Foundation Crack Repair: DIY or Professional Fix?
Cracks in your home’s foundation can be alarming and not all of them mean the same thing. Some are minor cosmetic issues, while others point to serious structural foundation damage. The question is: should you grab a DIY concrete repair kit, or is it time to call a professional?
At Foundation Solutions Group, we want to help you understand the difference between cosmetic cracks and structural foundation red flags that need expert repair, so you can make the right call for your home.
Understanding Foundation Cracks
Not all foundation cracks are the same and not all of them mean your home is in trouble. Some are simple cosmetic cracks caused by concrete curing or minor settling. Others, however, can be signs of deeper foundation issues like structural movement, soil shifting, or water pressure buildup beneath your home.
Knowing how to tell the difference is the first step in deciding whether a DIY foundation crack repair is safe or if it’s time to call a professional foundation repair company for help.
Hairline Cracks
- What they are: Hairline foundation cracks are thin, surface-level cracks that usually appear due to natural concrete curing, shrinkage, or minor foundation settling. These are very common in both new and older homes and typically aren’t a sign of structural damage.
- DIY Solution: If the crack isn’t widening and you’re not noticing issues like sticking doors or uneven floors, a simple DIY crack repair using concrete caulk or a foundation crack repair kit can help seal it up and prevent moisture from getting in.
Larger Cracks (Wider than ¼ Inch)
- What they mean: These are often a sign of something more serious, like foundation settlement, poor soil compaction, or even pressure from growing tree roots. These wider cracks may also point to ongoing movement beneath your home caused by hydrostatic pressure or drainage problems.
- Professional Solution: High-strength epoxy injection is sometimes used, but keep in mind—it only bonds the concrete, not the root cause of the issue. Hydrostatic pressure from water in the soil is often the real culprit. If the soil is shifting or water is building up around your foundation, the real issue needs a long-term solution from a foundation repair specialist.
Cracks in Block Walls
In our region, many homes are built with concrete block foundation walls, which respond differently to pressure than poured concrete. While they’re extremely strong vertically, block walls are more vulnerable to lateral pressure from expanding soil or water buildup around the home. That pressure can cause specific cracking patterns that often signal serious foundation problems.
Hydrostatic Cracks
- Run horizontally across the wall, often joined by stair-step cracks at the corners.
- Caused by expanding soil pushing against the foundation wall.
- Signs of wall bowing and early stages of foundation wall failure.
Settlement Cracks
- Stair-step patterns at corners, sometimes paired with vertical cracks.
- Caused by soil shifting or water erosion beneath the foundation.
- Wider cracks or those crossing solid blocks indicate advanced foundation settlement.
Important: Block walls are very strong vertically, but weak when exposed to lateral forces. Any cracks here usually mean a foundation problem, not just cosmetic damage.
When to Call a Professional
Some cracks are clear signs that it’s time to call a foundation repair expert. If you notice any of the following, don’t wait:
- Cracks wider than ¼ inch
- Growing or spreading cracks
- Stair-step cracks in concrete block walls
- Horizontal cracks or signs of bowing or wall deflection
- Cracks in load-bearing walls or exterior foundation walls
These could be symptoms of serious foundation damage, and if left untreated, they can lead to full foundation wall failure or even collapse in extreme cases.
Protect Your Home From the Ground Up
DIY crack repair kits might provide a short-term fix, but they won’t address the underlying foundation problems like soil movement, hydrostatic pressure, or long-term settlement. At Foundation Solutions Group, we don’t just patch the surface. We find the root cause of foundation cracks and recommend lasting, professional solutions that protect your home from future damage.
Don’t guess when it comes to your home’s structure. Schedule a free foundation inspection today, because a quick evaluation now could save you from costly repairs down the road.
Written By Shaun Miller, Owner Foundation Solutions Group
Shaun Miller is the owner of Foundation Solutions Group, a trusted foundation repair and waterproofing company serving South Central Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. With over 20 years of experience, Shaun is committed to delivering quality craftsmanship and ensuring that every project is done right the first time, backed by the company’s “Fix-It-Forever Guarantee.” Passionate about educating homeowners, Shaun leads the company’s "Solutions University" initiative to help clients protect their homes through knowledge and preventative care. Dedicated to his community, Shaun also supports local organizations and values the trust his customers place in him.