Concrete is an incredibly durable building material, but it does have its limitations. All building materials have limitations that come with age. Concrete can develop hairline cracks after it cures, and, over time, these fine, hairline cracks can develop into larger, wider cracks that allow in water, insects, and radon gas. But, thankfully most of these cracks are going to be fixable (the only exclusions being cracks that are bulging, cracks that are more a product of structural settling than normal wear and tear). If you have cracks or bulging concrete sections on your foundation, do not try and repair these yourself—call a professional. But, assuming you have a run-of-the-mill hairline crack that has grown big, here are a few tips to getting it fixed.
Steps
To begin, make sure the concrete is dry around the crack—if concrete is wet because of leaking water, dry the concrete near the crack with a blow dryer. Then clean the area in and around the crack with a wire brush. Most concrete epoxy fixers use injection ports, and the ports can be marked off using finishing nails spaced at even intervals over the crack. Mix up your epoxy sealer and apply it over the crack using a putty knife. Attach the injection ports over the finishing nails, and spread some of the concrete sealer over the base of the injection ports to adhere them to the wall. With the injection ports in place spread sealer throughout the crack. Cover the entire crack, including the base of the injection port. (These directions are average instructions, and before you do apply the sealer to the crack, make sure you are following all the manufacturer’s instructions). Once the crack is completely sealed—this should take 6-10 hours—inject the crack with the epoxy through the injection ports. Plug up the injection ports once the epoxy has filled the crack throughout that area, and then fill the next—if there are any more injection ports. Wait for the epoxy to cure’—this should take five days, but again refer to your particular brand’s instructions—and then cut off the injection ports. If you don’t want to see the injection ports in the concrete, add some of the sealer over the area.
If you have any questions about fixing your foundation call the concrete professionals at Shotcrete Montana.
