For many homeowners, the basement is a useful addition to their home. For others, the basement is a dank and dark space that collects moisture. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little effort and the right contractors, you can resolve your basement moisture problems. The most common cause of basement moisture is cracks in the walls.
Cracks can occur for several reasons. Concrete is basically a mix of water, sand, cement and an aggregate. As it dries, the slurry shrinks which can cause hairline fractures on the concrete surface. Companies specializing in Crack Repair in Boston MA can fix these problems by sealing the cracks and blocking the seepage of water.
Larger cracks may present a bigger challenge. The first step is to make sure the crack isn’t a sign of more serious problems such as foundation shifting. All homes settle as the weight of the building pushes into the surrounding soil. If the ground holds excessive moisture then this settling could result is serious stress on the building. In these cases repairing a crack will only fix the problem temporarily. If you are unsure of the source of the basement cracks you should consult with a structural engineer and verify the integrity of the foundation. Once you are certain the home is stable you can focus on the crack repairs.
The most common repair method used by many contractors utilizes hydraulic concrete. This method of repair requires the cracked area is cleaned and possibly widened so the concrete can be forced into place. This type of repair will suffice as long as the basement walls don’t shift. Unfortunately, when a concrete patch fails the next repair is even worse. You will need to clean away all of the original patch before trying it again. The alternative is to use a custom Crack Repair in Boston MA such as that employed by Drycrete Waterproofing. Their repair system uses a resin based polymer that effectively seals the crack and adheres to the concrete. This particular sealant is designed to resist cracking and won’t pull apart if the home shifts. Why waste such a useful portion of your home when you can have it properly repaired and waterproofed?
