If you’re noticing cracks in your basement walls or your foundation seems to be slowly sinking, you may wonder whether you need basement wall repair or a full-blown foundation rebuild. While the two procedures are quite different, both are necessary under certain circumstances. In this blog post, we’ll explain the differences between basement wall repair and foundation rebuilds, and we’ll help you determine which one is right for your home.
At Zablocki Waterproofing, we offer expert basement wall repair in Milwaukee and surrounding suburbs for homeowners just like you. If you’re experiencing foundation problems, you have options. At Zablocki, we are here to answer your questions, help you explore solutions, and provide the expert service your home deserves. Contact us today.
What is Basement Wall Repair?
Basement wall repair is precisely what it sounds like: repairing cracks or damage to your basement walls. This is done in several different ways. For milder damage like a crack, Zablocki can provide foundation crack repair using an epoxy resin injection. This fills the crack from the inside, creating a watertight seal that will prevent further damage.
Steel beam reinforcement is an effective solution for more serious basement wall damage. To do this, we excavate the soil around the section of your basement wall that needs to be repaired. We then move the wall back into place, seal any cracks, and insert super-strong steel beams to ensure the same problem doesn’t happen again.
In most cases, basement walls can be repaired without rebuilding the entire foundation. Foundation rebuilds are much more extensive (and expensive) projects that should only be undertaken in severe cases.
What if my basement wall needs to be rebuilt?
While basement wall repair will fix almost any type of issue, there are extreme circumstances in which a basement wall – or an entire foundation – needs to be demolished and rebuilt.
In most cases, total foundation or basement wall rebuilds are necessary for homes that have experienced decades of unaddressed foundation damage. Foundation cracks and buckling are the types of problems that only get worse over time, and years of pressure on a home’s foundation can severely impact the structural integrity of the entire home. When a foundation becomes so damaged it can no longer support the home, it’s probably time to consider a basement wall or foundation rebuild.
The process of rebuilding part of all of a foundation is complicated. First, the entire foundation must be demolished. Next, the soil around the home must be excavated to allow access to the foundation’s footing. Once the new foundation is in place, the basement walls are rebuilt. The final step is to backfill the excavated soil and compact it around the new foundation.
This process is not for the faint of heart, and it’s definitely not a DIY project. It is time-consuming, disruptive, and expensive. Whenever possible, basement wall repair should be considered first.
What causes basement wall damage?
There are a number of reasons why your basement walls might crack or buckle. In most cases, it’s due to expanding soil around your home’s foundation. This can happen for a number of reasons, including changes in the moisture content of the soil (due to changes in the weather) or poor drainage around your foundation.
As the soil expands, it puts pressure on your foundation walls. This can cause them to crack or buckle. In some cases, the damage is minor and can be repaired with a simple patch. In other cases, the damage is more severe and may require reinforcement or even replacement of sections of your basement wall.
How can I prevent damage to my foundation?
There are a number of things you can do as a homeowner to prevent foundation damage. First, make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and in good working order. This will help ensure that water is properly diverted away from your foundation. Second, if you live in an area with a high water table, you may need to install a sump pump to keep the basement dry. You should also consider hiring an expert Milwaukee basement waterproofing company like Zablocki to show you your options for preventative waterproofing.
If you’re like most homeowners, when you start to notice cracks in your basement walls, the first thing you want to do is fix them. And that’s a good instinct! Basement wall repair is definitely something you should do as soon as possible to prevent any further damage. But sometimes it’s not just the walls that need attention – sometimes your foundation needs some repairs too.
At Zablocki Waterproofing, we offer home foundation repair in Milwaukee and surrounding communities. We also offer basement waterproofing options. Check out our website to learn more then give us a call today to get started!
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