Foundation Crack Repair
Emecole is an industry leader in the production of concrete crack repair products and accessories. With our wide variety of epoxy resins and polyurethane foams, our line of injection materials accommodate the many types of repairs that basement waterproofing contractors and concrete repair contractors encounter on the job. Contractors throughout the United States and Canada have relied on Emecole since 1987 for their concrete crack repair needs.
How to Repair Foundation Cracks
Basement waterproofing begins with concrete crack repair. The repairing of structural deficiencies and/or wall seepage as a result of foundation cracks are a critical aspect of the basement waterproofing process. Today, the most efficient and economical way to repair poured foundation cracks is with low-pressure injection of either epoxy or polyurethane foam. Emecole manufacturers a variety of polyurethane foam and epoxy resin injection materials for the repair of basement wall cracks.
Repairing Non-Structural Foundation Cracks: Wet and Leaking
Most concrete foundation cracks are strictly leaking problems, especially during heavy rains. Not only can excess water in the basement potentially damage or ruin valuable items, but chances for mold and mildew growth are significantly higher, which directly impacts a home's indoor air quality. Basement wall cracks also have the ability to widen. While a particular crack may not necessarily be a problem at the time, that can change as soon as the next heavy rain storm arrives. After a foundation crack forms, the prospect of water seepage (whether slight or major) is not a matter of if, but a matter of when. If water leakage from a foundation crack is minimal now, the potential exists for the crack to widen, allowing further seepage into the basement.
These basement wall cracks, resulting from shrinkage, generally take place within the first 28 days after a foundation has been poured. As water within the concrete evaporates, the concrete shrinks. When extra water is added to the concrete, it makes it easier to install for the builder. Unfortunately, the wetter the concrete mix is, the more shrinkage is going to occur, which ultimately weakens the foundation. In addition, natural settling of the foundation also leads to concrete cracks.
For wet and leaking concrete foundation cracks, the preferred injection material is urethane foam. Urethane foam is a flexible material that easily injects into the crack. Upon contact with water within the crack, urethane foam reacts by expanding throughout the void, thus filling the crack.
Repairing Structural Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks forming as a result of structural deficiencies can pose a serious threat to the home's foundation. Horizontal cracks, or cracks wider than a quarter of an inch are general signs of a structural crack. Structural cracks typically form as a result of wall movement from thermal changes, uneven loading and settling of the footing, soil pressure and/or soil shrinkage.
For the repair of structural foundation cracks, the injection material best suited is epoxy. Because the crack was initially caused by stress resulting from movement of the foundation, epoxy works to seal the crack, but epoxy by itself, will not prevent further foundation cracking. Further reinforcement most likely will be necessary, using carbon fiber countersunk staples.
Needed Components for Repairing Poured Concrete Foundation Cracks
The materials needed for repairing foundation cracks includes:
- Formulated injection material (either epoxy or polyurethane)
- Surface seal and port adhesive
- Manual dispensing tool that supports dual cartridges
- Static mixers
- Surface ports (corner ports also available for corner cracks)
- Hose assemblies
These items are available individually and also available together in Emecole's convenient concrete crack repair kits.
Easy Concrete Crack Repair
If you are new to basement waterproofing or concrete crack repair, you may consider our foundation crack repair kits. Emecole's foundation crack repair kits are fully equipped with the necessary components needed for repairing concrete foundation cracks. All needed components are also available for individual purchase. Please browse through our complete foundation crack repair product line by using the links below.
 |
|
|
Polyurethane Foam Injection Materials
|
|
|
|
Dispensing Tools & Accessories
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Instructional Videos |
Top of Page | Previous Page | Home Page
Questions & pricing? Contact us for further assistance. Product literature and select samples available upon request. To place an order, please call during our normal business hours, Monday - Friday between 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT.
