If you've spotted a gap between your foundation and nearby concrete, it's worth taking seriously.
When left open, the gap between your concrete and your home’s foundation can let in water, pests, and even cause future structural problems.
TL;DR
Sealing the gap where your concrete meets your house helps keep out water, pests, and problems like settling or foundation damage. If the gap isn’t protected, it can lead to costly repairs, so caulking it now can save you big headaches later.
In This Article
Why You Should Caulk Where Concrete Meets a House
Think of that gap where your driveway, porch, or patio meets your foundation as more than just a visual imperfection. It’s a vulnerability.
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Settling Concrete
The gap between a house and concrete allows water to wash under the slab and erode away the base that the slab is sitting on, causing it to settle over time.
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Water Damage
Water leaking through the concrete gaps next to a house can even cause water to intrude into a home’s foundation or basement.
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Pests
Caulking entry points for ants and other pests can help keep their populations down and out of your home.
How To Caulk the Gap Between Your House and Concrete
Caulking, not to be confused with sealing the surface of concrete, fills and seals the gap between concrete and your house with a flexible, water-resistant polymer.
- Clean the gap thoroughly. Dirt, weeds, old caulk all need to go.
- Insert backer rod if the gap is deep. It saves caulk and helps shape the bead.
- Apply polyurethane caulk, either self-leveling or non-sag.
- Blend with sand if desired, for a textured, natural finish.
Related Resource: How to Caulk Concrete
When You Can Skip Sealing the Gap
If the gap:
- Is enclosed or fully covered (e.g., under a porch roof),
- Doesn’t collect water,
- And you’re not battling pest issues...
…then caulking may not be necessary. But when in doubt, blocking water is usually the safer bet.
Maintaining Caulk Where Concrete Meets a House
Caulk between a house and concrete is there to plug up the gap and prevent water or pests from entering. If it no longer achieves this goal, it’s time to replace it.
Check annually:
- If it’s pulling away from the edges, add a bit of extra caulk.
- If water can slip through, re-caulk the whole section.
In freeze-thaw climates, expect more frequent touch-ups as expansion and contraction take their toll.
Should You DIY or Call in a Pro?
Caulking the gaps between your home and concrete as a DIY is possible, but it’s easy to mess up the appearance or miss prep steps that affect longevity.
If you want a clean, uniform look or just peace of mind that it’s done right, it’s smart to get a quote from a professional.
Seal the Gap Between Your Foundation and Concrete
If you’ve got gaps where your concrete meets your home, don’t wait. The longer water has a path under your slabs, the more damage it can do.
A-1 Concrete Leveling can help you get ahead of the damage, with a clean, professional caulking job that’s built to last.
Request your Free Estimate today.
Still Deciding?
- DIY Concrete Caulking Guide
- How Much Does Professional Concrete Caulking Cost?
- Types of Concrete Cracks and What They Mean
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of caulk should I use for concrete gaps?
Flexible concrete caulk is best as it forms a waterproof seal that moves with the expansion and contraction of the concrete.
Do I need a backer rod?
Yes, backer rod is recommended for cracks wider than ½ inch and at least an inch deep. It helps reduce the amount of caulk needed and helps improve performance.
Will caulking stop concrete from settling?
Caulking gaps in concrete helps prevent settling by blocking water intrusion and erosion. It will not completely prevent settling on its own if there are additional drainage issues at play.
Related Resource: How Water Affects Concrete: Downspouts, Gutters & Runoff
Concrete Gap and Crack Repair
Protect your concrete from settling and worsening cracks with professional concrete crack repair services.
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