A building’s foundations are designed to withstand tremendous loads, as well as the most hostile weather conditions. In some cases, however, these constraints will override the strength of this structural element, which is often made of concrete. This is when repairs are needed to prevent the building from being subject to structural problems or water ingress.
Here are 3 of the foundation repairs most often carried out by specialists in the field.
Concrete slab crack repairs
Often visible on garage, basement and patio floors, concrete slab cracks are generally safe and can be repaired relatively easily. This procedure is so common because concrete slab cracks can occur due to a variety of different factors.
They can be caused by, among other things, poor compaction of the soil on which the slab rests, significant concrete shrinkage during drying or due to high hydrostatic pressure.
In most cases, it is better to leave the crack repair to experts. Due to their high level of expertise, they can choose appropriate sealants that will limit the risk of water infiltration or the problem reappearing soon after the procedure. Moreover, the result is likely to be more aesthetically pleasing!
Sealing foundation cracks from the inside
Like cracks that appear on a concrete floor, foundation cracks are generally benign and do not always require repair. They can occur on both new and old buildings.
Their formation is often linked to meteorological factors, the general quality of the concrete used to pour the foundations or the quality of the soil on which the structure is based.
However, when these cracks are growing at a sustained rate, or water seeps into them, it is critical to consult specialists before more severe damage occurs. Especially since, when the situation permits, foundation cracks can be repaired from the inside.
This technique consists of the high-pressure injection of flexible polyurethane and has many advantages. The procedure can be carried out at any time of the year, on foundation walls as thick as 30 cm.
Concrete joint repairs
When a contractor pours concrete for foundations, it is common for them to have to proceed in several stages, either because of temperature or technical problems. If a portion of the concrete has already started to set before a second pour is added, this increases the risk of cold joint formation.
To the naked eye, this type of problem can easily be confused with cracks. It can, like these, allow water to pass through and cause damage to the foundations. To solve this problem, a professional may install a waterproof membrane on the exterior side of the building.
Do you think your foundations need repair?
Although these foundation repairs are the most frequent, there are many other types of repairs that can only be carried out by foundation specialists.
To ensure that your foundations are in good condition and do not require repairs, contact the Fissure Expert team. Our 10-year guarantee on crack repairs is a testament to the quality of the work we carry out.
