How to Repair Foundation Cracks
Foundation Crack Repair Services in Amarillo
Some people who discover foundation cracks in their homes automatically assume they are harbingers of significant structural issues. On the other hand, some choose to ignore them entirely, believing they are unimportant or merely cosmetic. Neither approach is correct. Jumping to conclusions can lead to unnecessary stress or costly repairs, while neglecting visible signs may allow a minor issue to escalate into a significant problem.
Some cracks in foundation walls genuinely signal serious foundation problems, such as settling or shifting caused by poor soil conditions, erosion, or drainage issues. Others are simply a result of natural processes, like concrete shrinking or expanding due to temperature changes. Hairline cracks, for instance, are typically cosmetic and do not compromise structural integrity.
The best course of action is to call a trusted foundation repair contractor. Professionals can determine whether the cracks are benign or require immediate intervention. At Childers Brothers, we thoroughly assess cracks and utilize proven repair methods to address both structural concerns and cosmetic imperfections, ensuring your home’s foundation remains safe and stable. By seeking expert guidance, you’ll gain peace of mind and avoid unnecessary risks.
1. Conduct a Thorough Inspection to Determine the Cause
There is a reason why we start attacking any problem with our 27-point foundation analysis. We could fill in the crack and be done, but addressing the root of the problem without doing so is only going to cause more issues for you and your home in the long run.
The inspection will cover both aspects of the crack and assess other potential signals of what is causing the cracks. This is not just a quick look. We bring high-tech equipment to ensure that the information we gather is precise and accurate.
2. Diagnose the Cause and Severity of the Crack
Using the results of the 27-point analysis, we’ll diagnose the cause of the foundation crack and determine whether it is a significant concern to you. We take pride in being forthright and transparent. If the crack is purely cosmetic, we’ll tell you it is strictly cosmetic.
If it is instead a sign of deeper foundation issues, we’ll let you know that too. Regardless, the information gleaned during the analysis allows us to understand what repairs are, or are not, necessary.
3. Repair Any Underlying Cause for the Foundation Cracks
What is involved in this step depends on what we find out in step two.
If the cracks are signs of foundation damage caused by settlement, we would likely suggest installing helical piers. If it is being caused by hydrostatic pressure being exerted on the foundation wall, we might install carbon fiber sheeting or H-beams to stabilize the foundation wall.
Regardless, the larger repair work, if any is needed, will be precisely matched to the problems the home is facing. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions for foundation repair because, quite frankly, they don’t exist.
4. Repair the Foundation Crack Itself
In some cases, this is really part of step three.
When applying carbon fiber sheeting, for instance, the repair of any cracks is done before the sheeting is put up.
Regardless of when it is done, however, it is usually a good idea to repair the crack even after the more serious structural repairs have taken place. This is because foundation cracks can become conduits for water or pest infiltration into your home.
By fixing the cracks the right way, you can seal them up, protecting your basement and home.
For us, sealing them up the right way involves professional-strength epoxy crack filler. The epoxy we use, manufactured by industry leader Prime Resins, is significantly stronger than the type of products typically found at your local home improvement store. Some of the epoxy even becomes stronger than the concrete itself when it is attached.
Our trained installers will ensure that the epoxy is injected deep into the foundation cracks, filling them rather than just spreading it over the surface to cover up the deeper problem.
Comparing Crack Repair Options: Epoxy vs. Polyurethane vs. Cementitious
When it comes to fixing foundation cracks, there isn’t just one type of material used across the board. The right choice depends on what’s really going on with your home.
- Cement-based repairs are inexpensive and straightforward, but they’re best suited for tiny, cosmetic cracks. They don’t add strength to the wall and won’t hold up if the crack is tied to a bigger issue.
- Polyurethane injections are flexible and work well for cracks that let in water. Because the material expands, it’s a good choice for sealing leaks. But again, it’s more about waterproofing than restoring strength.
- Epoxy injections do both. Once injected, the epoxy bonds the concrete together and cures stronger than the wall itself. That’s why epoxy is our go-to choice when a crack points to structural stress. It not only seals the gap but also reinforces the foundation.
By matching the repair method to the problem and addressing the underlying cause simultaneously, you can ensure your foundation remains stable and your cracks don’t recur.
FAQs
As the community’s foundation repair leaders, Childers Brothers is both an expert and an educator. We get questions about foundation repair all the time, so here are a few we hear about more often:
What is the Best Foundation Crack Repair Method?
There are numerous crack repair options, but we believe epoxy injections are the most effective. The epoxy acts as a bonding agent between the concrete cracks and dries strong to prevent further leaks.
Can You Fix a Crack in Your Foundation Yourself?
This is one of those “Yes, but” type of questions. Yes, you can fix minor cracks, but they are often signs of more significant issues. That’s why having your foundation and basement walls checked and repaired by a professional is worth every penny.
When Should a Foundation Crack Be Repaired?
Your mileage may vary when it comes to foundation cracks, but it’s usually wise to have these cracks repaired once they become large enough to put your index finger through, which is approximately ¼ inch of space.
Interested in Foundation Crack Repair Services in Amarillo, Lubbock, and the Surrounding Areas?
If you have foundation cracks that are causing concerns and live in the Texas Panhandle area or eastern New Mexico, contact Childers Brothers today to schedule your free foundation analysis.