DIY Home Repair: How to Patch Breaks in a Basement Wall

An important factor of beginning patching breaks in a basement wall project is watching over the area that needs patching for a couple of months. Although most cracks in cement walls are the result of normal settling, they could be a sign of major structural problems. If the problem area does not stabilize but continues to get worse, seek the services of a building contractor, or repairing building contractor.

Assess Your Basement Concrete Wall

If the damaged area is leaking, fill it with quick-hardening plugging cement, or concrete epoxy. When mixing cement for dry patch spots, make a mortar using one part cement with two parts sand. Add water slowly, just enough to make a dough consistency; stir well.

If a new leak springs up near the repair site, there may be water backing up against the exterior of the foundation. In this case, more drastic measures for basement wall leak repair must be taken.

Whether your basement is cement or cement block, follow the repair tips below.

Do it Yourself Repairing Holes in cement

1. Use a cold chisel to enlarge the hole; undercut edges so the plug will not pop loose
2. Mix plugging cement and work into a tapered stopper" shape
3. As soon as it stiffens, pop it into the hole like a cork; hold in place for several minutes

Cracks in Cement DIY Home Repair

1. Using a chisel and hammer, cut cracks back to sound material; bevel the edges
2. Moisten the cracks well
3. Using a trowel, turn the mortar several times; work the mortar into the cracks with the tip of the trowel
4. Once the mortar begins to harden, pack the crack full
5. "Shave off" excess mortar using a wet trowel or putty knife

Home Renovation Tip - Repairing a Window Well

Poor drainage is often the culprit behind a basement well window that becomes stained by water or seepage. A faulty downspout or clogged gutter is often to blame, so check out both of these areas first.

Clean debris out from the well and flush with a hose to ensure it is draining properly. If the window well is made from concrete, try inserting a hose in the drain. Blow out any obstructions; waterproof the well using a waterproofing compound designed for masonry surfaces, if necessary. Follow product directions carefully.

If your basement well window is made from gravel, remove the gravel and waterproof the outside wall of the foundation. And then install a fiberglass drainage board next to the wall.

If basement concrete wall restoration will be part of your DIY home renovation plan, you may be able to handle the project yourself. However, if damage to basement walls and wells is extensive, chances are you'll need the services of a local building contractor.

One quick, easy way to locate a reliable contractor in your area is through a wave-of-the-future online contractor-to-project-owner matchmaking service such as HandyCanadian.com. Because membership is free and no strings are attached, no risk is involved.

Online resources such as HandyCandian.com make finding a contractor with the right skills a breeze; for a match made in heaven that'll have homes and businesses in tip-top shape in no time flat. Visit their web site online for other articles on DIY home repair and renovation tips.