Even in newer homes, basement wall and floor cracks are common occurrences. Unfortunately, they very often remain unnoticed by many homeowners until problems arise because of them. Cracks of every width, length, and depth can cause major structural and safety issues in a house.

The Problems

Homeowners that find basement wall and floor cracks face several major concerns. The first, and perhaps most common, is water seepage when the water table gets too high. The good news is that most cracks do not result in a huge amount of water coming into your basement. However, even a little bit of water can cause damage to furniture, utilities, appliances, or other items stored in your basement. What’s more is that the water moisture can breed mold. As we explored in an earlier post, mold can be extremely hazardous to the health of your home and your family.

Even more dangerous than mold is radon, a deadly gas which is both colorless and odorless. Cracks of any size at all can allow radon to enter your basement. Most homeowners equip their houses with a radon detector on every floor, but it is imperative to have one in the basement. Finally, cracks in your basement walls or floor, even those of the smallest size, can act as a gateway for pests. Insects and rodents love to make their way into homes through basement crevices.

The Causes

So what causes the cracks in your basement walls and floor that can lead to some or all of these problems? Typically, cracks are caused as a home’s foundation settles. The soil that surrounds a home will expand and contract with temperatures changes. With these seasonal changes, a house will gradually settle into place. This freezing and thawing puts enormous pressure on the foundation walls and floor.

In addition, homes in areas with high water tables face additional pressure on foundation walls and floors because of strong hydrostatic pressure. Even if your home is not in a high water table area, the water table around your house can rise because of poor drainage on your property. Finally, and unfortunately, sometimes basement cracks are the result of improper construction. While very often a home inspector will bring this to the attention of home buyers during the purchase phase, this does not always happen, leading to problems later on.

The Solutions

How can basement wall and floor cracks be fixed? As soon as they are noticed – or as soon as one of the above problems arise, even if cracks are not immediately visible – a professional should be called. A qualified basement waterproofer can inspect your home for structural and non-structural cracks and help you to identify the right solution.

At Affordable Waterproofing, we are experts in basement wall and floor crack identification and repair. Our solutions, which are efficient and cost-effective, include sealing the cracks from the inside or the outside with an epoxy and urethane paste, creating a seamless, strong adhesion with concrete. After proper sealing, your home and family will be safe from water, radon, and pests.

Contact us today to learn more.