What drives the price
Injection is skilled work with specific materials - ports are fitted along the crack, the surface is sealed, and resin is injected under pressure until it fills the full depth of the wall. The price gap between sealing a crack and correcting a moving foundation is enormous, which is why the diagnosis matters more than the repair.
- Crack width, length and whether it goes through the wall
- Whether the crack is stable or still moving
- Epoxy versus polyurethane - epoxy for structural, polyurethane for water
- Access, and whether excavation outside is needed
- Whether drainage correction is included, since water usually caused it
Should you DIY this or call a professional?
Call a pro, mostly for the diagnosis. Hairline vertical cracks in poured concrete are common and often harmless; horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in block, and anything wider than about a quarter inch suggest movement and need a structural engineer rather than a waterproofing salesman. Paying a few hundred for an independent engineer before accepting a five-figure quote is the best money in this entire category.
Signs you need this repair
- Water seeping through a basement wall during rain
- Cracks that have visibly widened over months
- Horizontal cracking or bowing in a block wall
- Doors and windows upstairs sticking
- Gaps opening between walls and ceilings
How to not get overcharged
Get an independent structural engineer's opinion before accepting any repair over about $3,000 - engineers sell judgement rather than repairs, so their incentive differs from a contractor's. Ask whether the crack has been monitored over time or judged on one visit, and get the warranty in writing with its transferability at resale.
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Red flags to watch for
- A five-figure pier quote on a first visit with no engineer involved
- Free inspections that always find major structural problems
- Scare language about the house being unsafe with nothing measured
- A warranty that dies if you sell the house
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to repair a foundation crack?+
Sealing a foundation crack typically runs $500-$1,500, averaging near $800 for epoxy or polyurethane injection. Structural repair with piers runs $5,000-$25,000 and is a different job entirely.
Can I repair a foundation crack myself, or should I hire a professional?+
Call a pro, mostly for the diagnosis. Hairline vertical cracks in poured concrete are common and often harmless; horizontal cracks, stair-step cracks in block, and anything wider than about a quarter inch suggest movement and need a structural engineer rather than a waterproofing salesman. Paying a few hundred for an independent engineer before accepting a five-figure quote is the best money in this entire category.
How long does it take to repair a foundation crack?+
2-4 Hours for Injection Work. Scheduling and parts availability can extend the overall timeline beyond the hands-on work itself.
What makes the price of this job go up or down?+
Crack width, length and whether it goes through the wall. Whether the crack is stable or still moving. Epoxy versus polyurethane - epoxy for structural, polyurethane for water. Access, and whether excavation outside is needed. Whether drainage correction is included, since water usually caused it.
How do I avoid being overcharged?+
Get an independent structural engineer's opinion before accepting any repair over about $3,000 - engineers sell judgement rather than repairs, so their incentive differs from a contractor's. Ask whether the crack has been monitored over time or judged on one visit, and get the warranty in writing with its transferability at resale.