.png/:/rs=h:200,cg:true,m/qt=q:95)
.png/:/rs=h:104,cg:true,m/qt=q:95)
Crack repair
Inside or outside?
Repair the foundation from the inside or outside?
Opinions on this issue differ. Some experts argue that inward repair is only a temporary solution. Others consider that, depending on the context, both options are good. It is cautioned that for excavators, it is more advantageous (because it is more expensive) to do the work outdoors and consumers should exercise caution. We will briefly present the two options.
Repair from the inside:
Plugging the crack in a foundation from the inside is the least expensive option. It consists of injecting liquid resin under high pressure into the crack. First, injection tubes and needles are installed 6 to 8 inches apart and a chemical product is injected to moisten the crack and promote resin adhesion. The resin is injected from the bottom up. The resin can be either polyurethane or epoxy. Polyurethane is more flexible. Epoxy is stiffer and if the house moves (which happens most often), it could cause a second crack next to the first. Note that these two types of liquid resin cannot repair a crack larger than 1/8".
Repairing from the outside:
This method involves a mini-excavator that is used to dig out the foundation and reach the affected area. The crack is then opened to form a V and quick-setting cement is applied. The area is then covered with a waterproofing membrane. The membrane must be flexible enough to resist soil movement. It should be noted that it has excellent underground durability.
Piling:
If the damage to the house is severe and is caused by subsidence of the ground, the installation of piles is the most effective method. Piles are driven deep into the firm, stable ground to become the foundation and stabilize the structure. An expert must first consider the weight of the house in order to determine the number, size and positioning of the piles. Ottawa Cornwall Montreal
cONCRETE CRACK
Causes of crack
Normal aging
Cracks can be the result of normal structural ageing. Here are some examples:
- Superficial cracks on the concrete foundation walls and the slab in the basement;
- cracks and bulges in interior walls of plaster on lath;
- plaster damage to foundation walls, such as fine cracks and delamination;
- damage related to movement of the property's wooden structure, such as minor floor subsidence.
Other causes of cracking include the following:
Frost
Ground subsidence
Drought
Urban development
Trees
The low bearing capacity of the soil
Groundwater
Vibrations caused by traffic
How do I know if the crack needs to be repaired urgently?
Action to be taken
The actions to be taken depend on the state of the structure, but we will present some of the options here. In any case, in order to determine the specific actions to be taken, it is recommended to start by measuring the evolution of the damage.
Measuring the progression of the signs over time
As mentioned above, cracks can be active and passive. Passive cracks may not move for years. Active cracks, on the other hand, can rapidly worsen and cause damage to the entire structure.
It is preferable to perform two evaluations one year apart. If it is not possible to wait a year, it is recommended that the first measurement be taken in the spring and the second late in the year.
To monitor the progression of cracks, specific tools available on the market can be used (fissurometer). There are also simpler ways. One could mark reference points on each side of a crack and measure its opening (preferably every month). Another way is to install rigid markers on cracks in foundation walls. To do this, model a plaster of Paris rectangle (available at hardware stores) about 1 cm thick and place it over the crack. The date of installation is written on the rectangle. As it dries, the plaster sticks to the wall, and if the crack becomes larger, the plaster witness also cracks.
Learn More
If you need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can help you find out whether or not it is urgent to repair the crack.
Our honesty is our reputation.