How to Fix Cracks in House Walls

Cracks in the walls of your home can make your home look shabby, but they can cause bigger problems, especially if they're in exterior concrete walls. The cracks can allow water to enter your home, where it can cause damage to items inside your home while making the cracks bigger. If the cracks are an inch wide or larger, call a professional to inspect them as it can be a sign of damage to your foundation. But if the cracks are smaller, you can patch them yourself.

Hammer
Chisel
Wire brush
Wet/dry vacuum
Patching compound
Water
Putty knife
Concrete sealant

Instructions

- 1
  Dig into the wall to get beneath the crack with a hammer and chisel, going about 1/4 inch beneath the crack. This allows you access to where the concrete is still intact.
- 2
  Clean out the dust and debris with a stiff wire brush and a wet/dry vac.
- 3
  Prepare a batch of patching compound, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- 4
  Place the patching compound into the crack with a putty knife. Completely fill the crack with compound, then remove the excess compound with the putty knife, smoothing the surface as you do so. Allow the compound to cure for the time specified by the manufacturer.
- 5
  Wipe a wire brush over the surface of the patch so it blends in with the surrounding concrete.
- 6
  Cover the patch with concrete sealant, following the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

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