DIY Foundation Crack Epoxy Injection Repair: Cost, Method, Risks

There are two ways to repair foundation cracks with epoxy: a DIY epoxy repair kit or hiring a professional foundation contractor. The cost of a repair DIY kit ranges from $75 to $225, while hiring a foundation contractor can cost from $500 to $2,500, depending on the crack.(Reference source: https://renco.ca/diy-epoxy-foundation-crack-repair/)

How to Repair Foundation Cracks on Your Own with a DIY Epoxy Kit:

The low cost of DIY epoxy repair kits, along with helpful Youtube instructional videos, has inspired do-it-yourself homeowners to try their hand at repairs. The process is simple:

Step 1: Buy an Epoxy Foundation Crack Repair Kit

The most popular brand of DIY foundation repair kits is the SIKA Crack Injection Kit. These kits can be purchased at Home Depot for $90

Step 2: Surface Preparation:

For cracks less than 1/4 inch wide, use a hammer and chisel to open the crack, creating a small V-shape. Use an air compressor to remove any debris from the crack.

Step 3: Install “T” Shaped Injection Ports (Included in Kit)

These ports help the resin material penetrate deeper into the crack. Install these ports evenly spaced (6 – 8 inches) and centered in the crack. You can use a glue gun to secure them in place. Once completed, spray the crack with water to ensure the Skiaset plug is properly bonded

Step 4: Mix Hydraulic Mortar:

The mixture sets very quickly (1-2 minutes), so mix a small amount of mortar with water until you get an even consistency.

Step 5: Apply Mortar Around the Plug

Apply mortar along the surface of the crack and around the ports.

Risks of DIY Epoxy Repair Kits:

While cost-effective, the risks are high. DIY foundation repairs can fail if not done correctly, and exterior injection and waterproofing repairs are the only way to ensure the cracks are sealed. The cost of exterior crack repairs, which includes excavation around the foundation and application of a waterproofing membrane, can start at $5,000 and up.（Reference source: https://renco.ca/diy-epoxy-foundation-crack-repair/）

The most common reason DIY repairs fail is when the cavity behind the foundation crack is large and has multiple points of failure. In this case, a DIY repair kit will not seal the problem, and the crack may begin to leak in the future, resulting in the need for a more expensive professional repair later.

Reasons to Choose a Professional for Epoxy Crack Injection:

There are three main reasons to choose a professional contractor for foundation crack repair:

Transferable Warranties:

Professional foundation contractors often guarantee their work with a transferable warranty. This means that even if you sell your home, the new homeowner will benefit from warranty coverage for the crack.

Quality of Materials:

Foundation contractors use professional-grade epoxy for their injections, which you can’t buy at a home improvement store. When cracks are larger, contractors may use multiple injection ports and 2-3 times the amount of material included in a DIY kit to seal the crack.

Advice and Inspections:

Repairing cracks is usually not enough. Homeowners need to understand the severity of the cracks, the cause, whether there are more cracks, and whether there are any other issues with the foundation. This advice is crucial if you are completing a basement renovation. The last thing you want to do is complete a basement renovation only to find out about foundation and water damage for years to come.

So, while DIY epoxy kits are a cost-effective solution to repair minor foundation cracks, the risks to homeowners are high. Even if you repair the cracks yourself, it’s wise to contact a foundation professional for advice beforehand.