Search
Close this search box.

How to Fix Cracks in Your Foundation from the Outside

Table of Contents

If you find a crack in your foundation, the best approach you can take is to hire a professional foundation team to diagnose the cause of that crack and whether or not it needs immediate repairs. In some cases, that professional may determine it is best to repair your foundation from the outside. This article will detail the steps required to perform that job. But first, let’s discuss the reasons why your foundation may become cracked in the first place.

Reasons Why You Have a Crack in Your Foundation

There are many different reasons why your foundation may become cracked. While some cracks are normal and harmless, others indicate that your foundation requires considerable repairs. Below is a list of some of the most common causes of foundation cracks:

  • Normal foundation settling: Hairline cracks that appear within the first year after construction are often the result of normal foundation settling. While it is a good idea to keep an eye on these types of cracks in case they worsen, they are typically benign and nothing to worry about.
  • Differential foundation settling: While some settling is normal, other forms are not. If your foundation settles excessively or unevenly, it can result in significant cracks that require repair. At times, these cracks will be large enough to allow water to seep in.

Differential foundation settlement refers to when different parts of a building’s foundation settle into the ground at varying rates.

  • Concrete curing: Cracks in your foundation can appear as the result of the normal concrete curing process. Similar to cracks that arise after normal foundation settling, curing cracks are often thin and relatively harmless.
  • Hydrostatic pressure: Your foundation walls are responsible for holding back a significant amount of weight in the form of soil. When that soil becomes waterlogged, the weight increases, and so does the hydrostatic pressure on your wall. When that pressure reaches a certain point, your foundation may begin to fail, causing cracks to appear.

Hydrostatic Pressure It’s when the weight of moisture adds pressure to a structure.

  • Poor construction techniques: Sometimes, the cracks in your foundation could be the result of poor construction techniques. If your builder cuts corners or makes mistakes during construction, it’s likely that cracks will form shortly afterward.

Figuring out whether or not you should worry about the cracks in your foundation can be challenging. In general, however, if your cracks are horizontal, considerably deep, and wide (or they allow moisture to get in), this means they require the attention of a skilled professional.

Fixing Cracks from the Outside

If your foundation professional determines it is necessary to fix the cracks in your foundation, they may choose to perform those repairs from the outside. Below are the general steps they will take to perform that service:

If your foundation professional determines it is necessary to fix the cracks in your foundation, they may choose to perform those repairs from the outside.

  1. Locate the crack: Step one involves locating the crack in your foundation and setting up a work area in which all the following steps will take place.
  2. Excavate around the crack: After finding the crack, the next step is to expose the entirety of the crack via excavation. By digging a large hole next to your foundation, your repair team will have direct access to the crack to ensure they are able to repair it fully.
  3. Clean the area: Once the team has exposed the entire crack, they will then clean the exterior of your foundation. Cleaning this surface will make it easier to apply the materials necessary for the next two steps.
  4. Apply cement: One of the most common ways to seal a foundation crack from the outside is to apply cement to the crack. After the cement has dried, the crack will no longer be visible on the exterior surface of your foundation wall.
  5. Install waterproofing materials: The next step after sealing the crack with cement is to apply a waterproofing material (typically some form of vapor barrier). Applying this waterproofing will protect the repairs and make it less likely that water can seep into your basement.
  6. Fill the hole: The final step in the process is replacing the excavated soil to fill the hole.

Although this process sounds relatively simple, you should know that performing it requires considerable skills and experience. As such, it is always best to rely on professional assistance rather than attempt to repair foundation cracks on your own.

Can You Fix Foundation Cracks from the Inside?

While fixing foundation cracks from the outside is a viable option, there are many cases in which it may be more advantageous to repair cracks from the inside. Whether your foundation professional performs repairs from the outside or the inside generally depends on the severity of the cracks and how easy it is to access them.

Simply put, some cracks are easier to access from the inside for repairs, while others are more accessible from the outside. Additionally, it is more common to repair small hairline cracks from the inside. In contrast, large cracks that indicate significant structural damage will likely need attention from the outside.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to repair your foundation from the inside or the outside is one that your foundation repair team should make. This is just another reason why it is so important for homeowners to establish a trusting relationship with a foundation expert in their area.

Get Your Foundation Cracks Fixed

Don’t waste too much time trying to decide on your own whether or not you should repair your foundation cracks from the outside. Instead, if you live in Southern California, Nevada, or Arizona, reach out to Dalinghaus Construction for a free evaluation.

Our team has the skills and experience to fix nearly any foundation crack. We also offer plenty of other services, including concrete repair, crawl space repair, seawall repair, and much more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can serve you!

WRITTEN BY

Brian Dalinghaus

Brian is one of the Co-Founders of Dalinghaus Construction. He has been in the foundation repair industry since 2005. During his career, he has been associated with helping over 4,000 homes and structures throughout California and Arizona.

Related Posts

hillside repair
Learn some of the best techniques for hillside repair and slope stabilization to keep your hillsides in place and prevent erosion.
how to fill void under concrete slab
Learn how to fill a void under concrete slabs to ensure stability and longevity. Explore expert steps and methods in this concise guide.
retaining wall tie backs
Explore retaining wall tiebacks with our guide. Ideal for homeowners seeking insight into their property's structural support.
Retaining wall anchors
Discover the importance of anchors for retaining walls' stability and safety. A must-read for homeowners looking to protect their property.
Foundation Problems
Is it safe to live in a house with foundation problems? Find out if you should stay or leave immediately in this article.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *