Materials For Foundation Crack Repair

Posted on January 28, 2018March 3, 2018 by Idbltwo69VG

Foundation Crack Repair Materials

We have been doing foundation crack repair since the late 1960's. The materials used then were not the best. We found out that with slight modifications on my part, we could do a better job for my clients. Foundation crack materials have greatly improved since then.

In the mid 80's epoxies arrived on the market. Some where not very good. In the late 1990's, as we were approaching the next century, we discovered the best foundation crack repair materials to use. Urethane and carbon fiber repair proved to be the most effective for foundation crack repair. These epoxies were highly effective in concrete block walls.

Flexible materials for horizontal foundation cracks and joint maintenance have surfaced recently. As a concrete contractor, we're always looking to find the best solutions for solving foundation crack repair problems. We have the knowledge, experience, tools, and materials to do your foundation crack repair. From a simple non active crack to a major problem in a concrete block wall or floor, we can help.

If you have a major foundation crack or foundation structural repair issue that could lead to damage in your finished rooms or costly repairs, give us a call at 815-245-6098. We will share our expertise with you and repair your foundation cracks!

Or Contact Us for a no obligation proposal. Don't wait until the damage elevates and you'll need major foundation structural repair!

Stan Vorgias
Owner SKV Construction

Types Of Foundation Crack Repair

Posted on January 28, 2018June 23, 2019 by Idbltwo69VG

Types of Foundation Problems to Fix

If you own a home or business in the Chicago area, you must be concerned about fixing foundation problems. Fixing foundation problems prevents small issues from becoming costly problems. Foundation cracks and problems develop over time. Inspect your foundation often, and you will have time to make the necessary repairs.

Here are the types of foundation problems to look for in your inspections.

Do You Have Any of the Types of Problems Listed Below? We Can Help!

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Small Cracks Less Than 1/4" Wide

Most likely these are caused by the curing of concrete. During the curing process, concrete undergoes plastic shrinkage. Hence, hairline cracks occur. Sometimes there is efflorescence and sediment on the concrete wall. Many are harmless, but if you do see water seepage - have them sealed by a professional.

Wide Cracks more than 1/4" or Pattern Cracks in Block or Brick

Wide structural cracks develop due to settlement of footings. Possibly the footing was poured over soil that had not been compacted enough. The concrete wall itself, being on more compacted soil, did not settle.

When the foundation wall settles with the footings, then wide diagonal cracks develop. The soil beneath the footings was eroded by poor water management from the roof water runoff.

Wide concrete cracks should be sealed by a reputable concrete contractor like SKV Construction. Usually an epoxy type sealer is used as explained in our foundation crack repair article. You won't correct what caused the problem, so keep doing the periodic inspections to look for other, serious clues. Wide cracks are best repaired using carbon fiber repair.

Water Accumulation Leading to Foundation Problems

With water accumulation around the basement walls allows the soil to expand leading to major problems. Wide cracks are likely to develop. Water will accumulate due to:

ineffective gutters
improper grading
lack of lawn or landscaping to absorb the water
blocked drains
lack of sealant on the outside walls

Make sure your water management system is working properly. Clean your gutters, repair downspouts, and fix grading problems around your house. If your grade is sloping away from the house, your gutters and downspouts are working properly, and you still have water accumulating - then you may need waterproof sealing on the outside walls.

Severe Cracks and Bowed Walls

If your basement wall is bowed at least 3", repair this problem right away. Some bracing can be done from the inside, but there is a likelihood that excavation from the outside will be needed. Call SKV Construction for an assessment and proposal. Fixes for foundations from the outside are common, but can be costly. See one tilted wall project successfully completed by SKV Construction.

You may have driveways, patios, or sidewalks that slope towards the house or building. Concrete leveling by mudjacking or polyurethane injection will be needed to level those surfaces. Concrete leveling is much less expensive than concrete replacement.

As you can see, a foundation repair can range from doing simple things to a complex repair requiring a skilled contractor. Get multiple opinions on the repair needed to correct your foundation problems. Our experience and expertise have served Chicago customers for over 50 years. But it doesn't hurt to get another perspective.

Ignoring foundation crack repairs is NOT A GOOD IDEA! Over time, the continual presence of water will erode the concrete to the point where it becomes loose and crumbling. Therefore, the foundation will be severely weakened.

If you have a foundation problem and need our help, Contact Us for a no obligation proposal.

Stan Vorgias
Owner SKV Construction

Crawlspace & Basement Condensation Issues

Posted on January 28, 2018March 1, 2018 by Idbltwo69VG

Why Basement Condensation?

If you have persistent dampness in your basement, and you're sure it is not related to rainfall, then basement condensation might be your problem.

Basement condensation can come from many sources. A few sources are:

not enough air circulation
indoor clothes line
venting a dryer directly into the basement
plumbing leaks
non-insulated exposed water lines
plugged air conditioning drain hose

An excess amount of moisture build-up can lead to a musty odor coming from your basement or your crawlspace. The excess moisture is likely from condensation that forms during the hot summer months. Warm, moist air comes in contact with the cooler basement walls and water droplets develop. This type of basement condensation is not as serious as moisture from a leaking wall. Even so, if not eliminated this condensation can lead to more serious problems later.

Two Approaches to Stopping Condensation

Consequently, there are two approaches to stopping basement condensation. First, eliminate the sources of the condensation as mentioned above. Second, reduce the extent to which warm moist air can condense on colder surfaces. As a result, moist air can't contact a cooler surface. Therefore, there won't be any condensation.

The second approach consists of insulating exposed water pipes, insulating ducts, and even insulate walls. Read the article 9 Affordable Ways to Dry Up Your Basement.

In addition, if you are not sure which approach to use, call SKV Construction. We will know how to determine the source of condensation, and suggest ways to remove it. Large amounts of basement condensation can lead to mold, damage your drywall, and even damage your personal belongings. It is critical that you act quickly!

Depending on your situation SKV Construction may suggest specific condensation removal products be installed. This will make your home better, more energy efficient, and healthier for you and your family.

If you have a basement condensation problem needing attention, Contact Us for a no obligation proposal.

Basement Waterproofing Needs Pro-Active Approach

Posted on January 28, 2018March 3, 2018 by Idbltwo69VG

Basement Waterproofing Needs To Be Pro-active

The need for basement waterproofing is often not realized until the moisture has accumulated and the damage has been done. Leaving basement waterproofing until then can cost you thousands of dollars in cleanup. There is great risk for loss of possessions.

Neither can the health risks associated with the growth of mold and mildew be ignored.

Benefits Of Basement Waterproofing

Basement moisture attracts bugs. Spiders, caterpillars, millipedes, centipedes, cockroaches, and other unwanted pests thrive on moisture and high levels of humidity in an unsealed basement. They will reproduce quickly in the moist enviroment. Bugs often breed disease.
A dry basement will keep the pests and critters out.
Mold and mildew also thrive in a moist environment. If your basement has a "musty odor", it is likely you have a moisture and mold problem. Family members may have allergic reactions to the mold, and could get very sick. Dry basements keep your home healthy and odor free.
Over time, water can deteriorate your home's concrete foundation. Sealing any visible cracks from the inside using SKV Construction's expertise in foundation crack repair will eliminate problems. Better yet, sealing the foundation from the outside will eliminate potential foundation structural damage. The image below illustrates a home where the foundation needed to be completely replaced after years of water erosion and tree root damage. Replacement could have been avoided with proper maintenance.