Foundation Crack Repair
Emecole is an industry leader in the production of concrete crack repair products and accessories for the waterproofing of basements. With our wide variety of epoxy resins and polyurethane foams, our line of injection materials accommodate the many types of repairs that basement waterproofing contractors and concrete repair contractors encounter on the job. Contractors throughout the United States and Canada have relied on Emecole since 1987 for their concrete crack repair needs.
How to Repair Foundation Cracks
Basement waterproofing begins with concrete crack repair. The repairing of structural deficiencies and/or wall seepage as a result of foundation cracks are a critical aspect of the basement waterproofing process. Today, the most efficient and economical way to repair poured foundation cracks is with low-pressure injection of either epoxy or polyurethane foam. Emecole manufacturers a variety of polyurethane foam and epoxy resin injection materials for the repair of basement wall cracks.
Necessary Components for Foundation Crack Repair
Emecole materials needed for repairing poured foundation cracks includes:
- Surface ports that adhere to the foundation wall. Injection material flows into surface port and into the crack (drilling holes is not required).
- Surface seal and port adhesive (in dual cartridges). A two-component epoxy sealer that is used to glue surface ports to the wall. The same material is used to cover the entire surface of the foundation crack.
- Injection material (dual cartridges) - either a polyurethane foam or an epoxy.
- Manual Dispensing Tool compatible with Emecole's dual cartridge surface sealers, epoxies and polyurethanes.
- Cross-over restrictors - attaches to dual cartridges, prevents two-part component materials from flowing back into cartridge.
- Static mixers - attaches to dual cartridge and mixes two-part formulated components during the injection process. Available in several sizes, each for a specific material.
- Hose Assemblies - connects to injection cartridge on one end, connects to the surface port from the other end. Serves as the link between the cartridge and the surface port.
See dual cartridge assembly process for more information.
These items are available individually and or together in Emecole's convenient concrete crack repair kits.
Repairing Non-Structural Foundation Cracks: Wet and Leaking
Most concrete foundation cracks are strictly leaking problems, especially during heavy rains. Not only can excess water in the basement potentially damage or ruin valuable items, but chances for mold and mildew growth are significantly higher, which directly impacts a home's indoor air quality. Basement wall cracks also have the ability to widen. While a particular crack may not necessarily be a problem at the time, that can change as soon as the next heavy rain storm arrives. After a foundation crack forms, the prospect of water seepage (whether slight or major) is not a matter of if, but a matter of when. If water leakage from a foundation crack is minimal now, the potential exists for the crack to widen, allowing further seepage into the basement.
These basement wall cracks, resulting from shrinkage, generally take place within the first 28 days after a foundation has been poured. As water within the concrete evaporates, the concrete shrinks. When extra water is added to the concrete, it makes it easier to install for the builder. Unfortunately, the wetter the concrete mix is, the more shrinkage is going to occur, which ultimately weakens the foundation. In addition, natural settling of the foundation also leads to concrete cracks.
For wet and leaking concrete foundation cracks, the preferred injection material is polyurethane foam. Urethane foam is a flexible material that easily injects into the crack. Upon contact with water within the crack, urethane foam reacts by expanding throughout the void, thus filling the crack.
Repairing Structural Foundation Cracks
Foundation cracks forming as a result of structural deficiencies can pose a serious threat to the home's foundation. Horizontal cracks, or cracks wider than a quarter of an inch are general signs of a structural crack. Structural cracks typically form as a result of wall movement from thermal changes, uneven loading and settling of the footing, soil pressure and/or soil shrinkage.
For the repair of structural foundation cracks, the injection material best suited is epoxy. Because the crack was initially caused by stress resulting from movement of the foundation, epoxy works to seal the crack, but epoxy by itself, will not prevent further foundation cracking. Further reinforcement most likely will be necessary, using carbon fiber countersunk staples.
Which Injection Material Is Right For Me?
| Location | Problem | Solution | Mixer/Accessory |
| Poured foundation walls | Leaking cracks > 1/32" | Crack injection (low pressure) with E102 urethane foam | 1/4 x 24 |
| Poured foundation walls | Leaking cracks > 1/32" | Crack injection (low/high pressure) with E105 urethane foam | 1/4 x 24 |
| Poured foundation walls | Leaking cracks > 1/32" | Crack injection (high pressure) with E100 urethane foam | 1/4 x 24 |
| Poured foundation walls | Leaking cracks > 1/32" | Crack injection (high pressure) with E800 urethane foam | 1/4 x 32 |
| Poured foundation walls | Structural or non-leaking cracks < 1/8" | Crack injection with E121 LVF epoxy | 1/4 x 32 |
| Poured foundation walls | Structural or non-leaking cracks 1/8" - 1/4" | Crack injection with E121 MV epoxy | 1/4 x 32 |
| Poured foundation walls | Structural or non-leaking cracks 1/8" - 1/4" | Crack injection with E121 HV epoxy | 1/4 x 32 |
| Poured foundation walls | Structural or non-leaking cracks 1/4" and greater | Crack injection with E121 gel epoxy | 1/2 x 24 |
| Poured foundation walls | Structural or non-leaking cracks 1/4" and greater | Crack injection with E101 paste epoxy | Turbo |
| Poured foundation walls | Structural or non-leaking cracks 1/32" - 1/8" | Crack injection with E101 LV epoxy | 1/4 x 32 |
Easy Concrete Crack Repair
If you are new to basement waterproofing or concrete crack repair, you may consider our foundation crack repair kits. Emecole's foundation crack repair kits are fully equipped with the necessary components needed for repairing concrete foundation cracks. All needed components are also available for individual purchase. Please browse through our complete foundation crack repair product line by using the links below.
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Polyurethane Foam Injection Materials
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Dispensing Tools & Accessories
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Instructional Videos |
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Questions & pricing? Contact us for further assistance. Product literature and select samples available upon request. To place an order, please call during our normal business hours, Monday - Friday between 6:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT.
