Cementing Cracks Outside

[Tomsa]

Hello: I have rain coming in the basement because there is a crack between the wall and the ground just under the cellar window(outside) It is about 4 feet long.and above the cellar window (inside which is the length of the window about a foot and a half)!
Now this crack has some tar (someone used) to fill it and keep out the rain, and there are also about 6 thick wooden branches coming from the crack about 2 inches high.
First how can I get rid of these thick branches before fixing the cracks?

Second what is the best thing to use inside this crack, i dont think i can get the tar out, so should I use tar again to fill it up?

There are also other cracks that are clean and more narrow, (maybe only a foot each long) what is best to fill them too? I would appreciate any help with this, Thanks!

[kbear]

Your description is a little confusing. You say the crack is below the window, then you say it is above it. ?

If you are referring to a crack in the cement you can use polyurethane or epoxy crack fillers. The 'branches' need to be removed by digging down and cutting them out since they may be living roots and further growth will cause new cracks.

It sounds as though you need an additional prevention method to divert water. You may need to dig around the foundation on that side of the house and install some drain pipes to a dry well or at least reset the landscaping so the soil will help guide the water to flow away from the house. Sometimes a small change in the ground topography can mean a big difference in water influx.