Basement cracks are entirely normal, though they can cause a lot of problems for homeowners. Shrinking concrete places a vast amount of stress on a basement wall, resulting in cracks. While you can't prevent your basement walls from shrinking, you can fill cracks before water is allowed to seep inside of your home.

Polyurethane foam injections are frequently used in order to fill basement cracks. This type of foam combines with water inside of the crack to create a solid hole filler. As it hardens, the polyurethane will form a tough seal with basement walls creating a barrier that's impossible for water to enter. There are other methods that can be used to fill basement cracks, though polyurethane foam is often the preferred method.

Patch kits that have been developed for basement cracks can be purchased in hardware stores around the globe. These kits may stop water from leaking into a basement temporarily, though they are more of a superficial fix than a permanent one. Another method devised to repair basement cracks is to fill the area with hydraulic cement.

This involves cutting away at a current crack, and filling it with a liquid cement mixture. The one drawback of a hydraulic cement application is that it does not prevent water from seeping into a crack. If you are unsure of which method to choose, consider hiring a professional contractor to relieve your basement of any cracks and water leaks. Professional contractors will be able to determine the best possible filler for your basement area.

If you do intend to fill your basement cracks on your own, be sure not to sand or paint your basement walls until any filler has had time to set and dry completely. To speed up this process, allow an industrial fan to solidify any filler that you have applied. This way, your basement will have time to dry, and you won't have to wait for weeks to paint, sand, or refinish your basement area.

Crack filler can be purchased online or inside of any hardware store. Before using any kind of filler, be sure to read about application steps carefully. While most fillers are simple to use, avoiding water seepage is a matter of applying filler correctly the first time. Keep in mind that additional cracks will likely appear over time, though these cracks can be filled using all the same techniques listed above.