Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 241
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 226
- Appliance / Repair — 178
- Interior Design / Decor — 175
- Real Estate / Finance — 167
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 137
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 126
- Improvements / Remodeling — 115
- Doors / Garages — 110
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 109
- Plumbing / Basements — 104
- Safety / Security — 104
Latest Articles
5 Reasons To Choose Artificial Grass For Your Garden
Transforming your garden is an exciting time. There are so many things to consider and so many different things you can do in order to change a...
on Apr 12, 2021
What to Know When Choosing an Air Conditioner
You cannot blame yourself when you are currently shopping for a new aircon that you would be able to use for your home. You would want to use an...
on Apr 7, 2021
The Best Flowers for Great Curb Appeal
Right now is planting season and the beginning of yard work season. One of the biggest factors in quick and successful home sales is curb appeal....
on Apr 5, 2021
5 Signs for Homeowners to Repair vs Replace Their Roof
As a homeowner, you might have noticed some changes in your roof. And you need to figure out whether it means a roof repair or you have to change...
on Apr 5, 2021
Top Tips When Choosing Houseplants for Your Home
Your home is your castle. It is somewhere you can relax, unwind, and be yourself. In the modern digital world, this is becoming increasingly...
on Apr 5, 2021
Popular Articles
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
61731 Views
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
58956 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
54269 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
36015 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
23473 Views
How to Repair Small Foundation Cracks
by Peter Ruffin on Aug 11, 2017
Identifying early symptoms of foundation trouble can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. The sooner you spot problems, the easier and less costly they will be to fix.
The most common foundation issue homeowners encounter are cracks in their basement walls. The severity of the crack will determine needed remedies: either a simple and affordable fix you can do on your own or one that requires the expertise of a foundation repair professional.
The majority of cracks will not compromise the structural integrity of your home. That’s the good news.
The bad news is that small cracks – even hairline cracks – can create greater problems if not addressed appropriately. They can be an entry point for water, insects, and radon gas, and eventually may cause structural issues. Cracks wider than 1/16 of inch should be repaired as soon as possible.
Seek professional assistance if you notice any of the following:
- Cracks that run from the bottom to top of the wall
- Cracks that wrap around a corner of the foundation
- Cracks that run horizontally and bulging and curving in the wall is noticeable
- Growing or recurring cracks
The most common foundation cracks are horizontal hairline cracks caused by settling soil. Vertical and diagonal cracks, meanwhile, result from excessive moisture around the foundation that works its way into the concrete and/or causes soil to expand and put pressure on the foundation wall.
A wide range of materials and sealers can be used to patch small foundation cracks. Take the following steps to make repairs on your own:
1. Choose a sealer
For small and hairline cracks use a vinyl concrete patching compound or a cement mixture if the crack is wide enough. Polyurethane, silicone, latex concrete caulk, hydraulic cement, or epoxy injections are recommended for larger cracks.
2. Clear the crack
Remove loose concrete, paint, and old filling injections from the crack with a wire brush. Use a shop vacuum or air compressor to remove or blow out dust and debris.
3. Make sure the crack is dry
If the crack is wet, use a blow dryer and wait 10-15 minutes. If dry, proceed with the repair. If still damp, it means water is still leaking in, and you will have to wait until it dries out.
4. Patch the crack
For small cracks, apply patching compound or cement mixture with a paint brush. Work the liquid into the crack and then layer with a putty knife or trowel.
For larger cracks, use a caulking gun to apply polyurethane, silicone, or latex concrete caulk. If using epoxy or hydraulic cement, layer with a putty knife and follow instructions on the packaging.
5. Let dry
Once the patch is completely dry, apply waterproof masonry sealer with a paint brush directly on the patch to protect walls from water infiltration. Put on a second coat with large brush or roller, making sure to work thoroughly into the patch.
6. Prevent future cracks
The most effective way to protect your foundation from cracking is to keep excessive amounts of water away from it and the surrounding soil.
Do this by making sure gutters and downspouts are not damaged or clogged and functioning properly. Slope driveways and walkways away from the foundation. Finally, avoid planting shrubs and small trees close to your home as watering them adds more moisture to the soil.
Most Recent Articles
- Mar 9, 2021 How Retaining Walls Increase the Value of Your Home by Nick Marr
- Aug 29, 2018 Wallpaper Versus Paint: Which is the Better Choice for Your New Home? by Sam Smith
- Jul 12, 2018 Different Drywall Types and Fire Safety by Dale Johnson
- Jul 28, 2017 3 Ways to Deal With a Popcorn Ceiling by Jason Tilton
- Jan 13, 2016 Attic Fans Cause Headaches for Plumbers by Guest
Articles Archive
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
5 Reasons To Choose Artificial Grass For Your Garden
on Apr 12, 2021
Garden / Landscaping / Patio
Transforming your garden is an exciting time. There are so many things to consider and so many different things you can do in order to change a...
Is it Cheaper to Build Your Own Shed?
on Oct 4, 2018
Construction / Materials

If your home is becoming crowded with clutter and your garage is overflowing at the seams – to the point that you don’t even remember...
Random Articles
Keep Your Furnace Working Efficiently and without Problems
The furnace you use to heat your home has been designed to work extremely efficiently. This is especially true if it is a modern model, as the best...
It is What it is Over Your Head: Choosing Roof Shingles
Your house is not just a building; it’s your home. It’s also your shelter against the elements. Your roof is one of the most important elements of...
Contractors Save Time and Money - Really?
Not to put down contractors as a whole, but it seems that everyone has been there. Shoddy work, over budget, and stretching a project out for...
Manifest Your Privacy by a Do It Yourself Film!
In previous years, the technology of making glass films came into existence. There was general curiosity about it. Cars and huge automobiles were...
Carpet or Wood Flooring - the Pros and Cons
Looking to update the appearance of the interior of your home? What better way to freshen up the look of your rooms than replacing the flooring?...