If you’ve ever driven by a house with cracks in the foundation, it can be hard to look past them. But don’t worry! You can fill exterior foundation cracks yourself and save money on costly professional repairs!
However, there are a few things you should know before getting started. This article will tell you everything you need to know about filling exterior foundation cracks, including the best materials to use and some helpful tips. Causes For Cracks in Foundation
Cracks in your foundation can happen for a number of reasons. The most common reason is that the house settles over time, and the foundation cracks. This is especially common in newer houses. Other causes of foundation cracks can include:
If you’re not sure what’s causing the cracks in your foundation, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional before you start trying to fix them yourself. They can help you determine the best course of action. Now that we’ve got that out of the way let’s get into how to fill exterior foundation cracks! The Interior and Exterior Warning Signs of a Cracked Foundation
There are a few warning signs that you should be on the lookout for foundation cracks. These can help you determine whether the issue is serious enough to warrant professional repairs or if you can handle it yourself.
Warning Signs For Interior
Warning Signs For Exterior
Gather the Required Resources
Once you’ve determined that the cracks in your foundation are indeed something you can fix yourself, it’s time to gather the resources you’ll need. For this project, you will need:
How to Fix Exterior Foundation Cracks? - X Step Tutorials
Many foundation cracks are common in both old and new homes. While they may look alarming, most cracks are caused by the normal settling of the house and are not a structural problem.
However, if the cracks are large or numerous, you may want to have them professionally evaluated to rule out any serious issues. Below we will show you how to fix foundation cracks yourself in just a few simple steps: Step 1: Use an Epoxy Sealer
One of the best materials you can use to fill exterior foundation cracks is an epoxy sealer. This sealer is specifically designed to fix cracks and bond with the concrete for a durable, long-lasting repair.
When you have a crack in the pavement, making sure it’s dry will help with repairs. If there are damp areas where water constantly seeps through and soaks into your cracks, wait for 15 minutes before continuing because otherwise, more concrete needs to be added, which can be expensive. Step 2: Block the Injection Ports
Once the epoxy sealer has had time to dry, you’ll need to block off the injection ports. This will help ensure that the epoxy sealer doesn’t leak out as you fill the cracks.
Step 3: Combine the Epoxy Sealer
Now it’s time to mix the epoxy sealer. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing, as this will vary depending on the brand and type of epoxy sealer you’re using.
Pro-Tip: Always use a clean knife and scrap board when mixing the epoxy sealer. This will help ensure an accurate mix and prevent staining of your tools. Step 4: Attach the Injection Port
Injection ports are small tubes that fit over the cracks and allow you to inject the epoxy sealer into the crack. To keep the sealer from getting pushed out of place, slide one finger down each edge and apply light pressure. Once it’s in place, press firmly against these newly installed ports until they’re tight enough for your liking!
Step 5: Spread the Sealer On the Crack
Now it’s time to apply the epoxy sealer to the crack. To do this, you’ll need to use a trowel. First, spread a generous amount of sealer over the crack. Then, use the trowel to push the sealer into the crack. Be sure to fill the crack or gap entirely and smooth out the surface.
Step 6: Inject the Epoxy Sealer Into the Crack
With the sealer in place, it’s time to inject the epoxy into the crack. Get your caulk gun and attach it to the injection port. Then, slowly squeeze the trigger until the epoxy sealer starts to fill the crack.
Step 7: Seal the Injection Ports
In order to prevent the epoxy sealer from leaking out, you’ll need to seal the injection ports. To do this, simply take a small amount of epoxy sealer and apply it around the edge of the port. Then, use your finger to smooth it out.
Step 8: Cut the Injection Ports
Once the epoxy sealer has had time to dry, you can cut off the injection ports. Often, the ports will pop off on their own. However, if they don’t, you can use a small cutter to remove them.
Conclusion
There are several ways to professional foundation repair cracks with affecting structural integrity, depending on the size of the concrete foundation crack and your own preference. For small cracks, caulk is usually the best option. Larger horizontal cracks may require a little more work, such as using an epoxy-based filler or sealant. No matter which method you choose, clean the crack thoroughly before filling it to ensure the best results.
Interested in learning more? See the most frequently asked questions on this topic. AuthorDavid is the lead content editor at RVA Paving Pros, a service for Richmond VA residents. In his spare time, David likes to travel, read about business and visit the finest italian restaurants in town!
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