Are There Good Temporary Foundation Wall Fixes?

Temporary foundation wall fixes are something that some less-reputable companies may suggest. Essentially, they’re trying to earn your business. By promising a fix that won’t fix the problem for good, the company is able to get your money, even though you’ll end up paying more for the fix over time.   

• Trying to Hide Drywall Cracks  

The concept of painting over your drywall cracks may be something you’re interested in, especially if you think the cracks are only surface level. However, painting over the drywall cracks won’t actually help any of the problems you’re experiencing. At best they might hide the cracks for a short period of time, and at worst, you’re avoiding addressing the real problems.  

If the crack is in a brick wall, you might consider adding more mortar on top of the crack. Brick walls tend to crack between the mortar and the brick itself, rather than cracking in the actual brick. Adding mortar to the top of the crack can seem like a great way to cover up the cracks, but it’s actually not. As with painting over the drywall cracks, it’s just going to make it seem like the crack is doing better than it is.  

• Removing the Temporary Fixes  

With many temporary fixes, especially when you’re adding something on top of the existing wall, you’re creating more work for the future. When you decide to fix the problem for good, you’re going to need to remove those temporary fixes. That typically means the fix will be more work, more time, and more money, which is frustrating for all parties involved.  

In general, it’s a bad idea to look for temporary fixes. Sure, they may seem like they’re a better deal, especially because they’re likely going to be less expensive on the surface. However, when you factor in the money, time, and energy you’ll spend removing and replacing those temporary fixes, you’re definitely better off starting with permanent fixes.