Can I Fix Concrete Cracks Myself?

The category of concrete cracks is broader than you might think. You won’t always be able to determine what caused a concrete crack to form based on a first glance, either. Instead, you’ll want to take in the conditions surrounding the crack in your concrete to better understand why your foundation may have suffered as it did. As you are sussing out a concrete crack, keep a weathered eye out for:  

• Mold growth 
• Unusual degrees of dampness 
• Rapidly dropping temperatures 
• Water damage 
• Seepage  

Not all cracks are going to leak, but most leaks in your home stem from undiscovered cracks. As such, if you spot water damage in your home, you can often follow the flow back toward the spot that’s suffered the most damage. Alternatively, you can reach out to a professional in your area for a home inspection and a free quote on those services that can restore your home to its original condition. 

Should You Invest in a DIY Concrete Crack Solution? 

That said, what if you don’t want to reach out to a professional? Is it possible to fix concrete cracks on your own? 

You can fill concrete cracks on your own, but it is extremely difficult to fix these cracks with a DIY solution. Concrete cracks tend to be the result of significant hydrostatic pressure outside of your home. These cracks can form vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or along caulk lines depending on how that pressure interacts with the materials supporting your home. If you don’t make a point to understand what that interaction might look like, you may end up doing more harm than good if you try to fix a crack without guidance from a professional. 

Will a DIY Solution Save Me Money? 

Many homeowners prefer to consider DIY solutions to their problems because they are under the impression that those solutions will save them money. When it comes to foundation repair, this is not the case. Not only do the materials and tools you need to repair this kind of damage cost a pretty penny, but the process of excavating your foundation, should the need arise, is not one you want to take on without help. Given the unique catalog of home repair solutions most contractors have ready access to, you’re more likely to find yourself saving money when working with a contractor. 

Will a DIY Solution Protect My Home? 

In the same vein, do not expect a DIY solution, be it intensive or as simple as caulking a crack, to protect your home from water damage in the long term. Caulking, in particular, does not tend to last long and can only buy you some time if you wish to pursue a more comprehensive solution. 

In some cases, attempting to use a DIY solution to tend to a crack in your wall can cause that crack to widen or a leak to worsen. With that in mind, there’s no harm in reaching out to a professional who has the experience to know what repair methods will work best with the cracks that have appeared in your home.