DIY Concrete Crack Repair & Waterproofing

Our D-I-Y line of concrete crack repair and wet basement repair products give homeowners a variety of solutions to permanently solve their problem. Whether the problem pertains to cracked concrete, water or moisture, Emecole Metro has the solution for a successful do-it-yourself repair.

A More Intuitive Way to Solve Lingering Concrete Problems

Repairing a leaking or structural crack in a poured concrete wall was previously an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. With the low pressure crack injection process pioneered by Emecole Metro, a concrete wall crack can be repaired within a couple of hours.

High Pressure Injection, the More Expensive Repair Option

High pressure injection, compared to low pressure, was and is still a perfectly viable way to fill cracked voids within a poured wall. It does a great job and providing a waterproof barrier that stops the entry of water or soil gases. However, high pressure injection does involve more expensive equipment and can pose unnecessary stress damage on the concrete structure.

Low pressure injection is more cost-effective, time-efficient and safer for those conducting the repair.

Drain Tile Still Allows Water & Soil Gases into the Basement

The other means for addressing leaking concrete is with the use of drain tile. Though effective at redirecting water away from a crack or open void, drain tile does not actually “repair” a crack, meaning that depending on the type of system, water and soil gases still has easy below-grade entry, which is counterintuitive if trying to also create a dry and healthy basement environment without the threat of mold growth or poor air quality.

Pioneering the Concept of Using Two-Component Dual Cartridges via Low Pressure Injection

Recognizing the above trade-offs, Lou Cole, an accomplished chemist with an entrepreneurial spirit, sought to develop a more intuitive means for repairing concrete. After inventing a more sophisticated dispensing gun that would utilize dual cartridge dispensing, Lou then developed his own two-component injection chemicals that could be used with his new state-of-the-art gun. The end result was the founding of Emecole, which would serve as his outlet for the distributing of his new cost-effective materials.

Lou’s low pressure crack injection method would become implemented by waterproofing contractors, initially from throughout the Chicagoland area, to eventually throughout the United States and Canada. Further cementing the footprint of his company was the availability of our concrete repair materials packaged in user-friendly starter kits, making the product more accessible for do-it-yourself repairs.

The dual cartridge dispensing of premium-grade chemicals is used to repair cracks in a variety of concrete structures and surfaces, with the most common applications being basement walls, basement floors, driveways, patios and garage floors.

Why It’s Not a Good Idea to Let Cracks in Concrete Linger

Most cracks, whether in the basement wall or floor, start out super thin. Depending on the circumstances, they either stay at that width or slowly widen over time. When such cracks are yet to leak water, the urgency to repair these cracks may become low. While cracked concrete is a definite eyesore, they also can become a serious nuisance, even if the effects are not always visibly obvious.

Basement Cracks and Water Seepage

The most visibly obvious problem associated with cracked concrete is leaking water. Cracks in the foundation or slab provide easy entries for water. Water seepage from cracks can be a regular occurrence depending on the water table surrounding a foundation or only during rainstorms. Either way, water entry into the basement via cracks poses several problems.

Asides from the potential damage to items or the inconvenience of mopping a wet floor, the natural conditions of a basement or crawl space make a natural breeding area for mold and the musty smells often associated with wet basements.

Basement Cracks and Soil Gases

In addition to water, cracks in a basement wall and floor are prone to allowing in soil gases, including radon. While not visibly obvious, the entry of these soil gases lead to poorer air quality within the basement and crawl space. Unfortunately, such ramifications are not limited to just the basement or crawl space. With at least 50 percent of the home’s air originating from below-grade, having unhealthy air in the lowest level means that it will eventually circulate to the upper levels.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

The combination of excess moisture and the resulting mold, in addition to various soil gases, can lead to poor home air quality. This is especially more concerning in cold weather climates when the home is void of fresh air for long periods of time during the long winter season, creating an unhealthy environment that contributes to symptoms involving asthma or allergies.

Cracked Concrete and Structural Concerns

Most basement wall cracks are shrinkage cracks that leak water and allow in soil gases. From a structural standpoint, they are relatively harmless. In contrast, signs that a wall crack may be structural is when it is greater than or equal to 1/8″ wide, diagonal, horizontal, jagged or stair-stepped. These type of cracks typically form as a result of continued movement and the resulting stress around the foundation (i.e. settlement, soil pressure, freeze/thaw cycles).

Structural cracks if left unaddressed may eventually pose a real structural risk to the foundation, especially if the movement around the foundation results in the formation of additional cracks within the same area of the wall.

Structural cracks may begin as hairline and appear to be harmless, so homeowners are advised that once a crack is noticed, to be mindful of it to see if it changes or widens over time.

Being Aware of All Potential Sources of Basement Water Seepage

• The concerns of basement water seepage and excess moisture referenced above can occur from additional sources besides cracks in the foundation or slab. Moisture and soil gases easily penetrates through concrete, even without the existence of cracks. The porous material of concrete and the evaporation of water content allows for the development of pores, providing an additional point of entry for water and soil gases.
• Cold joints in concrete (any point where two separate concrete pour exist, such as where the wall meets the floor) provide another entry point for water and soil gases.
• The crawl space is another common area where excess moisture, soil gases and unhealthy air can cause problems. In addition, crawl spaces are also a source of wasted energy. An unconditioned crawl space allows humidity to enter during the hot summer months, while allowing cold air in during the winter.
• Having a reliable sump pump that is equipped, capacity wise, for the stormwater demands with your basement is a key factor to keeping the basement dry. Battery backup systems are also essential for when the main pump is unable to keep up in critical situations or when the loss of power occurs. Our network of contractors and plumbers, via our sister brand, Ion Technologies, is the first step towards protecting your basement with a top-of-the-line residential pumping solution.