Are you noticing a visible gap in the corner of your home’s foundation? It’s possible that what you’re seeing is a phenomenon known as “corner pop,” which occurs when the immense weight of soil outside your home causes shifting and cracking around the corners. It is important to know how to repair a foundation corner pop.
Fortunately, it is possible to fix these issues yourself with some careful effort – however, if left unchecked for too long corner pops can lead to serious structural damage. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to identify and repair corner pops so you can keep your home safe from structural damage.
Tools You Will Need
- Hammer
- Chisel
- Caulking gun
- Mortar or concrete mix
- Trowel
- Flashlight
- Safety glasses and gloves
7 Easy Steps Guide on How to Repair a Foundation Corner Pop
1. Locate the Corner Pop
This can be done with a flashlight or by using a long, thin object such as a screwdriver. Once you’ve located the corner pop, inspect it further to see if there is any cracking or shifting in the foundation wall.
Once you have located the corner pop, use a flashlight or some other long and thin object to investigate further. Make sure to inspect the wall for any cracking or shifting that may have occurred over time due to weather or general wear and tear.
It is essential to do this before attempting any repairs as it could result in major problems down the road if overlooked. As such, begin by assessing the condition of your corner pop before jumping into renovation mode.
2. Use a Hammer and Chisel to Chip Away
Before taking a hammer and chisel to any project it’s important to do your due diligence first. In this case, you should wear safety gloves and protective glasses to make sure no particles of dirt, concrete, or stone hit your skin or eyes as you chip away at the loose soil or concrete around the edges of your corner pop.
This is especially important if there are shallow foundations involved in what you’re working on. Make sure that the area is clear before lifting the hammer and starting to chip away – that way, you’ll have greater visibility over what you’re working on so everything will be done accurately and safely!
3. Clean the Area Around the Corner Pop
Taking the time to give the corner pop shop a good clean is always well worth it. Cleaning with a brush can help remove any debris or layers of dust that may have settled in hard-to-reach places such as deep into corners and crevices.
By thoroughly brushing out the area, you’re ensuring that it will be free from germs and dirt accumulation, giving your customers peace of mind that their health and safety are being prioritized. Additionally, brushing can help maintain the pristine look of your store, inviting prospective customers to your establishment even more. So grab a brush and get cleaning!
4. Mix Some Mortar or Concrete in a Bucket
When you need to make repairs to your foundation, mixing mortar or concrete in a bucket is often the best way to accomplish the task. Begin by carefully reading the instructions on the package label and making sure you have all of the necessary supplies before you start. While it’s possible to mix cement from scratch.
It’s much easier and more reliable to use a premixed product that has been specifically designed for foundation repairs. In this case, using a premix mortar will ensure that you get professional-looking results without having to worry about any hidden issues due to incorrect proportions of cement, sand, or aggregate during preparation.
5. Fill the Corner Pop With the Mortar
Filling a corner pop with mortar or concrete mix requires the use of a caulking gun. Begin by inserting the cartridge carefully into the gun and then cutting off the top with a utility knife. With the nozzle pointing away from you, press down on the trigger to start filling the corner pop.
Continue pressing firmly while simultaneously moving the nozzle around in circles until it is full. The filling should be slightly overfilled which will ensure that all cracks and crevices are covered so it won’t come loose easily. Let it sit for 24 hours before starting any building work on top of it.
6. Smooth the Surface
Using a trowel is an important step when repairing any surface. With its flat edges and pointed tip, you can use it to ensure that the area is even, giving you a blank canvas for your repair job. Gently scrape material away from the high spots, creating as level a surface as possible.
Then move the edge of the trowel across the surface and apply enough pressure to remove any excess material without damaging the base itself. Finally, smooth out the surface with gentle strokes of the trowel to finish your perfect patch job.
7. Dry Completely
Corner pop is a common problem when drywall is damaged due to water, foundation settling, or other general wear and tear. After properly patching the area, it is essential to allow the repaired spot ample time to dry before attempting any further repairs or inspections.
Even if your wall seems dry on the surface, it can take days or weeks for moisture levels to equalize throughout the entire depth of the wall. If there is still excess moisture present, painting over the patched area may cause blistering and bubbling. Additionally, adhesives used for certain paints and patches may not form a secure connection with damp surfaces.
To ensure an effective repair and avoid needing to repeat steps, later on, be sure that you allow plenty of drying time after applying effects or patches before conducting any further repairs or inspections of corner pop.
Following these steps should help you effectively and safely repair your foundation corner pop without breaking the bank or spending too much time on DIY projects. However, if the damage is too extensive and requires a more thorough solution, it’s always best to consult with a licensed professional. With their help, you can ensure that the repairs are done correctly and your home is once again safe and secure.
How to Fix a Foundation Corner Pop without Spending too Much?
While many think repairing a foundation corner pop requires a professional and therefore is an expensive endeavor, that does not have to be the case. With some basic supplies from your local hardware store and a weekend afternoon, most people can fix a foundation corner pop on their own.
First, you will need to purchase a new mortar mix for the repair job, ideally one specifically suited for walls; your mix must match what was used originally on the foundation. Additionally, you’ll want protective equipment such as safety glasses and gloves. Once you have these items you can begin by removing any defective brick or stone by using a cold chisel and hammer. Then carefully fill in the joint with mortar, making sure to tamp it down firmly and create an angled “sport” between stones or bricks while it dries.
This more affordable method of fixing your foundation will leave it looking like new so you can spend worry-free throughout the coming winter season!
You Can Check It Out To Waterproof Concrete Floor
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Know if My Foundation Corner Pop Needs Repairing?
As a homeowner, it is important to know if your foundation corner pop needs repairing before bigger problems arise. Generally speaking, signs that your foundation corner pop may need repair include visible cracks in the walls and floors, windows and doors that stick or do not open properly, and water in your basement or crawl space.
Furthermore, if you notice any leaning walls or staircases that are not level this could also be an indication of a structural issue with your foundation corner pop. Finally, if you have concerns about the stability of your home’s foundations it is always best to consult with a professional who can provide an accurate assessment of any potential issues.
How Much Will It Cost to Repair My Foundation Corner Pop?
The cost to repair a foundation corner pop can vary widely and can depend on the severity of the issue. If the foundation has sustained minor damage, simple treatments like shimming or caulking can be implemented for a relatively small price. More serious foundation cracks or structural issues may require more intensive repairs such as underpinning or wall anchoring.
It will be more expensive but essential for ensuring the integrity of your home’s foundation. If you’re unsure about how much your repairs may cost, it’s best to contact a professional contractor who can thoroughly examine your home and provide an accurate estimate for the necessary work.
You Can Check It Out To Build a Knee Wall
Conclusion
A foundation corner pop can be a structural issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible. With the right tools and knowing how to repair a foundation corner pop, you can fix this problem before it gets worse.
Thanks for reading and we hope this information was helpful! If you have any questions or would like help repairing your foundation, please give us a call. We’re always happy to help out however we can!
You Can Check It Out to Fix Cold Spots on Walls