Many homes in the United States have concrete foundations, whether basements, crawl spaces, or slab foundations. Unfortunately, concrete is not indestructible and can be susceptible to damage from elements such as water. Let’s examine the causes, ways to fix it, and resources you may need to perform these fixes.
What Causes Your Concrete Foundation to Crumble?
There are many reasons your concrete foundation may be crumbling. One common issue is trapped water freezing and thawing inside the concrete, which can cause the concrete to deteriorate over time. In hotter areas, crumbling concrete may result from poor water mitigation and high groundwater levels, a condition known as scaling or spalling. This may appear as a cosmetic issue, but this crumbling can worsen and spread across the foundation. It’s incredibly important that you either get this fixed by concrete foundation repair experts or read on to learn how to do it yourself.
Mineral Content: Older concrete foundations may contain minerals such as pyrite, silica, and mica, which can cause deterioration over time. Modern testing methods can identify these minerals, but older foundations may have been built without this knowledge. The oxidization of these minerals can lead to crumbling and concrete deterioration.
De-Icing Salt: In colder regions, using rock salt (sodium chloride) to melt snow on driveways can damage concrete surfaces. Pitting, scaling, and crumbling can occur when salt comes into contact with concrete. Consider using alternative de-icing materials like magnesium or potassium chloride to prevent damage.
Freezing and Thawing: Concrete is porous and can absorb water. When the water freezes and expands inside the concrete, it can cause the material to crumble as it thaws. Concrete sealers and waterproofing foundations can help prevent this issue in freezing climates.
Excess Water: Adding too much water during the concrete mixing process weakens the chemical bonds that hold the material together. The correct ratio of mix and water is important to ensure a strong and durable concrete surface.
How to Repair a Crumbling Concrete Foundation:
1. Remove loose concrete and debris from the damaged area using a brush or chisel. Clean the area thoroughly and remove any rust from exposed rebar using a wire brush.
2. Allow the area to dry for 24 hours before proceeding. Ensure that there is no frost on the concrete surface.
3. Dampen the concrete surface with water before applying a cement paint or adhesive primer to improve bonding.
4. Apply a patching compound to fill in the damaged areas, using saved concrete pieces if available. Smooth out the surface and allow the compound to cure.
5. Cover the repaired area with a plastic tarp and lightly spray with water once daily for two days. Once cured, remove the tarp and inspect the repairs.
How to Prevent Concrete Foundation Damage:
Preventing water buildup around your foundation is key to avoiding future damage. Direct water away from the foundation using drainage systems such as drain tiles, French drains, gutter extensions, and proper grading.
Foundation repair services (credit:ArmorThane)
Who Can Help:
If you are experiencing issues with a crumbling concrete foundation, contact ArmorThane for assistance. They specialize in foundation repair and maintenance and can provide a free inspection to assess the situation and offer solutions to prevent further damage. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help before the problem escalates.
