Cracks can form in the concrete of your building’s foundation. This is a big problem. Vertical cracks in concrete foundations are responsible for most cases of basement water seepage. Interior water damage often follows as a result, and cracks also shorten the life of the concrete.
Consequently, it’s vital to repair foundations if damage is detected, and there are several ways that you can repair cracked concrete. However, some are better than others. Injection, for example, has some severe disadvantages. JPAUL Construction explains.
What is injection repair for concrete building foundations?
The two most common injection techniques use epoxy or polyurethane. Either epoxy or polyurethane is injected into the concrete foundation to repair cracks. Epoxy injection uses two components: epoxy resin and hardener. Polyurethane involves a foam resin and an activator. There are significant problems with both methods when it comes to structural foundation repair in Calgary.
Disadvantages of epoxy injection
The main pitfall of epoxy injection is that it can only be used in cracks that are completely dry. Epoxy does not bond well with wet or damp concrete, and epoxy is ineffective at waterproofing leaking concrete. Furthermore, injecting epoxy into a leaking crack can cause new leaks because the water seepage creates channels through the epoxy.
In addition, epoxy is prone to cracking. Obviously, this makes it a poor choice to repair foundation cracks. If the foundation shifts or moves at all, any cracks that you fixed using epoxy are likely to reform.
Disadvantages of polyurethane injection
Polyurethane injection is unsuitable for many concrete repairs. It performs poorly in freeze-and-thaw areas and below the water table. Furthermore, it doesn’t work well with highly expansive soils. Only certified professionals can install polyurethane because it contains potentially harmful additives.
Additional disadvantages with injection repair
Polyurethane or epoxy injection is unreliable and often fails. However, even when bonding is successful, injection repair is not a permanent solution. Experts in concrete construction in Calgary understand that filling the crack is not enough. You also need to address the root cause of the issue, and this usually involves structurally reinforcing the foundation.
JPAUL Construction is an experienced foundation contractor in Calgary. They effectively repair foundation cracks, preventing water seepage and preserving the integrity of the concrete.
Contact JPAUL Construction today to learn more.
