How to fix expansion joint foam deteriorating?

[liverbird]

Hi Team,

The expansion joint foam between the concrete and the exterior wall seems to be deteriorating. What can be done ?

Also the concrete at the bottom of the exterior wall seems to be cracking as well. Does this seem like a structural issue and if not what can be done to avoid this ?

 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @liverbird,

Thank you for your question about the expansion foam at your home.

I don't think it has deteriorated so much, just been compressed and moved around with movements of the concrete and foundations. I would, however, suggest covering it with a bead of Sikaflex 11FC Purform to prevent water from getting into the gap and behind the foam.

Check out How to fill a joint in a concrete slab for an example of this being done. In your situation, you'll want the bead to span the gap between the concrete and the brick. You can apply painter's tape on either side of the gap, then apply your Sikaflex. Smooth it out with a Silicone Scraper, then pull the tape to get a nice clean line.

The cracked corner looks like it could be a patch repair carried out in the past, but I can't say with absolute certainty. It is probably worth having a professional check this one out as it could be an indication of an underlying issue.

Allow me to tag @Noyade, @TedBear and @Noyade to see what they think.

Jacob

[liverbird]

Thanks. 

What professional are you talking about here ? A structural engineer ?

[JacobZ]

Hi @liverbird,

If there were a significant issue, a structural engineer would certainly be the way to go.

It's hard to say, though, because it may just be a surface-level issue, in which case, a structural engineer would be overboard. Someone who specialises in concrete repairs might be a place to start.

Is it possible to get some photos showing the right side of the downpipe?

Does the cracking extend further along the wall?

I'd expect to see cracking extending out along the extent of the wall if it were a significant issue.

Jacob

[liverbird]

I  have highlighted the cracks in Red

[JacobZ]

Hi @liverbird,

That looks more like render rather than the actual slab, which is not something you'd need a structural engineer for.

In that case, you should be able to carry out a repair yourself following the instructions in How to repair a rendered wall.

You would have to start by chipping away the cracked render to reveal the surface beneath, cleaning any loose material from the substrate with a wire brush, reapplying render using the above article as a guide and then painting to match.

Let me know what you think and if you have further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Jacob

[liverbird]

Thanks a lot !