How to fix concrete cracks near garage foundation
Fixing foundation cracks requires clearing away debris and filling the gaps with a concrete patch. However, the root problem is poor water drainage, so you must also clear downspouts and ensure the ground slopes away from the house to stop future damage.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Using concrete filler caulk or concrete patch to fill the cracks
- 2Installing a gutter extension or white flex-a-spout to move water away from the foundation
- 3Digging a trench to bury drainage and grading the ground to slope away from the house
- 4watching YouTube videos
- 5digging out loose material and patching with matching material
- 6addressing outside issues like gutters and drains before plugging the interior hole
- 7replacing the material
- 8hiring a professional
- 9patching gaps with masonry
- 10removing loose bricks and filling empty space under the concrete pad with crushed rock
- 11Asking concrete professionals instead of plumbers
- 12Backfilling with sand, settling with water, and adding drainage rock before pouring concrete
- 13Using backer rod and self-leveling sealant
- 14Packing sand into larger gaps before applying sealant
- 15Using a tube of concrete crack filler, keeping in mind that it dries darker than when wet
- 16Using gray colored body filler like Bondo to fill small cracks and holes quickly
- 17painting over it with foundation paint
- 18sealing the concrete before covering it
- 19keeping water off as best as possible
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“Dug up the bathroom pipes for a repipe. When done, how would you recommend i fill the hole.”source ↗
“How do i tie into the old mesh wire ? Drilling rebars in or just new mesh wire?”source ↗
“How do I prevent voids?”source ↗
“Would you recommend i make the edges square with a 7 inch masonry blade or just send it ?”source ↗
“Our 112yo home has a small hole/void in the foundation, and I’m looking for advice on the best way to patch it.”source ↗
“Should I get this fixed, or can I paint over it with foundation paint?”source ↗
“Looking for recommendation on the best way to approach filling these small holes in my concrete walkway/steps. Any recommendations for something that will match closely color wise or at least not stand out too much? And any technique suggestions?”source ↗
“I recently bought a new home in Cincinnati Ohio with cracks here in the concrete (I think that is what this is) on the bottom left of the garage. How do I go about making this right?”source ↗
“Cracked concrete around wood post... now sure what I should do... I know nothing about this, please help.”source ↗
“I had similar thing in my garage corner last year first clear all that debris so downspout can actually direct water away from house then you can fill those cracks with concrete patch but the real fix is making sure ground slopes away from foundation”source ↗
“Determining whether to use cement or mortar or similar”source ↗
“First-time homeowner here, and I’m definitely not very handy, so I could use some advice.”source ↗
“We had a flood about two weeks ago, and during the heavy rain, water was coming in through the bottom of this crack.”source ↗
“What would be the proper way to repair this? Should I seal it from the inside, outside, or both? And what type of product/material would you recommend?”source ↗
“I want to make sure I fix the actual problem and not just cover it up temporarily.”source ↗
“How do I go about fixing gaps like this in my sidewalk?”source ↗
“I don’t have the funds to have a company come out and redo the sections of sidewalk.”source ↗
“What can I do or use to fill the cracks and ideally prevent new weeds from growing?”source ↗
“i noticed when water runs down into that crack where the bricks meet that it just disappears and i don't see it exit at the base - also we have had a bug issue in the house so it made me wonder if this could be a source inside there.”source ↗
“You do need to seal the gaps but depending on how long this has been going on the fill under that concrete may have been displaced in some areas.”source ↗
“Water on the surface goes into the large cracks in concrete by the brick edge and I have no idea where it goes.”source ↗