The Problem
racks, or fractures, will form in poured foundation walls from foundation settlement or from the natural concrete curing process. These fractures may vary in size, but usually will vertically span the entire basement wall. If the wall is exposed you will notice water running down the wall. If the wall is finished, the water will damage the wood framing and drywall, and of course the surrounding carpet. These fractures may vary in size, but could run all the way up and down the basement wall.
The Solution
In a poured foundation wall, the most common solution to prevent water from penetrating the fracture has been an injection of some material, often an epoxy or caulking substance. Most homeowners try this by applying a treatment from a local hardware store. Many of these products will breakdown over time and actually start to erode, which often leads to a bigger problem than before. Most waterproofing companies offer this service as well, using a variety of products.
Tri State Concrete uses an injection process of Hydrophilic Urethane, a foam-like composition that fills the entire fracture and expands with the reaction of an aqueous component, such as water. Injection ports are drilled into the fracture at an interval of 6"-8" to ensure that the mixture will fill the entire void. The Hydrophilic Urethane prevents water from entering the fracture or causing further damage in that area. This process is extremely effective and inexpensive. Tri-State backs this process with a 20 year transferable warranty.
Cracks will also form in block foundation walls, usually in the pattern of a "stair step" between mortar joints. This also happens from foundation settlement or from hydrostatic pressure, which happens when soils swell due to water volume. This type of cracking can be best fixed with Helical anchors or Resistance piers.