At Eastern Waterproofing Co., Inc. in Manchester, CT, we know cracks or seams in your foundation wall aren't just cosmetic—they often signal water intrusion and structural concerns. Our experienced crew takes a hands-on approach to diagnose and fix these issues before they get worse. As your go-to for trusted waterproofing services in South Windsor, CT, we offer outside excavation solutions and interior-drain options based on your home's needs.
Wall cracks are caused by settling or improper backfilling of a foundation. Wall seams and cold pours are caused by pouring a wall in sections or stages. Honeycombing is caused by improperly mixed concrete and appears as porous areas on a wall. These types of leaks usually leave a stain on the wall and tend to leak most near the floor due to greater pressure. Cracks can also indicate underlying issues within the building that require proper assessment. With frequent close observation you should be able to determine whether or not these are causing seepage into the basement. As a general rule it is best to excavate these types of wall leaks and repair them from the outside. There are two reasons for this approach:
The area to be repaired is first chiseled out. The surrounding area is chipped/scarified to provide a clean, rough surface. After wire-brushing the loose particles off, the wall is acid washed and then rinsed. Hydraulic cement is used to fill and patch the chiseled-out area, followed by a plaster coat over the patch and the chipped area. A heavy tar coat and a poly vapor barrier are then applied over the entire area, and the work area is backfilled and returned to its original condition. Occasionally a house will have an inside footing drain system under the basement floor for handling groundwater. In this type of system it is possible to repair a seepage problem from the inside. The leaking crack or seam is chiseled out from the inside, and a channel is embedded in the wall. This channel is tied into the system under the floor, and the wall and floor are then re-cemented. This method captures the water inside the wall and diverts it into the drainage system under the floor. This same method can be used to repair cracks, etc., that are inaccessible from the outside. It is important that there is some type of system under the floor to deal with this water, or it could lead to seepage and/or dampness problems. Beware of contractors who, because this is an easier way, divert the water under the floor when there isn’t any system in place to deal with it.
If leaks are caused by water intrusion or movement, it is crucial to stop the source of water or movement before attempting repairs.
When identifying leaks, it is important to find the exact location and extent of cracks before choosing a repair method. Cracks are often found in areas with high pressure or poor drainage.
There are two main approaches to repair: from the outside or from the inside. Depending on the situation, there are different options available for wall crack repair, such as using hydraulic cement, flexible filler, caulk, or joint compound.
Repairs involving excavation can be dangerous and shouldn’t be attempted unless you are sure you know what you’re doing. Be smart and hire a professional with experience to ensure durable and effective repairs. Eastern Waterproofing Co., Inc. would be happy to quote this type of work for you and provide a reference (over 500) and a free written proposal. Don’t worry about minor cracks, but if you are concerned about structural issues, it’s best to seek professional help.
Wall cracks come in all sorts of forms, and honestly, getting a handle on their types and what's causing them is really crucial if you want to fix them the right way. Hairline cracks? They're among the most common ones you'll see, and they typically show up because of natural settling or shrinkage as your house ages—kind of like how your favorite jeans might develop tiny wear lines over time.
These fine lines can pop up in drywall, plaster, or even along those mortar joints, and while they might seem pretty minor at first glance, they can become way more noticeable down the road if you don't address them. Now, larger or deeper cracks? That's a whole different story—they may be signaling some serious structural issues going on, like foundation movement or water damage, and trust me, those need immediate attention.
Here's where things get interesting: the location of the crack—whether it's on a wall, ceiling, or corner—can actually give you some pretty solid clues about what's causing it. For example, cracks in ceilings might be happening because of pressure from above or moisture problems lurking around, while those showing up in mortar joints could be the result of temperature changes causing materials to expand and contract like they're breathing.
By taking the time to identify the type, depth, and location of each crack you're dealing with, you can figure out the best way to tackle it and prevent further damage to your home—it's kind of like being a detective, but for your walls.
You'll want to take a good look at how wide and deep that crack actually is, right? Those hairline cracks are usually pretty fine and shallow, kind of like little surface scratches, but deeper ones? Well, they might be telling you there's something bigger going on.
Pay attention to where the crack is hanging out too—cracks in drywall feel different from plaster ones, and those edge-of-mortar-joint situations? They each need their own approach, honestly. Now, if you notice that crack getting longer or wider over time, that's when things get a bit more serious; you might be looking at ongoing settling or even structural stuff that needs a pro to check out.
For those minor hairline cracks, a simple filler usually does the trick, but deeper or expanding ones? You're probably looking at joint compound, patching, or more involved repairs. And here's something people forget—the surface material really matters, since drywall, plaster, and brick all have their own best practices for crack repair. By taking the time to really assess each crack, you can make sure your repair work actually sticks and lasts, you know?
Start by cleaning around that crack—and I mean really cleaning it, getting rid of dust, bits of debris, or any loose stuff hanging around. This step is kind of crucial because without it, your repair product won't bond properly with the wall, and trust me, you don't want to do this job twice.
For those smaller, hairline cracks that barely catch your eye, you can apply a quality filler straight into the crack using a putty knife to smooth things out and make sure it gets into every little bit of the depth. Let that filler dry completely before you sand the area smooth—patience really pays off here. Now, if you're dealing with deeper cracks, well, you'll probably need to apply the filler in layers, waiting for each one to dry before adding the next. It's a bit tedious, but it's the right way to do it.
When you're facing cracks caused by structural settling or other serious issues, using something like a joint compound or a flexible product designed for mortar joints—Mor-Flexx is a good option—can give you a more durable repair that'll actually last. Always follow whatever instructions the manufacturer gives you for any product you're using, and apply even pressure to get that seamless result you're after.
Here's the thing, though: if you notice cracks that keep expanding or coming back, or if you suspect there might be some underlying structural problems going on, it's honestly best to call in a professional to make sure the job gets done right the first time.
Make it a habit to check your walls and ceilings for any new or spreading cracks—especially in spots that deal with moisture or pressure changes, right? Good ventilation really helps cut down on moisture buildup, which is honestly one of the biggest culprits behind cracks showing up in ceilings and walls.
When you're doing repairs, always go with high-quality materials and stick to proper application techniques... it's kind of like investing in your work so it actually lasts. If you start noticing signs of structural issues—think large or growing cracks—don't hesitate to get professional advice because catching these problems early can honestly save you a ton of time and money down the road.
Here's the thing: fixing cracks isn't just about keeping your home looking its best; it's actually a crucial step in maintaining the structure and value of your property. By staying proactive with crack repair and keeping up with regular maintenance, you can make sure your home stays safe, comfortable, and ready to stand the test of time.
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