Wide Concrete Crack Repair; Proven Method

Overview Of Crack Repair Process

As a specialty concrete crack repairs contractor, SKV Construction has had good success repairing cracks in all types of concrete slabs with a two-part, semi-rigid epoxy or polyurethane foundation crack repair materials.  Usually this process has been used on cracks that are 1/2 inch or less in width.

Cracks that have not been repaired right the first time, or cracks that are wider than 1/2" can also be repaired, but the repair area is typically wider than appropriate for a semi-rigid filler material.  Repairing these wider cracks can be successful, but one must use materials with very high bond strengths and tensile strengths.  These types of materials will allow for continued slab shrinkage.

Example of a Wide Concrete Crack

Specific Process For Concrete Crack Repairs

There is a specific process a concrete repair contractor must follow.  Here is a step-by-step process:

  • It begins by carefully cutting shallow guidance lines on the sides of the crack, keeping the repair area as narrow as possible.  See Figure 1 and Figure 2.
  • Then remove the concrete or old filler between the cut and the crack.
  • Clean out all the debris so there is a clean surface to work with.
  • Next, place a bond breaker in the center of the crack to keep the sides separate, and forming a narrow contraction joint.  This will alllow the conrete some movement, and will maintain a line as straight as possible that will hardly be visible.  (Remember, lack of movement is what caused the crack in the first place.)
  • The finished area is then lightly ground down.  The repaired area will still be visible, but will be a strong repair.  See Figure 3.
  • Note that repaired crack can not be hidden completely.  The original color and surface treatment simply can NOT be duplicated.   Think of it as similar to copying someones handwriting!  However, the repaired area can be made to look uniform so it blends in better.

This type of repair method for wide cracks has been referred to as "Armored Crack Repair".

Repairing Basement Wall Cracks

About Wall Cracks Introduction

Foundation cracks are common and normal in poured concrete walls.  Cracks in concrete block walls are usually along the mortar.  Since block walls are weaker than poured walls, these types of cracks are serious!

If not repaired, cracks will lead to other types of damages.  Basement walls are the foundation on which your home rests.  Cracks, bowed walls, or crumbling walls must be repaired.

Cracks in a basement wall happen for a variety of reasons. A shifting foundation or mistakes in mixing or pouring the concrete is a common cause. It's essential that one discovers the cause of the cracked wall or defect to be sure the repair will last.

If a basement wall crack is horizontal or appears to run in line with a crack in the floor, then there may be a deeper structural issue. In this instance, SKV Construction will help provide an evaluation for resolving the structural issue. This type of issue is much, much more serious and should not be a DIY repair (Do It Yourself).

Small Concrete Crack vs. Large Crack in Basement Walls

Repair of Basement Wall Cracks

Depending on the nature of the crack, SKV Construction uses different techniques to stabilize and secure the crack. A few steps may include:

  • removing the loose concrete by wire brushing
  • removing concrete dust
  • sealing the cracks with durable epoxy sealer
  • sealing the crack using carbon fiber grid repair
  • finish priming and/or painting the wall

Cracks Repaired Using Carbon Fiber

Does Your Basement Need Crack Repair?  We Can Help!

    When Is It Essential To Repair Basement Wall Cracks?

    Essential repair is dictated by these situations:

    • when cracks are horizontal
    • when getting your home appraised
    • when selling your home
    • when cracks are leaking or have leaked
    • when cracks are wide (1/2")
    • when you have persistent and repeated mold growth threatening health of the occupants
    • when finishing a new room or remodeling

    View our crack repair projects here. Foundation Crack Repair, Frozen Concrete Repair, Tilted Wall Stabilized

    Contact SKV Construction today to fix your basement wall cracks.

    Dealing With Leaking Basement Walls

    Why Have A Dry Finished Basement?

    A finished basement, clean basement will make your home more appealing as an investment.  A dry basement will be free of any leaking basement walls.  You will enjoy your home more, knowing that it is healthy and safe.

    If you have leaking basement walls, your home's value will decrease and that space is both unsafe and wasted space for you and your family.  SKV Construction can help you eliminate the source of moisture problems, and get your home safe and dry.

    3 Common Issues That Cause Leaky Basement Walls:

    1. Moisture and Wall Cracks
    2. Leaky Pipes
    3. Wall-Floor Joint Wetness

    Leaking Basement Wall Crack Repaired

    Issue #1:  Moisture and Wall Cracks

    High humidity and moisture will lead to a musty, bad smell. The odor is due to the direct result of mold growth.  To get rid of the mold growth, you will need to install a properly sized dehumidifier.  SKV Construction will help you install a product that will perform effectively.

    Issue #2:  Leaky Pipes

    Plumbing pipes in a basement often have water dripping off of them, and contribute to excess moisture in the basement.  This condensation is best eliminated by having them insulated.

    Overhead Plumbing In Basement; Can Be Source Of Moisture

    Issue #3:  Wall-Floor Joint Wetness

    Where the basement wall meets the basement floor is often a source of moisture.  Heavy rainstorms, improper slope of the landscape, poorly working gutters, and inefficient sump pump sytems may all be contributing to the moisture buildup.  See our article Tips to Prevent a Flooded Basement.  SKV Construction can inspect your home, and determine what needs to be corrected.  Contact them today!

    Materials For Foundation Crack Repair

    Foundation Crack Repair Materials

    We have been doing foundation crack repair since the late 1960's. The materials used then were not the best. We found out that with slight modifications on my part, we could do a better job for my clients.  Foundation crack materials have greatly improved since then.

    In the mid 80's epoxies arrived on the market. Some where not very good. In the late 1990's, as we were approaching the next century, we discovered the best foundation crack repair materials to use. Urethane and carbon fiber repair proved to be the most effective for foundation crack repair. These epoxies were highly effective in concrete block walls.

    Example Crack Repair Materials From Emecole

    Flexible materials for horizontal foundation cracks and joint maintenance have surfaced recently. As a concrete contractor, we're always looking to find the best solutions for solving foundation crack repair problems. We have the knowledge, experience, tools, and materials to do your foundation crack repair. From a simple non active crack to a major problem in a concrete block wall or floor, we can help.

    If you have a major foundation crack or foundation structural repair issue that could lead to damage in your finished rooms or costly repairs, give us a call at 815-245-6098. We will share our expertise with you and repair your foundation cracks!

    Or Contact Us for a no obligation proposal. Don't wait until the damage elevates and you'll need major foundation structural repair!

    Stan Vorgias Signature
    Stan Vorgias
    Owner SKV Construction