Generally, horizontal cracks are structural cracks usually caused from pressure building up on the opposite side of the wall from either an improper backfill or hydrostatic pressure. 5.) Surface treatments (like caulking) don’t work on basement walls. Caulking or other surface treatments that you can find in the hardware store don’t work on basement walls. Professional grade crack injection materials are designed to withstand the pressure either of a moving foundation or outside pressure that is heavy enough to crack concrete. 6.) Some cracks need polyurethanes The cracks that are nonstructural and just leaking will need a polyurethane crack injection material. Most polyurethanes are flexible and move with the crack if it happens to move with a freeze-thaw cycle of the concrete. 7.) Some cracks need epoxy If a crack is moving, expanding and contracting with the concrete or widening you will most likely need an epoxy. Epoxy hardens to a rigid material that actually chemically bonds to the concrete so the cracks stops moving. 8.) If the crack is moving you may need a crack stabilizer like carbon fiber staples Sometimes a crack needs more of a stabilizer than just merely epoxy and a contractor will recommend pairing it with carbon fiber staples or ties. Carbon fiber is a proven method to strengthen a foundation wall. Carbon fiber is an incredibly strong, lightweight manmade material that found its place in the foundation repair industry about 20 years ago. Some carbon fiber systems actually are used for more than crack repair and are used to stabilize a bowing block wall. 9.) Sometimes foundation cracks mean serious damage If you multiple foundation cracks on adjacent walls or if the problems are moving upstairs—such as sticking doors and windows, cracks in the walls and sheetrock upstairs, or damage to the chimney it may be a sign of foundation settlement. If your house is indeed on loose or unstable soil, then you may need to look into underpinning or piers that will set your house on solid footings again. 10.) Call a professional Do not, we repeat, DO NOT DO foundation repair work yourself. The average homeowner does not have the know-how to pull it off safely. Unless you have experience as a structural engineer, you could cause damage to yourself and your house if you try to do foundation wall repair work yourself. Call a professional basement waterproofer or structural repair contractor to assess your situation. Most contractors offer free inspections and estimates. It is important to understand the seriousness of your situation and see the best options to fix it.
