Basement Wall Crumbling
|

How to Fix a basement wall crumbling: 4 Fixes that really work

You are probably aware that your basement is standing on its last toes–if you come home every day to meet chips and flakes of the basement wall crumbling and falling off. 

You don’t understand what is happening, or why it is happening. But the truth is it was bound to happen sooner than later especially if your house is old, or you neglected the warning signs. 

One thing you are sure of is that you can’t leave the basement was as is, even if you have to do it yourself or hire a professional. 

Can you resurface the wall and revert it? Can basement wall crumbling ever be fixed, for good?  Can you do it at home yourself, or should you call someone? 

We have good news. 

You can fix the basement wall crumbling, and you can fix it for good. However, in an extreme case, where the basement wall is about to collapse or when damage is extensive call a  professional. 

Why Is My Basement Wall Crumbling? 

It seems unusual that material as strong and durable as concrete could be reduced to flakes and chips after crumbling. But this phenomenon is an inherent characteristic of concrete.  

No matter how solid and thick it looks, it remains porous after drying and will absorb water and even salty solutions.  

Basement Wall Crumbling

So, when your basement wall is constantly exposed to moisture from flooding or leakages. It will absorb water and upon freezing the water expands, pushing the concrete slightly apart.  

Repeated cycles of this expansion and contraction of water cause Basement wall crumbling.  Which is the spalling or flaking of the surfaces or edge of the concrete. 

What Are the Other Causes of Basement Wall Crumbling? 

#1 Old Basement Walls 

Basement walls crumbling are also a function of old age, even if the wall is not exposed to moisture. Some certain types of minerals in gravel contained in concrete deposits leech out over time into the concrete aggregate. This separation causes cracking and crumbling in old basement walls

#2 Weak Concrete/Overload

Sometimes basement walls crumble as a result of weak concrete that cannot withstand the pressure it is being subjected to. If the concrete mixture is imperfect or contains too much water it is susceptible to crumbling under safe loading pressure. 

#3 Oxidation (Rust) of Steel Rods 

Moisture can cause oxidation (rust) of steel bars in reinforced basement walls which cause cracking and flaking. When steel reinforcement begins to rust inside basement walls, expansion occurs. The expansion causes the basement wall to crack which leads to further crumbling as time passes. 

#4 Efflorescence 

Salts can also precipitate out of concrete (Efflorescence) when in constant contact with water causing cracks and compromising the basement wall integrity. Mortar and concrete usually contain salt. So, when the basement wall is in constant contact with a water source. The salts start to precipitate to the surface creating vacancies in the structure and weakening the basement wall. 

Efflorescence problem in basement

However, moisture is the most likely cause of basement wall crumbling. 

How To Avoid Crumbling/Spalling/Flaking in The Future 

The best way to avoid Basement wall crumbling is to reduce moisture around your basement walls.  

While a fresh coat of concrete will normally need moisture to cure slowly without cracks,  continuous exposure to moisture after drying will lead to absorption of excess water which causes crumbling.  

To prevent gravel-induced basement wall crumbling in old basement walls. Ensure the concrete aggregate mixture meets modern standards. Modern testing standards ensure culprit minerals like pyrite in gravel are reduced to the barest minimum. 

Can A Crumbling/Cracked Basement Wall Be Repaired? 

Yes, you can fix crumbling basement walls if you act fast. Cracks, concrete flakes falling from your basement walls are all signs that your basement wall is crumbling.  

With some little work, you can put your basement wall in order again. Let’s look at fixes that really work when some damage has already been done. 

How to Fix a basement wall crumbling: Fixes that Really work 

#1 Moisture Repairs

Step 1: Get rid of the moisture source. 

Step 2: Dry out the basement wall slowly away from direct sunlight to avoid further cracks and crumbling. 

Step 3: Use a wire brush to brush off any loose parts of the wall. To save time, attach a wire brush to a medium-sized pole for brushing. 

