The short answer
What an Inside Patch Can Do
An interior patch with hydraulic cement or epoxy can stop air and minor moisture from coming through a small crack. You clean the crack, dampen it, and press the patching material in with a trowel. This can slow down a leak and make the wall look better for a while.
But an inside patch does not fix the problem. Water still sits against the outside of the wall. Over time, the crack can grow, and the patch can fail. If the crack is wide, jagged, or letting in a lot of water, an inside fix is not enough.
Why the Crack Formed
Foundation cracks usually come from water pressure, soil settling, or poor drainage. If water pools around your foundation, it pushes against the wall and can cause cracking. If the soil under the foundation shifts, the wall can move and crack.
You need to find the source before you repair anything. Look at the gutters, downspouts, and the slope of the ground. Fixing the drainage outside is often the real solution. Without that, any inside patch is just a band-aid.
- Check that downspouts carry water away from the house
- Make sure the ground slopes away from the foundation
- Look for standing water near the walls after rain
- Inspect the crack width and whether it is growing
- Notice if the crack leaks water during heavy rain
When to Call a Pro
You should call a pro if the crack is wider than a hairline, if it is getting bigger, or if you see water coming through. A pro can look at the crack and the soil around your house. They can tell you if the foundation is stable or if it needs more serious work.
Foundation work often involves digging outside the wall, fixing drainage, or installing a waterproofing membrane. These are not inside jobs. The pros have equipment to dig and the knowledge to fix the root cause. Trying to do that yourself can be risky and may not hold.
What a Pro Might Do
A pro might start by excavating the soil outside the crack. They can then apply a waterproof coating to the outside wall and install a drainage system. This stops water from pressing against the foundation in the first place.
If the crack is due to soil movement, the pro might recommend foundation stabilization. That work involves underpinning or soil treatment to stop the movement. An inside patch would not address this at all. The pro will explain what the crack looks like and what caused it before they start.
- Excavating the outside of the wall to reach the crack
- Applying a waterproof membrane to the exterior wall
- Installing a French drain or sump pump to manage water
- Using piers or grouting to stabilize the foundation
- Sealing the crack from the outside before backfilling
Check Your Insurance Policy
Foundation cracks can be costly to fix, so you may wonder if your insurance covers it. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Some policies cover sudden water damage, but gradual settling or poor maintenance is often excluded.
Read your policy and ask your insurance company directly. You can also talk to a pro about what the repair involves and how much it typically costs. The cost depends on the size of the crack, the cause, and how much digging is needed. Do not wait too long, because a small crack can turn into a big problem.
Talk to someone now
Phones are answered 24/7 for Rogers and nearby communities.
Call Now (479) 370-1500Frequently asked questions
Can I use caulk to fill a foundation crack from inside?
Caulk is not a good idea for foundation cracks. It is flexible and can peel off, and it does not stop water pressure. Hydraulic cement or epoxy is better for a temporary patch. But the real fix is outside the house, not inside the wall.
How do I know if a foundation crack is serious?
Look at the width and direction. A hairline crack that does not grow is often less serious. A crack wider than a quarter inch, one that is horizontal, or one that lets in water is a concern. If the wall is bowing or the crack keeps growing, call a pro to inspect it.
Will fixing the drainage outside stop the crack from getting worse?
Often, yes. Most foundation cracks come from water pressure. If you direct water away from the walls, the pressure drops, and the crack may stop growing. But if the soil is shifting, drainage alone may not be enough. A pro can tell you the exact cause.