Student wrote:
In our concrete basement wall the crack runs from the top of the wall where
it is widest - about 1/8", to a hairline crack 6' down.

My local hardware store sells a SikaFix kit for $Cdn 60. The kit includes
polyurethane mix which is to be injected through included plastic ports
using a caulking gun. I think I understand the principle, however the
concern is: will the pressure from the caulking gun be enough to drive the
polyurethane deep enough to properly seal the crack (I know it expands, but
still...). My local contractor is asking $350 for this job with a 10 year
warranty.

- Would you advise for or against hiring a contractor?
- Does contractor use high pressure injection that would result in a better
seal?
- Did anyone try the SikaFix or similar product, and how were the results?

Thanks.



I had 3 cracks in my concrete basement wall, fixed by 3 different
contractors within 4 years under builder's warranty.

They are all fixed by injection of epoxy. They first drill holes along
the cracks, and then insert in some nails that are empty in center (kind
like tubes). Then they toast along the crack and clean it. Then epoxy
were injected through the nails.

They all provide with 10 year warranty. The oldest fix is 5 years now.
So far so good. I would prefer an outside fix. But builder would only
pay for the epoxy fixes ($300/crack).