Concrete has the potential to shrink and crack as water migrates out during the hydration phase of the curing process. Concrete shrinkage is the most common cause, but cracks can also be caused by a number of varying issues. Structural cracks usually result from settlement, horizontal loading, hydrostatic pressure, or heavy machinery operating too closely to your foundation.

While most foundation wall cracks are not necessarily structural concerns, water intrusion almost certainly will be. Cracks in excess of ⅛ inch width or ⅛ inch of lateral displacement in poured walls should be addressed by a repair professional. Narrower cracks measuring ⅛ inch or less with no lateral separation or apparent leaking usually do not require any action.

At Preferred Basement Solutions, we employ the epoxy injection method to repair non-structural wall cracks that are leaking. This method is performed from the inside of your home and is far less intrusive than excavating around your home’s foundation. The injection process delivers epoxy into the crack under pressure, pushing the material from the inside completely through to the outside of the wall. It is considered a structural repair and will create a watertight seal in the crack inhibiting the passage of water.

So, if your poured concrete foundation walls crack and begin to leak, then an epoxy injection may be the solution to solving the problem!