Eliminating air leaks
  
• Repairing made from the interior
  
• Stopping active leaks
  
• Reducing humidity and water vapor permeation

Don't leave the decision to yourself when it comes to the right one. Reach out to a foundation repair specialist to ensure you get to the root of the issue. Call the team at PierMagic today for a free estimate. 816-765-4800