Basement Wall Crack

Whether you’ve been aware of cracks in your basement walls for a while or have just discovered them, the time for action is now.  

While cracks may be common, they should never be underestimated or ignored. If neglected, these problems compromise your basement’s integrity and create routes for water entry. 

BQ Basements & Concrete simplifies addressing basement wall cracks. Our experienced team is equipped to inspect these cracks, determine their causes, and recommend proven basement repair solutions for lasting protection. 

After reading this page, you’ll understand why wall cracks form and the optimal steps to stop their progress. 

Several factors contribute to the emergence and enlargement of basement wall cracks. During our inspection, our team helps you comprehend these triggers, assisting with effective identification. 

• Improper Curing: Initial concrete curing leads to solidification and strength. Inadequate mixing, premature freezing, excessive water, and improper troweling make weaker concrete susceptible to cracking. Poor curing also heightens concrete’s vulnerability to freeze-thaw damage. 
• Freeze-Thaw Cycles: Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles subject the basement and foundation to cyclical expansion and contraction. The concrete undergoes stress as water within the porous or cracked concrete freezes and thaws. Vertical cracks often emerge at exterior wall corners during these cycles. 
• Settlement and Shifting Soil: Your property’s soil shifts naturally over time, stemming from saturation and expansion (as seen here) or drying and shrinking. Both scenarios cause unstable ground that cannot uphold the basement, resulting in a settling foundation and cracks under its weight. 
• Hydrostatic Pressure: Following rain or snowfall, subterranean water accumulates, generating a substantial force—hydrostatic pressure. This leads to wall bowing and bending. Over time, this pressure surpasses the concrete’s tensile strength, causing horizontal cracks. 
• Tree Roots: As tree roots seek water, they exert pressure on the foundation. This damages weak points in basement walls, particularly near the perimeter where roots find easy access. 

Comprehensive Assessment 

We examine all cracks, noting their locations, sizes, patterns, and gaps. This analysis unveils whether settlement, hydrostatic pressure, tree roots, freeze-thaw cycles, or curing issues are to blame for the cracks. We also evaluate your property’s soil conditions and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the foundation’s overall state. 

Install Basement Wall Reinforcement Solutions 

We offer the following wall repair and reinforcement solutions to bolster vulnerable areas and prevent future cracking: 

• Wall anchors 
• Channel Anchors 
• Steel I-beams 
• Carbon fiber straps 

Integrate Water Management Solutions 

We implement an interior drainage system, dehumidifier, and robust vapor barrier to counteract hydrostatic pressure and prevent moisture penetration through cracks. Our sump pumps actively divert water away from the foundation. 

BQ Basements & Concrete’s product line comprises industry-leading solutions that fit your basement’s unique needs. With more than two decades of experience in addressing cracked basement walls, we have the expertise to safeguard basements and preserve their integrity.