How to Deal with a Basement Wall Crack

When you look around your basement and notice cracks in the walls, you might think that’s normal for every basement. And while it is a common problem, it’s not something that you should leave untreated. With a basement wall crack (or cracks), care should be taken to prevent it from allowing moisture in or further weakening the basement walls.

Take a look at this simple guide to learn the best ways to deal with the issue.

The Cause

At this stage, it would likely be to your benefit to bring in a basement professional. They can inspect and assess the crack to determine whether there are further issues to address. They will also know the best plan of action to remedy the situation.

Before you do anything, understanding what causes a basement wall to crack is vital. There are several scenarios that can lead to this problem. Here are a few:

  • Foundational settling
  • Excessive moisture exposure
  • Improper building
  • Soil structure and reaction

These are the most likely causes of those cracks. The challenge is to get the cracks repaired or fixed before they lead to bowing and foundation damage that can require far more extensive repairs to secure your home.

Repair Basement Wall Cracks 

When you notice cracks in the basement wall, you can bring in a professional team. There are a variety of systems out there that can be used to seal those cracks and protect your home.

There are some DIY solutions as well. These can work on a temporary basis, but you will eventually need a more permanent solution. For these options, you can try using specialized moisture-resistant caulking and filler systems. You can also use a sealant to help seal up the crack.

Remember that the DIY solutions are temporary at best, but they may help prevent further damages until a professional can get you a more permanent fix. A professional team can use a flexible sealing resin that can be injected into the crack and provide a lasting fix.

When a structure has potentially been compromised, there may be additional action needed to secure it.

Watch Out for Bowed Walls

If cracks are not treated, they can lead to bowed walls. There are also times bowed walls may occur without cracks. Be aware that this is a significant structural concern that might have a negative effect on the integrity of your structure.

It’s much better to take action the moment you notice a problem rather than allowing the issue to get to this point and lead to extensive repair needs.

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