Step 4: Apply epoxy adhesive to brushed surface to increase the adhesion of new concrete to old one. 

 Moisture Repairs  basement wall crumbling

Step 5: Mix your new concreate aggregate and use it to resurface the wall carefully filling the cracks, and spaces evenly. 

Step 6: Let it dry slowly to avoid cracks. 

Step 7: Apply a fresh coat of waterproof paint to concrete. 

If the damaged area is too extensive and you can handle that level of work, feel free to call a  professional. 

#2 Oxidation (rust) Repairs 

Once you have confirmed that the cracks are due to the rust of steel bars, follow these steps; Step 1: Identify the location of steel bars 

Step 2: Use a hammer and chisel to remove loose parts of the surface and to remove parts of the  wall covering rusted steel bars 

Step 3: once the rusted steel bar is exposed. Use a wire brush to remove all scales of rust. Brush till the rod is free from any rusted scales. 

Step 4: Clean the Steel rod with vinegar and remove dust from the surface.

Step 5: Coat rod with anti-rust paint and leave to dry 

Step 6: Apply epoxy adhesive to brushed surface to increase the adhesion of new concrete to old one. 

Step 7: Mix your new concreate aggregate and use it to resurface the wall carefully. filling the cracks, and spaces evenly. 

Step 8: Protect the new surface from direct sunlight using polythene to ensure the new surface dries slowly. 

#3 Weak concrete repairs

Weak concrete will normally crack vertically. This is a sign that the concrete is weak or cracking from excessive pressure and load.  

In any case, you may need to break such sections away completely and construct new basement wall sections. Our advice is to call a professional in most cases. They will ensure the new wall meets modern standards. 

#4 Efflorescence Repairs 

If you observe white salt-like substances precipitating from your crumbling Basement wall. You  will have to carry out an efflorescence repair 

Step 1: Get rid of the moisture source. 

Step 2: Dry out the basement wall slowly away from direct sunlight to avoid further cracks and crumbling. 

Step 3: Use a wire brush to brush off any loose parts of the wall. To save time, attach a wire brush to a medium-sized pole for brushing. 

Step 4: Clean the affected area with a dilute acid solution or your household efflorescence remover to prepare the surface for a new coat of concrete/mortar. 

Step 5: After cleaning with acid, apply epoxy adhesive to the new surface to increase the adhesion of new concrete to the old one. 

Step 5: Mix your new concreate aggregate and use it to resurface the wall carefully, filling the cracks, and spaces evenly. 

Step 6: Let it dry slowly to avoid cracks. 

Step 7: Recoat a new surface with a fresh coat of waterproof paint. 

Fix Basement Crumbling Walls for Good 

If you have followed our steps on how to repair your basement’s crumbling walls. Your basement wall should now be as good as new. 

Fix Basement Crumbling Walls

Yes, we know home repairs can be a lot of work but the reward is a more durable, efficient, and comfortable home that keeps you warm and safe all seasons without the risk of collapse. 

Want to know more about Basement Crumbling Walls? We have prepared a short list of answers to frequently asked questions. 

FAQs

Can a basement wall collapse? 

A crumbling Basement is prone to collapse if neglected until cracks propagate across the cross-section of the wall. Collapse, at this point, can occur at any time as the wall is no longer acting as a wall. It can’t keep anything out and it can’t support anything. Unsupervised and neglected basement wall collapse can lead to the collapse of entire structures. 

How to fix crumbling interior basement walls? 

You can fix interior basement walls the same way you will fix an exterior basement wall.  However, such repairs must be carried out with protective materials to avoid dust contamination indoors. Cover walls and floors with Tarpaulin. Wear protective equipment like facemasks and eye googles.

Can you paint over RedGard?

No. It can’t be painted over regular paint. For painting, first, it requires a special type of enamel or primer to be applied on the walls or other surfeces.

Similar Posts