How to Fill the visible difference Between your Basement Foundation

Protecting a basement foundation from racing and cracking is important. A space from your basement foundation plus a sidewalk leaves both structures susceptible to severe racing. Filling the area with semi-flexible, rot-resistant material blocks moisture while allowing the structures to shift without cracking. Do-it-yourself individuals with no experience can complete this project within an afternoon including a full day to the caulk setting.

Cleanse the visible difference between your foundation and sidewalk using a long wire brush. Chip off any hard debris or caulk stuck around the sides having a hammer along with a chisel. Measure the width of the gap with tape measure. If it’s wider than 1/2 inch, you’ll need to fill out a real difference with an expansion joint like foam backer rod. If it’s under a 1/2 inch wide, it is possible to add Expanding Foam Tape. Convey a strip of foam backer rod into the sidewalk parallel towards the gap. Use a utility knife to cut the rod to adjust to the duration of the gap. In the event the rod is just not good enough, cut another piece to match the residual space. Lay the foam backer rod over the gap and push it down together with your hands. If you’re using two lengths of rod, push these down hence the ends are flush. Utilize blunt end of your putty knife to hit the rod into the foot of the space. Load silicone latex caulk into a caulk gun and snip over end with scissors. Fill the remaining gap with all the caulk until its level with all the sidewalk. Hold a putty knife level with one for reds on the pavement and yet another over the caulk. Run the knife slowly along the length of the gap to get rid of excess also to be sure that the caulk is level.