You want a safe house and clear next steps. This short guide helps you spot small issues, track changes over time, and decide when to act. You’ll learn when a DIY kit can work and when to call a pro in Houston.
Simple assessments show whether a gap in concrete or a hairline in walls is cosmetic or a sign of more damage. We outline materials like epoxy and expanding urethane foam, common kit sizes, and what those choices mean for longevity.
We also connect you to local help. Call Duratech Texas Foundation Repair at (713) 849-4040 or visit 14620 Hempstead Rd F, Houston, TX 77040. Get fast help via https://duratechfoundationservices.com/contact-us/ and read more on the blog at https://duratechfoundationservices.com/blog/.
Quick view: you’ll get safety-first steps, cost and time expectations, and clear cues for when to call a Houston contractor.
Identify crack types and risk before you start
Begin by mapping every visible flaw so you know where to focus your inspection.
Start at the exterior and note orientation: vertical, diagonal, or horizontal. Mark whether lines sit near corners, openings, or long spans on the foundation wall.
Vertical and diagonal lines often come from normal concrete shrinkage or settling in the first year and usually measure less than 1/8 inch. A vertical crack wider than 1/8 inch near a corner is higher risk and should get a pro review.
Vertical, diagonal, and horizontal — what each means for your home
- Vertical/diagonal: usually hairline and cosmetic early on, common in a typical house.
- Horizontal: more serious — water‑soaked soil and heavy rains can push laterally and cause wall failure.
- Block foundations: check mortar joints for stair‑step patterns and any bowing of units.
Warning signs that require immediate professional help
Call Duratech Texas Foundation Repair at (713) 849-4040 if lines widen quickly after rain, change direction, or open wide enough for a dime. Also seek help when walls bulge or a floor slopes or feels unstable.
| Type | Typical cause | When to call |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical/Diagonal | Shrinkage or settling in first year | Wider than 1/8″ near corners |
| Horizontal | Lateral pressure from saturated soil | Bulging walls or rapid widening after heavy rains |
| Block / Mortar | Soil movement or freeze/thaw in exterior soil | Stair‑step pattern or unit bowing |
When in doubt, pause DIY plans. If you see multiple warning signs—moisture after rain, widening lines, or bulging walls—call (713) 849-4040 for a prompt assessment in Houston. You can also reach Duratech via https://duratechfoundationservices.com/contact-us/ or visit 14620 Hempstead Rd F, Houston, TX 77040.
Prep, monitor, and document to make smart repair decisions
Create a dated record for each visible line so you can spot growth over weeks and months.
Clean the surface first so pencil marks hold. Remove dust or loose paint before you mark ends and write the date beside each mark.
How to mark ends, log measurements, and track change over time
Mark both ends of each crack and note the date. Repeat at regular intervals and compare your marks to see if ends move.
- Measure width at the same spot using calipers or a feeler gauge and log the date and time.
- Photograph the same views from identical angles; include a small ruler and label images with the date for clear posts and views.
- Keep a simple log with location, orientation, length, width, and nearby signs like damp spots in a basement or musty smells.
“Dated marks and photos give pros clear context and speed diagnosis.”
| Action | Why it helps | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Mark ends with date | Shows movement over time | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Measure width | Detects tiny growth trends | Monthly or after storms |
| Photo with ruler | Provides clear posts and views for pros | Each session with measurements |
Distinguish stable hairline cracks from those that widen. If a crack extends rapidly or you spot bulging or sloping walls, stop monitoring and call a professional.
For questions during monitoring, contact Duratech Texas Foundation Repair at (713) 849-4040 or message us at https://duratechfoundationservices.com/contact-us/.
Foundation crack repair methods that work today
Match the scope of work to the product: some kits seal leaks, others restore strength.
DIY injection kits come in epoxy and polyurethane options. Urethane kits (10–20 ft) cost about $154–$279 and work with a standard caulking gun. They expand to block water, vapor, insects, and radon in a basement wall or concrete wall.
Epoxy injection to restore structural integrity
Use epoxy injection when the wall needs strength. Dual‑cartridge systems meter components and reduce waste. Kits run from ~6–10 ft ($229.51) up to 60 ft (~$994.40), so you can match kit size to the job.
Polyurethane foam for active leaks and lifting
Polyurethane foam seals active leaks fast and can lift settled slabs by filling voids. Choose foam kits for ongoing water entry or to stop water paths that allow moisture into a basement.
When to call a pro and common mistakes
If walls bulge, horizontal sections widen after heavy rains, or hydrostatic pressure is present, get professional foundation repair. Avoid surface patches, chiseling V‑grooves, or ignoring a growing gap—these often hide damage and fail over time.
| Method | Best use | Typical kit range |
|---|---|---|
| Urethane foam | Seal leaks, lift slabs | 10–20 ft ($154–$279) |
| Epoxy injection | Restore structural bond | 6–60 ft ($229–$994) |
| Professional service | Bulging walls, horizontal failures | On‑site estimate |
“Choose epoxy when strength matters; choose foam when stopping leaks matters.”
Prefer expert help? Call Duratech Texas Foundation Repair at (713) 849-4040 for inspections and foundation repair in Houston, or request service at https://duratechfoundationservices.com/contact-us/.
Secure your Houston home with Duratech Texas Foundation Repair
Duratech provides on-site evaluations that match fixes to the signs you log. Most foundations can be fixed even when visible damage looks severe. Epoxy restores wall strength and polyurethane foam seals leaks and lifts settled slabs.
If you see widening lines, uneven floors, or new water after a storm, schedule an inspection before the next rain. Call (713) 849-4040 or visit our office at 14620 Hempstead Rd F, Houston, TX 77040.
Read customer feedback and real project posts in our customer reviews, or contact us online at https://duratechfoundationservices.com/contact-us/. Learn more on the blog: https://duratechfoundationservices.com/blog/. See our Google profile: https://share.google/XHBZA2t9HY1EfF0RV.
