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Ensuring the health and structural integrity of your home goes beyond simply addressing a basement leak—it is about proactively protecting your entire residence. A basement leak, if left unchecked, can rapidly evolve into a major problem necessitating costly repairs.
To maintain a dry and secure basement environment, it is crucial to comprehend the root causes of leaks and deploy preventive measures effectively. By confronting this issue directly, you can fortify your home from its foundation, guaranteeing its durability and granting you peace of mind.
If you want to fix basement wall leaking cracks in your home, then you may contact the professionals of IcyReno Waterproofing Corp, who can offer you convenience and timely assistance.
Usually, such leaking can be due to the following types of foundation cracks.
Horizontal Crack
Horizontal cracks in basement foundations, caused by imbalanced soil and hydrostatic water pressure, can lead to inward bowing and water seepage. Both block and poured foundations are susceptible to such cracks.
Stair Step Cracks
Stair-step cracks, prevalent in block foundations, occur along mortar joints, jeopardizing basement foundation stability. These cracks stem from foundation settlement or moisture issues surrounding the foundation.
Hairline Cracks
Hairline cracks are prevalent in new construction foundations nationwide, typically emerging within a year due to settling and drying. Fortunately, these cracks are primarily cosmetic and can be DIY repaired for around $200 or professionally fixed for $400-$600.
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Vertical Cracks
Vertical cracks in foundation walls, often found in poured foundations, are less concerning than horizontal cracks and do not present a structural risk. Such vertical cracks are prevalent in basements and typically result from either foundation settling over time or the natural concrete curing process.
Diagonal Cracks
Diagonal foundation cracks, typically running at a maximum of 30 degrees from vertical, generally do not pose a significant threat to the structural integrity of the foundation. These cracks are commonly caused by the natural curing of the concrete foundation wall or settlement over time.
Epoxy crack injections are the most common repair method, with costs ranging from $75 for DIY kits to $400 and beyond for professional crack repair.
Shrinkage Cracks
Shrinkage foundation cracks occur when poured concrete foundations dry out and lose moisture, often affecting new home builds within the first year.
These cracks, typically vertical, do not pose a structural threat to the foundation. However, the main concern is in areas with high levels of Radon Gas, as these cracks may facilitate its leakage into the basement.
Non-Structural Crack
A non-structural foundation crack, while not endangering the home’s structure, often results in leaks during rainstorms or snowmelt. Despite its non-structural nature, water seepage into the basement demands serious attention.
The repercussions of water infiltration include potential damage to belongings, walls, and floors, as well as the proliferation of mold. Additionally, if left unattended, these cracks may worsen over time.
It is crucial to promptly address any crack in the basement to prevent water from entering your home, regardless of its seeming insignificance, as the consequences of inaction can be significant over time.