When you’ve got a crack in your basement floor, it can lead to some very serious problems if left unaddressed. There are some things you should know about these types of cracks, but it’s important to separate fact from fiction. Here are some myths about cracks in your basement floor with the truth about them from your basement repair MD experts.
Myth #1: A crack in your basement floor is probably caused by mistakes during the construction phase of your home.
While this may be one of the main causes of basement floor cracks, there are several other reasons for this problem as well. Many times, a strong foundation that has been constructed properly with quality materials can crack due to shifting earth or compacting soil. A basement floor is not very flexible so when pressure changes or the ground below shifts, a crack is inevitable.
Myth #2: Basement floor cracks can be fixed with high-strength epoxy resins.
Many epoxy resins are designed to fix cracks in basement floors. Many of them are waterproof and they can seal the cracks effectively. However, some cracks are too large for repairs with an epoxy. If it’s a structural crack the epoxy is only going to provide a temporary solution before the crack opens back up. You may need to stabilize the ground underneath in order to make the solution permanent. A basement repair MD expert can evaluate the problem and offer a solution that you will be satisfied with.
Myth #3: Foundations made of concrete blocks will crack easier than poured concrete.
Many people think that concrete blocks aren’t as secure as a solid concrete wall. However, solid poured walls often crack easier than foundations made of blocks. That’s because there is less flexibility in them. At the first shift of the ground beneath, the solid poured concrete is going to crack. But with the foundations that have bricks and mortar, there is some “give” that allows them to shift a certain amount with the changing earth.
Myth #4: Leaks always require an interior solution.
When you have a leak in your basement, your first thought might be to seal the walls to prevent the leak. However, many leaks are the result of something outside of your home. For one thing, if the ground around your home slopes inward to your home, the water will travel toward your basement. You can solve the problem by reversing the slope so it goes away from your home if that’s the reason for the leak.
