Crack Addicts                                        Wenatchee and Chelan Real Estate Inspections

There are some universal truths. In the construction world the universal truths of concrete are that it will get hard and it will crack. Most people want to know if the crack in a foundation is an issue. Most cracks in concrete are merely a visual issue caused by shrinkage and temperature.

Shrinkage and Temperature cracks are mostly vertical to diagonal. They typically originate from a corner of a window, beam pocket, or other opening or weakened area in the pour.  Cracks of this type are called reentrant cracks. These are very common and, unless they leak or show significant lateral displacement, are of no real structural concern.

The problem with these cracks is in finished basements or spaces. Water and pest intrusion can be a real concern. Termites are like grains of rice and can move through some very small spaces. So in areas of termite activity it is important to seal these cracks.

And water, well water is water and does not play nice. This is why grading and roof storm water control is one of the most important items in moisture control.

There are some products out there for repairing the cracks. Hydrophobic polyurethane injection resin which is water activated. When the resin encounters water as it is injected into the crack, it becomes an expanding foam that provides a flexible seal in leaking and non-leaking cracks. The other is epoxy sealers suitable for repairing of cracks ranging from 1/64" to 1/4" wide in concrete walls, floors, slabs, columns and beams. They can be used to inject cracks in dry, damp or wet conditions but not active leaks.

Here are a few products for such repairs-
Emecole- Polyurethane resin
Simpson Crack-Pac Flex H2O- Polyurethane resin
Simpson Crack Pac- Epoxy Resin
Polygem- Epoxy Resin

Some more advanced problems will require excavation of the exterior foundation wall and exterior waterproofing along with drainage control.

Water is the enemy when it comes to homes and proper control of it will save you money and headaches.

Ancora Imparo

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service

www.ncwhomeinspections.com          509-670-9572