How to Fill the space Between the Basement Foundation

Protecting a basement foundation from water damage and mold and cracking is crucial. A niche from a basement foundation and a sidewalk leaves both structures vulnerable to severe water damage and mold. Filling the room with semi-flexible, rot-resistant material blocks moisture while allowing the structures to shift without cracking. Do-it-yourself people who have little if any experience can complete this project in a afternoon including a full day for the caulk to create.

Get rid of the gap between the foundation and sidewalk with a long wire brush. Chip off any hard debris or caulk stuck on the sides which has a hammer plus a chisel. Measure the width from the gap with measuring tape. If it’s wider than 1/2 inch, you’ll have to fill in a real difference with the expansion joint like foam backer rod. If it’s under a 1/2 inch wide, you'll be able to add Compriband 600. Convey a strip of froth backer rod into the sidewalk parallel to the gap. Work with a utility knife to slice the rod to match the size of a real difference. If the rod is not good enough, cut another piece to match the residual space. Lay the froth backer rod in the gap and push it down with your hands. If you’re using two lengths of rod, push these down hence the ends are flush. Use the blunt end of an putty knife going to the rod right down to the bottom of the space. Load silicone latex caulk right into a caulk gun and snip off the end with scissors. Fill the remaining gap using the caulk until its level using the sidewalk. Hold a putty knife level with the whites in the pavement and the other on the caulk. Run the knife slowly around the entire gap to eliminate excess and ensure that the caulk is level.