Need help with my foundation

[woodchucker]

A few years ago I fixed my foundation leak by my septic pipe. The ingress seal was tar and it was not laid on very well. I re-tarred and used tar paper over it to protect it... seems to work.

I have had a leak in my machine wall now for a couple of years. I ripped the wall down today because yesterday it was coming in hot and heavy.

Well I found a nice large crack in the wall.. poured concrete from top to bottom.

I'm thinking I have to dig out the foundation like I did for the septic pipe.... I'm curious for a crack of that size what would you use to patch it over?

Epoxy ladden sealer? Quickcrete w/vinyl? Something else?

I have to find what is causing the crack too. Wonder if whomever put in the underground downspout went sideways instead of away, and it's leaking.

[Morgans]

"woodchucker" wrote

Digging is the only way as far as a real fix goes. For repair, I would go with a caulk like windshield caulk that will stay flexible. Any foundation crack will open and close a considerable amount as the seasons change. Also, put at least a 2 foot wide by 1 inch thick layer of fiberglass mat board (unlined at least on the side against the repair) all the way down to the footer drain pipe. This will keep water from lying directly against the weak point which will help prevent pressure from building up and pressing the water inward. There is actually a waterproofing system called tuff and dri that works on a principle like that, and it is _guaranteed_ not to leak for a really long time. I would never build a basement without it.

[clare]

FILL the crack with a urethane product. The guys that do the "best job" around here drill ito the crack at an angle from the inside and pump the urethane product in under pressure - ir fills the crack from the middle of the wall out, totally sealing the crack. As for moving, if the crack moves a measurable amount with season changes you've got more trouble than just a water leak!!!