Sealing Cracks

Preparation begins with ensuring that all surfaces to be treated are cleaned of all debris and attachments to allow free and clear access to the work, all areas should be left open to allow monitoring of the grout level. Be sure to brush off, preferably with a wire brush, the face of the crack to remove dust and to roughen the surface. If the crack is dry at the time of injection we recommend using an epoxy, face-off the entire crack by spreading a band of epoxy approximately 1 ½” to 2” wide. (HouseGuard also offers epoxy) If the crack is wet at the time of injection we recommend using a hydraulic cement, epoxy will not suffice if the crack is wet.

Our Crack Injection Materials do require some basic mixing. To mix the products stir or shake the Grout prior to pouring the amount you anticipate using into a clean, dry, five gallon bucket. Gradually pour your Catalyst into the Grout while carefully stirring to avoid getting air into the mixture. The proper product ratio is 1 pint Catalyst per 5 gallons Grout.

Application of the Crack Injection material is an easy process, simply remember these procedures. Hole placement varies slightly between the two methods of surface sealing. Cracks that were faced off with epoxy will hold the Grout in the wall better, which will allow for easier travel. Regardless of which facing material used, the first hole should be 5” to 6” above the floor. The holes should be drilled approximately 2” from the side of the crack and drilled at a 30 degree angle to intersect the crack about half way through the thickness of the wall. Make sure you do not drill all the way through the wall. Hole spacing will depend upon which of the two facing material you used. Well prepared epoxy-faced cracks will allow you to space your holes 16” to 24” apart depending on the width of the crack. With hydraulic cement-faced cracks you should space your holes 8” to 12” apart, as hydraulic cement will not hold back as much pressure as epoxy-faced cracks. Once the holes are drilled insert your Injection Ports into the drill holes, they should be slightly pre-tightened to swell the rubber sleeve and seal the injection port in the wall. Insert flush with the wall. Start the injection at the bottom port, inject each port with 17 pumps of material. At this time you should begin to feel resistance, once the resistance is felt pump one or two more times. Once all of the Injection Ports have been filled begin back at the bottom port once more and inject each port five or six more times. The Injection Ports may be removed or broken off with a hammer when done. Exposed Grout which may ooze out of the crack or ports should be scraped off and disposed of properly. Drill holes should be filled with a patching material.

Safety should remain the highest of concerns. Remember to always wear safety glasses, hearing protection when drilling, gloves, and protective clothing. Always ensure that you have proper ventilation and make certain you protect your work area from spills.