One of the most important repairs a homeowner can make is to correct a basement foundation wall problem. Many basements are prone to external water entry and basement foundation wall problems can be extremely complex. In fact, this is one area of basement construction that a lot of homeowners will try to “fix” on their own without professional help. Unfortunately, many mistakes can cause major problems. This article describes some common problems and how to avoid them. Hopefully, after reading this you will be better prepared to choose the best basement foundation wall repair option for your home.
Improperly applied concrete sealant is perhaps the single most common reason for basement foundation damage. Unfortunately, it is also the easiest thing a novice homeowner can do to make things worse. Applying too much sealant is like driving your car without airbags. The concrete will just start to crack and chip. Here are some simple tips to prevent this problem:
Examine your basement foundation walls regularly for cracks, chips or signs of failure. This is especially important if you live in an area that gets heavy rainfall or snow. If your basement foundation wall is starting to collapse, you may not notice it until it is too late. Here is why:
The pressure on your basement foundation is often caused by insufficient basement foundation wall construction. Poorly constructed basement walls lose their structural support very quickly. As soon as this happens, the water pressure will build up behind the walls. This in turn can cause serious problems to your entire home.
Sometimes, basement walls have just begun to crack. If your basement is simply leaking, you need to check the soil around the foundation for leaks. You should also look for any areas of excess dirt and debris. If you discover these, it is likely that your foundation is suffering from pressure. If so, it is time for some basement wall repair!
When your basement begins to cave in, you will need to find a way to strengthen the walls. There are several options for basement wall reinforcement, such as pouring concrete, steel rebar, or cementitious matting. Each one of these offers a different solution to help reinforce the basement walls. The best way to decide which method is right for your basement is to consult a professional.
There are many things that can go wrong with your basement foundation. Many times, all it takes is a slight misalignment to cause major problems. Once you realize there is a problem, it is time to get the basement foundation wall repair done as soon as possible. Your home could end up costing you a lot more money if you don’t fix these problems in a timely manner.
Remember, there are several options available to strengthen your basement foundation walls. Don’t put off getting basement foundation wall repair done as soon as you can. These small fixes will save you a lot of money in the long run.
One option is to have your basement poured with reinforced concrete. This will help shore up the walls and prevent them from cracking. If your basement walls already crack, then using concrete will help them stay strong. If your basement is just starting to leak, then using cementitious matting is probably a good choice.
Another option is to have your basement wall repaired using rebar. This is a stronger solution than cementitious matting. It is also not a very expensive solution. Of course, it is also a bit more costly than pouring concrete in your basement. However, it can take a while to set up and it may not be the best idea if your basement foundation has begun to leak.
A stronger option for basement foundation repair is to use steel rebar. It is usually made out of a durable steel alloy. Unlike concrete, steel rebar is easier to install. It is also less expensive than concrete and less dangerous as well. It is also usually sturdier and stronger. As you can see, steel rebar makes a great alternative to cement when your basement foundation begins to leak.
Once you have fixed your basement wall repairs, you need to waterproof your basement once again. You may want to use a basement waterproofing spray that is applied with a nozzle. These products are easy to apply yourself or even rent a contractor to do it for you. The products work very well at stopping basement water from seeping through. It is important that you keep your basement dry at all times. Otherwise, this could lead to further damage that could ultimately cost you a lot of money.