Sealing Foundation Cracks in New England? Tips from the Experts
Foundation cracks in basement walls indicate a structural problem in your home. To be on the safe side, you’ll want to seal them as soon as possible.
That said, not all cracks are equal. Some are easily fixed with a simple sealant from the hardware store, while others require more advanced repairs from a professional like Groundworks. Knowing the differences between minor and major cracks in your foundation can help you decide what to do next.
Here are some expert tips for New England homeowners about how to seal foundation cracks.
Determine the Severity of Foundation Cracks
You can usually tell whether visible foundation cracks are sealable by measuring them.
Cracks less than 1/16 of an inch wide, also known as hairline cracks, don’t usually indicate a serious structural issue, so you might be able to seal them with caulk or epoxy. This can prevent water from seeping into your home.
If you have larger cracks that measure more than a 1/4 inch wide, you probably have a bigger foundation problem that sealing might not fix. In this scenario, it’s best to contact a foundation repair specialist who can inspect this part of your home and suggest more comprehensive solutions. This is particularly important if large foundation cracks accompany other signs of structural damage, such as nail pops, uneven floors, bowing walls, and sticking doors and windows.
Find Out the Root Cause of Cracks in Your Foundation
Knowing what caused your foundation to crack in the first place can help you take action and prevent this issue from happening again. Foundations crack for all kinds of reasons, including general wear and tear. However, homes in New England are often susceptible to damage because of local environmental challenges, such as:
Clay soils
Our region has many homes built on clay soils, which expand during wet conditions and shrink when dry. This movement can crack a foundation as time goes on.
Hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure is common in areas of New England with clay soils and higher water tables. It’s the force exerted by water against basement walls that puts pressure on foundations, causing them to crack.
Riverine flooding
When rivers like the Connecticut and Merrimack overflow during heavy rainfall, floodwater can saturate the soil that surrounds nearby homes. This potentially results in foundation cracks.
How to Seal Foundation Cracks
When sealing foundation cracks, always choose the right product. Caulk, polyurethane foam, or concrete filler may be a good choice for small, non-structural cracks.
Clean the area with visible cracks, such as a foundation wall. Doing this improves adhesion when using concrete filler and other products.
Call in a Pro If Needed
If sealing doesn’t work or you have cracks larger than a hairline, it’s time to call in a professional. Groundworks, which serves homeowners across New England, offers various foundation repair solutions, including:
All our custom-engineered products come with long-lasting warranties, providing peace of mind.
How Groundworks Can Help With Foundation Cracks
Cracks in your foundation don’t always need professional repair. However, you should monitor them and contact an expert when issues arise. If sealing isn’t suitable or doesn’t work out, Groundworks specializes in foundation crack repair solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact our team to learn more about how to seal cracks in your foundation.
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