The Crackman Podcast

The most common basement cracks come from shrinkage and settling. How do you tell the difference between the two types and how do you fix them? Listen in to find out.

Putting a band-aid fix on a problem is never a really good idea. You're much better off getting it fixed properly as evidenced in this month's DIY disaster.

In this episode, horizontal cracks are explained along with what to do if you have one in your basement.

Let's say you have a large crack in a basement wall but only the bottom part of it is leaking. That's really all you need to fix right? The leaky part? Or do you need to fix the entire crack?

Foundation issues are nothing to mess around with. As they say, a home is only as good as its foundation so catching foundation issues before they get too bad is just plain smart. In this episode the Crackman covers 5 ways to identify a potential foundation problems.

In this episode we discuss how the Crackman fixed a concrete sidewalk tripping hazard with Polyurethane. This technique can also be used to fix driveways that are bucking and heaving.

Are you going to be pouring concrete in the winter? This podcast covers key things you should be discussing with your concrete contractor.

So, you're in your basement and you see a water pipe penetration in your basement and the pipe has roots all over it. Do you rip them all off? Listen to this podcast before you do.

In this episode, the Crackman covers the 5 main considerations one must evaluate when purchasing and installing a sump pump in your basement.

Believe it or not, it's a common problem that occurs where people have always had dusty floors. The Crackman explains why it happens and what to do about it.

Here again is the Crackman with a real life case study about how he solved a terrible water problem caused by an improperly sealed pipe penetration.

Do you live in a condo? Are you wondering if your basement wall crack repairs are coming out of your pocket or the condo association's? This episode is for you.

Is it really possible to stop a Stone Foundation from leaking with mortar and foam insulation? Not for long. This episode covers a real life example.

So let's say a homeowner walks down to his basement for a game of pool during a thunderstorm because there is nothing to do outside. Just as he walks over to the pool stick rack to pick out his favorite cue, he notices water pouring from the closed window. This episode talks about what he should do and how to fix it.

In this real life case study, the Crackman talks about how he solved a seemingly insurmountable water leak in a retaining pond at a golf course.

It sounds like a horror story right out of a Stephen King novel but people are report big problems with rats and mice this time of year. The Crackman provides some simple DIY tips for keeping the vermin out of the house.

The Crackman shares with a real life case study about the futility of trying to stop basement water with "waterproofing paint." The Crackman has warned against this in the past but they did it anyway!

In this episode, the Crackman shares what he is seeing in the field, the 3 types of foundations people tend to paint, and what he recommends.

This episode covers what a stone foundation is, sheds light on the issues you will run into if you try to solve a stone foundation water problem with skim coating, and finally talks about how to properly fix a stone foundation.

In this episode we, have a very interesting case study to share today about an apartment building that was built with ICFs and survived a gas explosion due to their ability to flex and absorb shock waves.

For homeowners, having attractive walkways and sidewalks speaks volumes about the pride they have in their property. But the cost of neglecting a dangerous sidewalk or walkway could be more costly that just the aesthetics. A lawsuit could be lurking.

Last winter we did a podcast about the ills of pouring concrete when it's too cold. Now that it's summer, it's a good idea to talk about issues that can occur when you pour concrete when it's too hot.

It's hard to believe that an 8-feet long, 1/4 inch crack in the wall is like having a 5 and 1/2 inch hole in your foundation. The Crackman explains how.

Imagine waking up one morning, walking down to the basement, and wondering why your basement smells worse than a waste treatment plant. In this episode we discuss 5 ways that can that happen, how to inspect the possible causes, and what you can do about it.

It seems like most basement water problems come from rain. So how do you end up with water in the corners of your basement or garage with no rain? In this episode we discover why and what you can do about it.