If you’re searching for some DIY foundation crack repair, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll share some step-by-step methods to fixing shrinkage cracks and other foundation problems yourself.
Considerations Before DIY Repair
Here are some factors to keep in mind before you dive into DIY foundation repair.
1. Have a relocation plan
With any structural change to a house, there’s the possibility that you might need to stay in another home while the DIY is underway. Any home repairs can burden you and your family, and not every task is straightforward. So ask a family member or a friend if you can temporarily relocate to their home should you need to.
2. Protect your home’s interior
The last thing you want is to create more jobs on your hand and increase your expenditure, so make sure to protect furniture and objects in your home from any dust or debris that could fall loose during the DIY. Use drapings or plastic covers on your furniture to keep things intact and consider moving items to another area or room while work is in action.
3. Consider landscaping
If you need to head outdoors to repair foundation cracks, think about preparing your landscaping in advance. This can include:
- Moving vehicles from the driveaway
- Removing items surrounding the job
- Relocating plants away from your home
Your space should be easily accessible and safe, so objects in the way could become a safety hazard.
Foundation Repair Cost
DIY Foundation Repair Cost
Homeowners needn’t spend a fortune on fixing foundation cracks if they’re experienced and knowledgeable about making the amendments themselves. Depending on the severity of the damage to your home’s foundation, it might only set you back a few hundred dollars to make the necessary repairs.
Professional Foundation Repair Cost
The average cost of professional repair can be in the thousands. This additional cost covers staff wages and varies depending on the repair method. For example, underpinning can cost $1,000–$3,000 per pier whereas concrete foundation jacking is typically between $600 and $1,600.
Save Money on Repair Costs
You can reduce the total cost of repairs by applying the below money-saving tricks.
1. Waterproofing
Waterproofing your home’s foundation is an effective step in preserving the foundation, and this cost could save you a fortune in huge foundation repairs.
2. Make priorities
Your family’s safety is paramount, but there will be some foundation cracks and repairs that are more severe than others. Speak to your structural engineer to prioritize the utmost important repairs, allowing you to save your money for additional repairs at a later date.
3. Consider a payment plan
Speak to your engineer about a payment plan to help you manage your money. This way, you won’t have to fork out hundreds (or thousands) of dollars in one go.
Foundation Crack Repair DIY Steps
Fix foundation cracks in your home with these easy-to-follow DIY steps.
1. Remove dirt from the foundation
Before you attempt to repair any structural problems, use a wire brush to remove any stubborn paint or previous solution in and surrounding the crack. You can also clean up any dust or debris using a vacuum. A clean surface is paramount to the epoxy injections working. The area must be dry before you begin, too.
2. Position the epoxy injections in place
Next, place the injection ports across the length of the crack, allowing roughly one inch on either side. Once you’ve glued or drilled the ports in place, bridge the crack with an epoxy paste to act as a sealer. The cracks are only ready for epoxy injection when the cracks are secured at all ports.
3. Inject the crack with epoxy
This is the most important step because it determines whether or not you successfully cover foundation cracks. When applying epoxy, start at the bottom of the crack and work upwards. If the paste travels between ports, you can lock off the port you’re injecting from.
The entire process is complete when the ports won’t accept any more epoxy. Allow the area to dry for up to 24 hours before touching the surface.
How to Prevent Foundation Damage
Here are some ways to protect your foundation wall to prevent issues like horizontal cracks and diagonal cracks from forming in the first place.
Improve Grading
One significant home improvement you can make is to make sure the grade slopes away from your home. This design prevents rainwater from making its way to your foundation, causing water damage. Improved grading directs water away from your home to avoid clogging and a damp crawl space.
Install Gutters
Adding gutters and downspouts to your roof is another method that prevents water from pooling around your foundation. You must regularly carry out maintenance to ensure that the gutters are dust — and debris — free to ensure that they direct water away from your property.
Keep Trees Away from Your Home
Large tree roots grow toward water, and if trees are planted near your home, there’s the risk that their roots will penetrate a foundation for a water source. If you already have a tree planted near your home, consider hiring a professional to relocate it farther away. The best thing to do this is in winter when they’re dormant.
Don’t Ignore a Wall Crack
It can be tempting to avoid repairing a wall crack until you think it’s big enough to be a concern. But even a small crack can be an indication there are foundation problems.
There are many reasons why cracks can form, such as temperature changes and foundation settlement. Hairline cracks are quite common in homes, but larger ones can indicate something is wrong.
Check for Leaks
Water leakage in the basement can be an early sign of a foundation issue. This is quite common when there aren’t any gutters installed or the grading is off, preventing water from running away from your home.
Repair Cracks Immediately
Ignoring cracks and waiting until they become a bigger problem before repairing them is a no-no. This way of thinking is asking for trouble and can put a lot of pressure on your home’s structure, leading to bigger issues down the line.
Other Considerations
If you’re new to foundation crack repair, consider hiring a professional team of experts to alleviate your stress and ensure the job is completed successfully and professionally.
