Cracks in a concrete basement wall do not affect the house or the foundation for the most part. These often seem worse than they are. However, in some cases, a crack in the wall will leak when exposed to outside water. Water travels the path of least resistance, so a crack in the basement wall provides a pathway for water to enter the basement. If the foundation of a house is unfinished, the invasion may not be so bad; With a finished basement, that leaky crack in the wall can become a real nuisance and can cause considerable damage.

Here’s the good news: leaky wall cracks can be repaired and waterproofed. A cost-effective way to repair a leaky wall crack is to inject the crack with a special material and process that seals the wall and prevents water from entering.

Before repairing the crack it is important to identify the source or origin of the water leak. Many times the cause is a misdirected downspout or a clogged gutter. If the ground outside the house is level towards the foundation or too high, the water is directed into the basement, allowing water to enter existing cracks.

Diverting water away from the house or repairing damaged pipes should be a homeowner’s first course of action. Once the outside source of water is identified, the focus can be directed to the crack inside. This is how the crack is usually repaired:

1. The crack is exposed and cleaned.
2. A series of small injection ports are attached to the wall along the crack. If the crack is very narrow, a small hole is drilled into the crack for the material to penetrate.
3. Starting from the bottom of the wall, a hydrophilic polyurethane material is injected into the ports to fill cracks. Water is used as a catalyst for the material.
4. Once the crack is injected, the ports are removed and a material is applied across the crack as a water seal.

This process takes less than a day and is very profitable for an owner. A crack injection repair, along with removal of exterior water, can be a long-term or even permanent repair. Selecting a reliable local basement waterproofing company in the home area is an important choice. These professionals are often much more experienced and better equipped than a general contractor or handyman. A waterproofing professional should be able to resolve the issue quickly and professionally.