How to Fix Basement Wall Cracks from The Inside

When you see a crack in your basement wall, the thought of repairing it can feel like something out of a horror movie. Having to call contractors to make a mess of your garden and yard to get to the source of the issue can be a big headache.  

But did you know you can fix your basement crack and other issues from the inside? At Innovative Basement Authority, we specialize in making superior repairs that leave you feeling safe and secure.  

Together, we’ll go over why basement walls crack, why they need to be fixed, what not to do, and how professionals can help you fix it from the inside. 

• Hydrostatic Pressure: Hydrostatic pressure occurs when expansive clay soil soaks up excess water and grows larger, inflicting a heavy force upon your basement walls. This can cause them to crack and even bow horizontally. This can be especially severe in your Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota home during heavy spring snowmelt or rain.  
• Drought: Drought in North Dakota, South Dakota, or Minnesota can also cause basement wall cracks, which are the extreme opposite of hydrostatic pressure. When clay soil is dry, it shrinks, leading to a lack of support for foundation walls.
• Construction Issues: Occasionally, you may run into issues with the way that the concrete walls were poured or the way the concrete block walls in your basement were laid. If builders irregularly time the concrete pour or if the block walls aren’t installed correctly, you could be dealing with basement walls that are prone to cracks, leaks, and even structural failure. Having a free expert opinion can help you figure out what the case is.  

Leaks

Cracks in your foundation walls leave your basement open for water entry. Many of us use basements for storing valuables, like tax documents, holiday decorations, and even family heirlooms. A small amount of water trailing in, or even worse, flooding, can ruin these precious items.

Mold

Wall cracks allow water to trickle and pool in your basement, enabling a humid environment.

With this humidity and moisture, mold is an inevitable byproduct.

While it may seem normal to have mold in a basement, it’s potentially dangerous to your health. Even if you can’t visually spot mold out in the open, it can be behind corners, and the airborne mold spores can travel throughout the rest of your home. Those in your home with allergies or asthma may also be affected.  

Structural Issues

With basement wall cracks comes the implication of major structural issues.

If you notice your basement walls bowing or buckling around the crack in them, you need to take action.

Foundation issues will only get worse over time. Otherwise, you risk structural failure, which could include your wall caving in if the damage is bad enough.  

Wall anchors are an innovative structural repair solution that works by latching, or anchoring, onto stable soil close to your foundation to hold it upright.

One side of the anchor is latched to your wall, and the other side extends beyond the loose “clay bowl” soil surrounding your home and anchors onto the compacted soil further away to provide a more stable support system.

Our team of experts can tighten these wall anchors to continue straightening your wall and strengthen the structure over time.

Wall braces are a system of galvanized steel support beams placed on your foundation walls that are meant to straighten them out.

The Innovative Basement Authority IntelliBrace™ is our superior foundation wall brace that’s meant to be a permanent solution for your basement.

These aren’t static I-beams, either. Innovative Basement Authority service technicians can continue to inspect and keep up with your wall braces, tightening them over time to repair and restore your wall. 

Carbon fiber supports may not be made of metal, but they help walls stay in place.

With carbon fiber wall reinforcement, you don’t have to worry about any large-scale excavation or even heavy-duty installation. Applied with an epoxy resin, a carbon fiber strap is cut to fit your basement wall and use tension to restore and maintain your foundation’s structural soundness.   

Basement cracks may seem like a normal hassle of having a basement, but they’re nothing to ignore.

With Innovative Basement Authority, you can repair and restore your basement foundation walls from the inside without worrying about messy and overwhelming excavation around your home.  

Our team inspects your basement for free to determine the source of your basement wall crack and works with you to find the solution that best fits your unique home.

We’ll also provide you with a transparent, no-obligation quote so you can make the best decision for your home. Get started with us today.