How To Repair Vertical Crack In Concrete

Outside of hairline cracks, larger stress cracks occur when a business firm settles or the ground below it shifts. These types of cracks don't usually pose a threat to the structural integrity of a firm, but they do allow for a potential opening for groundwater, insects and radon gas.

We'll show you a simple and effective mode to patch cracks with the best concrete crack filler.

Ready Concrete Cracks in eight Steps

Step 1: Repair a Foundation Crack With an Epoxy Sealer

Man Using Wire Brush to Clean Crack in Concrete

We repaired a foundation wall, which had an eight-ft.-long crack that leaked h2o into the basement during periods of heavy rainfall. To permanently patch the fissure nosotros used an epoxy-injection system from Polygem, called the Liquid Concrete Repair Kit (almost $60).

Each kit contains a two-part epoxy crack sealer, two ten-oz. tubes of Liquid Concrete Repair (LCR), a viscous epoxy that comes in a caulk-blazon cartridge, and 7 plastic injection ports that deliver the LCR deep into the crack. There'southward enough fabric in each kit to repair a 1/16-in.-wide 10 eight-in.-deep x viii-ft.-long scissure.

Before yous beginning, bank check to make sure the crack is dry. If the scissure is slightly damp, dry out it with a blow-dryer, then expect 15 minutes. If information technology remains dry, proceed with the repair. However, if the dampness returns, water is still seeping into the scissure and you'll have to expect for information technology to dry out on its own.

First, scrub the fissure make clean of any loose concrete, pigment or old crack filler using a wire brush. Remove all dust and debris with a shop vacuum.

Step 2: Block Out the Injection Ports

Hammering Nail In Crack For Injection Ports

Tap three-in. (10d) finishing nails partway into the crack, spaced 12 in. apart. You'll use them to marshal the injection ports with the crack.

Step 3: Mix the Epoxy Sealer

Open upward the two containers of epoxy crack sealer and scoop out equal amounts of Part A and Function B; utilize two separate sticks to avoid contamination. Mix the two parts on a scrap lath using a clean putty knife; blend until you achieve a uniform gray color.

Step 4: Attach the Injection Port

Attaching Injection Port in Cracked Concrete

Spread some sealer onto the base of one of the plastic injection ports, beingness careful non to plug up its hole. Slide the port over i of the nails sticking out of the crack and press it to the wall. Install the remaining ports in a similar manner.

Step 5: Spread Sealer Along the Crack

Applying Epoxy Sealer on Crack on Concrete Wall

Next, mix upwardly a slightly larger batch of epoxy sealer and apply information technology to the unabridged fissure using a ane ½-in.-broad putty pocketknife or margin trowel. Spread the sealer about ane/8 in. thick and 1 in. on either side of the crack. Too, encompass the entire flange of each injection port with crack sealer, leaving simply the extended neck portion showing. Smooth out the sealer and feather its edges with a paintbrush dipped in mineral spirits.

Step half-dozen: Inject the Epoxy into the Cleft

If the other side of the wall is attainable, see if the crack goes clean through. If it does, seal information technology up with crack sealer, too. Permit the sealer to cure for 6 to 10 hours earlier injecting the epoxy. Thoroughly mix the LCR epoxy using the plunger rod that comes with the kit. Place the LCR cartridge into a caulk gun. Starting at the everyman injection port, dispense the epoxy into the crack. Proceed squeezing the trigger until epoxy begins to ooze out of the port direct in a higher place.

Stride 7: Seal Upwardly the Injection Ports

Remove the gun and plug upward the port you just filled. Now insert the cartridge tip into the port that's oozing and squeeze the trigger to dispense the epoxy. Repeat this procedure for the remaining ports; plug up each i before moving on to the next.

Pace eight: Cutting Away the Injection Ports

Allow the LCR to cure for five days, then cutting off the necks of the ports with a hacksaw. If desired, yous can patch the severed ports with a lilliputian fissure sealer.

Resources:

Polygem
Box 609
Dept. TH700
Westward. Chicago, IL 60186
Polygem
630/231-5600