The first step in repairing a cracked or damaged foundation wall is to get an evaluation to determine the severity of the damage and the best approach for repair.
Concrete cracks will get worse over time. What starts out as a foundation wall crack can become structural cracks, generally caused by movement in the foundation. If cracks are not repaired early, they may result in long-term creeping, fatiguing and damage to the concrete. If water seeps into cracks in your concrete and freezing occurs, the concrete can expand leading to even more cracking. Cracks can spread quickly. As soon as a crack is visible, it should be fixed to avoid a much larger and more expensive foundation wall crack repair later on.
First, determine why you need foundation wall crack repair. Is it to restore structural integrity, seal out water or just to improve appearance? The next step is to select the best repair method. Are the cracks are active or dormant? Is this just a cosmetic repair or do you need to restore structural integrity as well as water sealing? I can help you answer these questions and determine the appropriate repair process.
There are many options for crack repair including routing and sealing, injection (epoxy, polyurethane) and doweling. Foundation wall crack repair by injection alone may not be a permanent solution but a recommendation can be made after evaluation.
High pressure polyurethane can be used in both residential and commercial applications, including treatment tank repair, underground tanks, industrial waste water tanks and municipal drainage tanks. Polyurethane injection is the engineering "method of choice" for permanently stopping leaks from either side of the wall. There is no digging required, as high-pressure polyurethane injection forces the flexible seal completely through the wall crack, to the other side. Over 95 percent of basement concrete cracks aren't a structural threat to the foundation, basement walls or floor. Most wall cracks only pose a water seepage problem. Continued moisture and leaking water can decrease indoor air quality due to hidden mold, mildew and fungus in addition to time and cost spent cleaning up.
Polyurethane-based injection materials are extremely effective for cracked concrete repair and waterproofing leaks due to their ability to adhere to the concrete. Epoxy crack injection fills the entire crack and prevents further damage to the concrete. The materials also allow for slight concrete expansion and contraction while still maintaining a seal. It's a highly technical, but relatively inexpensive repair solution that is done from the inside of your home without disturbing your landscaping. There are no health concerns with this material -- it is non-toxic and odorless.
For commercial and industrial applications, maintenance of underground tanks, pipes, water wells, etc., is essential to prolonging tank life and ensuring other equipment operates properly.