Leaky Bulkhead in Wilmington - Why Repairing Your Cracked Concrete Bulkhead Beats Replacing It
When it comes to precast concrete staircases leading into cellars—commonly known as bulkheads—repair is often a smarter, more affordable, and durable solution compared to a full replacement. Bulkheads are notoriously prone to leaking, a problem we frequently encounter. If you’d like to learn more about the reasons behind this common issue, check out our detailed explanation on our Bulkheads page. For now, let’s focus on a recent project that perfectly illustrates our unique approach.
One of our recent clients in Wilmington, Massachusetts, was dealing with significant water intrusion through the deteriorated gasket between her precast bulkhead and the poured concrete foundation. This type of leak is common in older bulkheads, and we were ready to provide a permanent fix.
Interestingly, bulkheads in Massachusetts sometimes differ from those in Connecticut in terms of construction. In Massachusetts, the cold joint—where the precast bulkhead meets the foundation—is often positioned directly against the vertical first step rather than forming a clean horizontal seam on the floor. While this creates a slightly more challenging task when grinding out the crack in preparation for injection, our proven method is effective in either scenario.
Our Repair Process
The repair process began by sealing the ports into place with hydraulic cement. This ensures a watertight seal for the injection. Then, we slowly injected urethane to permanently seal the bulkhead joint. Urethane is an ideal material for this application because it expands to fill gaps and creates a flexible, watertight bond that adapts to natural movement over time.
Why Winter Repairs Are Beneficial
Many clients ask whether our injection method works during the winter months. For bulkheads, winter can actually be an ideal time for repairs. Here’s why: during the winter, the ground beneath the bulkhead is frozen, causing any moisture trapped below to expand and heave upward. This heaving creates the widest possible gap in the seam. By performing the injection at this point, we ensure that the urethane fills the maximum space. When the ground thaws in warmer weather, it compresses the seal even more tightly, further reinforcing the repair.
A Permanent Solution for Peace of Mind
Thanks to our effective injection method, our Wilmington client no longer has to worry about water seeping into her basement and damaging her stored items. The bulkhead is now permanently sealed, providing lasting protection and peace of mind.
When it comes to repairing cracking concrete bulkheads, don’t rush to replace them. A professional repair can save you time, money, and hassle while delivering a solution that stands the test of time. If you’re dealing with a leaking bulkhead, contact us today to learn more about how we can help.
