Ask Mr. Happy Crack: FAQs regarding basement crack repair & waterproofing
Question:
“We want to finish our basement and we noticed some wall cracks that have never leaked. Should we fix these cracks?”
-Cracked in Canton, MI
Answer:
If you’re planning to invest the time and money to finish your basement, it’s advisable to repair these cracks, even if they have never leaked before. Keep in mind that any crack in a poured concrete foundation wall is susceptible to seepage. Repairing visible cracks is significantly easier and more cost-effective than addressing them after the foundation walls have been covered. Save yourself the headache, mess, time, and money by repairing potential leaks before completing your basement renovation!
Question:
“Another foundation repair contractor, friend, builder, neighbor, etc. told me that if I fix a crack in my foundation, it could cause other cracks to develop. Is this true?”
-Perplexed in Plymouth, MI
Answer:
No, there’s no logical basis for this assumption. Unfortunately, it’s one of the main reasons why homeowners mistakenly spend thousands of dollars on unnecessary ‘foundation’ repairs to relieve ‘hydrostatic’ pressure. When a typical wall crack is properly repaired through injection, the process does not affect the structural integrity of the foundation, and therefore, it does not cause other cracks to develop.
Question:
“I’ve heard foundation repair work is really expensive, requires outside digging or inside trenching, etc. That’s one of the reasons I have lived with this crack for years/decades and not had it fixed.”
-Concerned in Commerce, MI
Answer:
Your concerns are valid, as there are indeed many expensive foundation ‘repairs’ offered to homeowners who may not be well-informed. However, the cost to properly fix a foundation crack with a lifetime warranty typically falls in the range of a few hundred dollars.
Question:
“We have a crack in our foundation, and we want to list our house soon. Should we have it repaired?”
-Listed in Livonia, MI
Answer:
Yes, it’s advisable to have the crack repaired before listing your house. Homeowners are required to disclose any known defects in a home, so addressing the issue before listing is a good practice. This proactive approach can save you time during the selling process and provide assurance to potential buyers that they won’t inherit a problem. Additionally, being able to provide a lifetime warranty for the repair can further instill confidence in prospective buyers.
Question:
“After living in our house for quite some time, we just noticed a crack in our foundation wall. Is this a problem?”
-Curious in Garden City, MI
Answer:
Not necessarily. It’s common for cracks to develop in foundation walls, regardless of the age of the home. Stress cracks can appear in both old and new homes and are usually not a cause for concern. Most wall cracks do not indicate structural problems and can be permanently, quickly, and inexpensively repaired by The Crack Team.
Question:
“Are there steps I can take to minimize seepage in my basement?”
-Sleepless in Southfeild, MI
Answer:
Yes, there are steps you can take to minimize seepage in your basement. First, ensure your gutters are clean and draining properly. Second, make sure your downspouts are extended away from your foundation. Finally, ensure that the grading of your yard slopes away from the home. While these steps won’t guarantee a completely dry basement, they are simple ways to reduce the amount of water that enters your foundation.
