Foundation cracks are a common occurrence for homeowners, but also a rather confusing one. Homeowners are always concerned about leakage and often ask whether cracks that have never leaked or show no signs of leaking should be repaired or not.
So here’s all you need to know about such foundation cracks:
First of all, there is no definite answer to the question. It is different for each crack, as it depends on the level of water penetration in your basement and its risk of increasing. Often times, cracks can leak unexpectedly while in other cases, cracks don’t leak despite heavy rains and storms. However, after considering a few facts and points about such foundation cracks, you can easily decide whether they need to be repaired or not.
When water enters a crack, it is not necessary it will leak. However, when the water freezes with the change in temperature, it expands the crack, thereby having the increased risk of leaking. This makes the crack not only vulnerable to leaks but also declines the overall quality of your home’s foundation. For those who want complete peace of mind about leakage, it is best to get is repaired.
Water sitting in the cracks can be absorbed by the concrete or cinderblocks, which also weakens your home’s structure. This is a high risk, as water can completely make the structure unsafe after some years. However, concrete can withstand such damage for at least 15-20 years so if a homeowner is avoiding getting it repaired immediately, they can wait a while.
For homeowners who are currently getting their basement made, it is best to get the cracks repaired then as the costs are lower when the basement is under construction. Before the work in your basement is complete, be sure to check the walls very closely for cracks. In fact, any other irregularities like damp spots, seepage, soil stains, mold, etc. should also be repaired before the basement is finished so as to get lower repair costs. Ignoring these concerns and finishing up the basement walls can result in extensive damage later on that will cost more than the initial repairs.
Thus, it is plain that even the cracks that seem not at risk because they haven’t leaked in years hold a lot of risk.
The solution to cracks and all other wall irregularities, of course, is waterproofing. Waterproofing helps secure your basement walls against all these problems and even has other benefits like minimized risk of leaks and damage and need for extensive future repairs.
