WATERPROOFING
CONTRACTORS REFERRAL SERVICE
Get cost estimates for waterproofing from qualified pre-screened contractors.
- Basement Drainage Channels - Install Plastic channels mounted where floor meets wall.
- Basement Drainage Channels - Repair Plastic channels mounted where floor meets wall.
- Drywell - Construct or Rebuild Large capacity underground cavity for excess water.
- Foundation Drainage - Install or Replace Exterior drain pipes buried at base of foundation.
- Foundation or Basement - Waterproofing Seal outside of foundation.
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There are few more important items to consider in your home than a crack in the foundation. In most cases it is caused by the freezing and thawing of the ground surrounding the basement, the settling of the home or, in the case of a new home, the shrinkage of the cement as it dries.
Concrete, by its very nature, constricts when it dries. This is why there is reinforcing bar put into cement. The cracks that occur in a new basement wall are usually superficial and, on the whole, do not promote leaking because most codes require a waterproofing substance on the exterior and weeping tile to drain away the water. However, this does not mean that the crack should not be sealed.
In all instances a crack should be looked at by a professional. For the hundred dollars invested it will give peace of mind and you will know what you are expected to do regarding the sealing. In many instances a short crack in a pony wall can be chiseled out along the crack and a sealer troweled in and smoothed.
For top to bottom crack a professional foundation company should be called in. The usual method is to drill holes at intervals into the crack and then a sealer is injected into each hole. The thin liquid will fill all voids, cracks and capillaries where water could get in. These resins are fast drying and malleable so they will expand and contract with the crack and never leak.
Cinder block walls are a problem because each mortar joint is an opportunity for a leak. In addition, these joints are weak spots. If the ground shifts in a normal basement you will get a crack. However, the same movement in the ground around a cinder block basement may cause large cracks in the mortar in several locations. This is a serious problem and may require bracing.
Whatever the crack size, call a professional. It is better to do it now than to see water in the basement.
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