Westby Basement Waterproofing Contractors Explain What to do About Concrete Cracks

Homes with concrete foundations and walls often fall victim to cracking over time. When these cracks appear in the floors and walls of a basement, it’s never a good sign; this commonly results in flooding. Homeowners frequently make the mistake of ignoring small cracks and slow leaks, which will only lead to bigger problems and more expensive repairs down the road.

The top basement waterproofing contractors at Beaver Basement Waterproofing in Westby, WI, explain the ins and outs of concrete cracks and foundation repair below:

• Causes Of Cracking: Basement wall cracks are usually created from the pressure of water buildup pushing against the wall. This happens when water is not being properly drained away from the structure’s foundation. Floor cracks occur in areas where foundation stress is high, where the floor has been weakened, and where water has built up so much around the foundation that it begins to push up against the basement floor, also known as hydrostatic pressure.
• How To Identify Cracks: It’s likely that cracks won’t be found until well after they’ve been established. Homeowners should continue to monitor their concrete basement walls and floors, looking for cracks specifically in locations that include around the windows, tie rods, pipe penetrations, floor corners, service holes, and pour lines.

• Dangers Of Cracks: One or two concrete cracks may not seem like a big deal, but before long those may turn into numerous cracks along the wall and floor. If they aren’t addressed in time, cracks can cause major structural damage, allow toxic radon gas to enter a home, invite unwanted vermin inside, and lead to serious water damage from a leaky basement.
• What To Do About Cracks: When cracks are detected, it’s crucial to get a professional opinion from a company that focuses on crack repair methods. They will be able to thoroughly inspect the area and recommend from an expert’s point of view what steps to take next.

Though not all cracks present an immediate danger, it’s better to be safe than sorry by having your local basement waterproofing contractors come out to check the situation before you end up with a fully wet basement. Call Beaver Basement Waterproofing at (608) 634-4880 or visit their website for additional information on wet basement solutions.