Tips for Pouring Concrete in Your Basement
When you have cracks in the concrete floor of your basement or notice other irregularities in the walls of your foundation, these can be signs your home is in need of repair. Usually, cracks and flaws can be fixed with a little concrete pouring. However, if the job is not done properly, you may find yourself with larger and more expensive problems than you had at the start. To ensure all goes well, here are some tips for pouring concrete in your basement.
Epoxy is Not Enough
If you need to repair a concrete slab in your basement, simply using epoxy will not be sufficient. While it may cover up a crack, the epoxy itself will not prevent a crack that is still active from moving and continuing to open up again and again. If you really want to repair your basement cracks, concrete is the way to go.
Crack Loc System
Since cracks in concrete slabs can stay active indefinitely when not sufficiently repaired, it is best to use a foundation repair system that will produce long-term results. A viable option is Concrete Crack Loc, which relies on carbon fiber staples used directly on the crack. Once in place, concrete that attempts to move will have its load transferred to and distributed along the staples. As a result, the movement ceases and the area is reinforced.
Settlement Repair
When concrete needs to be repaired in your basement, it is often due to problems associated with your home’s foundation. If you notice cracks in the floor and walls, have doors and windows that will not shut correctly, or other similar issues, it is likely your foundation needs to be inspected and fixed. When this is the case, helical piers are used on the outside of your home to keep the foundation from shifting. Requiring minimal excavation and offering a permanent solution, helical piers are a quick, efficient, and cost-effective solution.
Concrete and Masonry Sealants
Once concrete is poured in your basement and has thoroughly dried and set up properly, using concrete and masonry sealants can help make it waterproof and protect it from future damage. By penetrating the surface, the sealant can fill in the smallest of voids, pores, and cracks, making sure water will no longer be able to penetrate the concrete’s surface. As an added bonus, the sealant itself has properties in it that allow it to self-clean the surface. Because of this, the longer the sealant remains in place, the cleaner the concrete will appear as it ages.
By following the above-mentioned tips, your basement and foundation will stay strong and look great for years to come.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan