Find Out How To Repair A Foundation Crack And Buy Basement Waterproofing Products

Knowing how to repair a foundation crack in your basement can save you a great deal of money. In many cases, it is quite possible to make this a DIY restoration project, and there are many basement waterproofing products on the market to help you.
Because this is a serious repair that can dramatically effect the value of your home, it is advisable to seek the advice of a professional before tackling a basement repair that could get you in way over your head.
A reputable structural engineer will be honest and give you sound advice. Of course, he is also looking for work, so keep this in mind. On the other hand, you ethically do not want to just use his services freely, so offer to pay him for an assessment. Many times they will refuse payment, but not always.
Simple, small cracks can be quickly and easily repaired using a mixture of concrete, sand and water, the same material as your foundation. Just patch it with a trowel and keep it moist so it dries without cracking. This could be all you need, and you will quickly find out if you need to do more.
Polyurethane foams are available that do a terrific job. These foams are sprayed on as a liquid, penetrate into the crack, and expand as they cure, filling all the voids and creating a very good, watertight seal.
Polyurethane is good for hairline cracks and those up to several inches in width. Larger cracks are just too wide for this method to be effective.
A visit to your local building supply center will show you just how many basement waterproofing products are on the market. There are contractor peel off kits, DIY concrete patch kits, and the polyurethane, just to mention a few.
It is advisable to educate yourself before taking on a project such as this, because you need to know what you are doing; you just cannot guess. You home is too important and water damage is too serious.
There are basically two main reasons for learning to repair a foundation crack: to preserve you home, and to protect the health of your family.
Once water has been allowed to enter the house, it has to go someplace, and that could be into your rugs, carpeting, books or furniture. This could provide an ideal area for mildew and mold to grow. If you detect that musty basement smell, you know you already have water damage setting in.
You might see the tell-tale signs of black mold, smell the mold spores, or find mildew growing wherever it is moist, warm and dirty. This must be taken care of at once, or the problem will just continue to grow.
Your family could start showing symptoms such as runny noses, coughing, sneezing, tiredness, and aching joints. If the problems is neglected, the health of your family will be compromised. Unfortunately, many times families live with these symptoms for years, never realizing that it was the mold and mildew in their house causing the problems!