The development of cracks or fissures is an inevitable part of the evolution of building slab foundations. Even the most reinforced and strengthened concrete foundations will start to deteriorate eventually causing worrisome fissures.
Typically, the first visible signs of foundation problems manifest as fissures and cracks in building walls, ceilings, or roofs. No matter how small a crack or fissure is, it should be taken seriously as it can be an indicator of a larger underlying structural defect.
When these defects occur, most property owners may be tempted to conduct DIY fixes to halt the development of further cracks. This article will discuss when DIY concrete foundation crack repair kits can be used and how effective they are at fixing foundation problems.
Are DIY Foundation Repair Kits Effective?
Various DIY house foundation repair kits are available for use in foundation crack repair. While these kits are handy and come with easy to follow instructions for fast crack fixes, they are only effective in cases where the foundation defects are superficial.
Employing DIY foundation repair techniques on an extensive crack that continually reappears or escalates is ineffective and unadvisable. Significant foundation defects will require an advanced lift and filling technique to reverse the deterioration.
You Should Never Need a Foundation Repair Kit for the Same Crack
It is vital that all property owners understand the limits of a DIY foundation repair attempts. While DIY repair kits can be effective for superficial crack repairs, once a crack recurs at the same point that was fixed previously it is inadvisable to attempt another DIY repair.
These types of reappearing defects typically signify an underlying structural defect and require the immediate attention of a foundation repair company. Hiring experts is the smartest decision in these cases as they will correct the major structural problems rather than just patch superficial defects.
What Are the Best Foundation Crack Repair Kits?
Most self-repair foundation kits are comprised of either polyurethane or epoxy compounds. These foundation crack repair compounds can be used to satisfactorily mend defects in concrete slabs, ceilings, and floor to wall joints.
Epoxy and polyurethane materials are quite sturdy and confer several benefits when used to fix superficial cracks which include:
- Non-shrink properties allowing for complete void filling
- There is no need for excavation or drilling before application of filling materials
- Special equipment is not required
- Epoxy and polyurethane fillers work well even within moist cracks and crevices
Polyurethane Crack Injection Kits
Polyurethane injection kits are ideal for fixing non-structural cracks in concrete foundations, walls, and beams. Polyurethane fillers can be introduced at low pressure into damp or wet superficial cracks.
This type of DIY foundation crack repair technique is particularly useful where moisture is present in the defect as it interacts with water to form an expansile mass which effectively seals all aspects of the fissure. An additional benefit of utilizing a urethane polymer is that its flexibility allows the concrete to retain its natural dynamic properties limiting the chances of further cracks occurring.
In cases where your foundation crack is a sign of a significant foundation problem, professionals will oftentimes use polyurethane foam jacking as a repair method.
Epoxy Foundation Crack Repair Kits
Water seepage into developing cracks can worsen the fissures and cause further widening of the defects due to the hydrostatic pressure it exerts. Injecting epoxy resins into yawning gaps in a concrete surface will not only attempt to seal the defect but also help waterproof the structure.
Unlike polyurethane foams, epoxy injections for foundation cracks do not expand. As a result, wider cracks will require a larger volume of filler to effectively seal them. Further, epoxy takes a longer time to cure than polyurethane foams and has a higher tendency to fill defects with retained void pockets if improperly done.
Using Foundation Crack Injections
No matter how effective a foundation injection repair kit is, if it’s not properly used the cracks will continue to develop. To ensure a DIY foundation repair yields satisfactory results, you need to follow the instructions that come with the kit. Polyurethane and epoxy injection for foundation cracks will likely be applied differently because of their underlying chemistry.
Again, if you notice that your crack has reappeared after you’ve applied a foundation crack repair kit, the crack is probably a symptom of a bigger cause. You could need foundation repair from an experienced professional.
Contact URETEK for Professional Foundation Repairs Today
URETEK ICR Gulf Coast is a commercial and home services provider built on an impeccable record of rendering top quality repair solutions to its clients. With the most innovative and cost-effective methods of foundation remediation and plumbing, high-quality fixes are guaranteed.
For your commercial or home foundation repair in Houston, URETEK Gulf Coast has you covered.
Contact us online today for a free estimate and to learn more about our foundation repair services.