Basements play a critical role in the structural integrity of your home. Untreated basement cracks can compromise that stability and lead to mold growth and water infiltration.
A full foundation inspection is the first step in identifying basement crack repair options. Look for signs of moisture such as stains and musty odors. Contact Basement Repair Naperville IL now!

Waterproofing is the process of preventing excess moisture from entering a basement to reduce mold growth, mildew, wood rot, and concrete deterioration. It is one of the most important steps in preserving and strengthening a home’s foundation, and it helps protect health and safety risks, as well as keep energy costs down. Professional waterproofing services can also improve the value and longevity of a home.
There are many ways that moisture can enter a building’s basement, including through cracks in walls and floors, overly humid air, or direct water seepage into uncracked concrete surfaces. Moisture can also damage porous materials, such as carpet and drywall, or cause structural problems in the basement itself. When a homeowner notices signs of moisture, it is important to take immediate action to prevent further damage and costly repairs.
Interior waterproofing involves applying a sealant to the inside of basement walls and floors, which helps prevent moisture penetration and damp conditions. This is often a good preventative measure, but it doesn’t address the underlying causes of moisture problems, such as groundwater or poor drainage.
Before beginning the waterproofing process, homeowners should remove all items from the basement, and clean and dry the area thoroughly. This is especially important if the basement has been flooded. Pooled water must be pumped out, and fans and dehumidifiers should be used to completely dry the space. After cleaning and drying the area, a contractor can begin to apply a coat of sealant.
Unlike conventional paint, a silicate-based concrete sealer or rubberized coating can provide a permanent protective barrier against water ingress. These products are typically available at local hardware stores and do not require special tools to be applied. It is usually recommended that multiple coats be applied for maximum effectiveness.
When choosing a basement waterproofing contractor, it is important to find someone who has experience with the type of work you need completed. It is also a good idea to check references and customer reviews before hiring anyone. When in doubt, it is best to choose a more experienced contractor who offers both interior and exterior solutions, and provides a warranty on their workmanship.
Repairing Cracks
The basement is a structural component of your home and cracks in the walls should be repaired as soon as they are noticed. If left untreated, these cracks can allow moisture, insects and radon gas into the basement. Water intrusion through cracks can lead to mold, mildew and other problems that require expensive repairs. The best way to keep basements dry is to properly waterproof the foundation and install interior drainage systems.
Hairline cracks that are only the width of a sewing thread are normal and often appear within a year after construction. These cracks are caused by “settling” and shrinkage of the concrete as it cures. They are not a serious problem and may be sealed with a caulk that is safe for use on basements, such as a masonry caulk.
Basement cracks can also be repaired using epoxy injection or applying a waterproofing coating. Both methods effectively seal the crack and prevent further water intrusion, although optimal repair depends on the severity of the leak and the underlying cause of the problem.
Cracks in poured concrete are often caused by shifting of the soil underneath the foundation. This can be due to clay soil that expands and contracts when it rains, or a combination of factors including settlement and the expansion and contraction of the concrete itself.
While these types of cracks are common, they are not to be ignored. If they are left untreated, the cracks can allow water, insects and radon into the basement and can lead to costly repairs. In some cases, these cracks can be repaired from the inside by scraping and wire brushing the area and then filling it with hydraulic cement. In other cases, the cracks can be repaired from the outside by grinding the crack, installing a rubberized asphalt foundation coating 12 inches wide over the entire length of the basement wall and then backfilling.
Basements with cinderblock or fieldstone walls are more prone to leakage from joints in the blocks. Professionals can seal these cracks with waterproofing to prevent moisture from entering the basement and causing damage. In addition, exterior drainage can be improved by installing gutters and downspouts, and adding soil to the yard along the foundation to create a 2 percent slope away from the house to help direct water flow away from the foundation.
Carbon Fiber Reinforcement
Cracked basement wall damage and bowing basement walls are serious issues that jeopardize your home’s safety, stability, and market value. To keep your family safe, it’s important to take proactive measures to protect your foundation. One of the most effective solutions is carbon fiber reinforcement. This cutting-edge solution helps to bolster and stabilize basement walls that display signs of deterioration.
A remarkably durable material, carbon fiber has been used for years in structures like bridges and airplanes. It’s ten times stronger than steel, making it ideal for basement wall repair. Carbon fiber can be molded into sheets, strips or staples that can help to keep basement walls stable and prevent new cracks from forming.
When used in conjunction with concrete, carbon fiber can add significant strength to the structure of your basement. This helps to ensure that your basement stays strong and prevents the need for costly repairs in the future. Unlike steel beams, carbon fiber does not protrude from the walls of your basement and can be hidden behind drywall or paint. This makes it a popular choice for basements.
During the basement repair process, our certified professionals first inspect your basement to assess the extent of the damage and determine the best solution for your home. Next, they prepare the area by cleaning and ensuring that the walls will adhere to the carbon fiber. Once the area is prepared, our professionals apply epoxy to the basement wall and then cover it with carbon fiber strips. The strips are strategically placed to provide maximum strength. Once the epoxy dries, it bonds to the carbon fiber and the wall, significantly enhancing its structural integrity.
In addition to its unparalleled tensile strength, carbon fiber is also highly durable and resistant to corrosion. This makes it a great choice for use in harsh environments, such as the basement of your Georgia home. Additionally, carbon fiber is non-invasive and does not require the need for heavy machinery or excavation.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your basement walls, contact Matvey Foundation Repair for a free consultation. We can discuss the potential benefits of carbon fiber reinforcement and other basement repair services with you, ensuring that your home is safe and protected for the future.
Wall Anchors or Braces
Wall anchors or braces are specialized support systems that stabilize bowing basement walls. Bowing walls are often the result of pressure from outside soil that causes the foundation to push inward. Wall anchors transfer this force to stable soil and prevent further damage to the wall and the home. These systems can also be used on seawalls and retaining walls.
The most common basement repair method for bowing walls is to use C-channel anchors. These are large steel beams that we install vertically along a bowing wall to control the movement. They can’t straighten the wall, but they can prevent further inward movement and can be tightened over time to help straighten the bow.
Another option for bowing walls is to use helical tieback anchors. These are similar to C-channel anchors but don’t require excavation and can be installed in less than a day. They provide opposite pressure to cancel out the hydrostatic pressure that caused the bowing, and they are ideal for situations where access is limited or when other wall repair options can’t be applied.
Although both wall anchors and helical tiebacks are effective, they must be combined with a comprehensive basement drainage plan to effectively protect your home. This is because, unless the underlying cause of the wall damage is addressed (such as hydrostatic pressure from excessive water buildup), the walls will continue to crack and shift.
This is why Olshan recommends using these specialized support systems in conjunction with other solutions that address drainage issues and soil problems. Together, these approaches offer your family the strongest, most permanent protection for your home’s walls.
If you notice signs that your basement walls need a bit of extra support, don’t hesitate to contact the experts at Ohio Basement Authority. We can inspect your basement and provide you with an affordable solution to prevent further damage and protect your home’s value. Call us today to schedule your free inspection!