Repairing A Home's Concrete Foundation

Anna
by Anna
I have an older house with a concrete foundation that my dog has clawed several large gaping holes into the concrete. Is there a save DIY fix to repair these openings or am I looking at having to hire a professional foundation repair company?

  8 answers
  • All depends on how extensive the damage is. Can you post a photo?



    • See 1 previous
    • Not really sure from this photo. But I can see your dog having a fun time digging the hole! Just to be sure get a few estimates or have a consult with a licensed contractor or structural engineer. I would be concerned with water intrusion undermining the rest of the foundation. Better to be safe than sorry.

  • Sonya Sonya on May 26, 2018

    Yes there is. Move...

  • 27524803 27524803 on May 26, 2018

    If the dog can claw holes in a cement foundation... you have a lot more to be concerned about.... HomeAdvisor.com or Angieslist.com can give you a listing of reference checked, verified Structural Engineers, and Foundation specialists.... consult with one or more and find out exactly what is going on with your foundation..... the longer you wait... the more it will cost to fix it... and it could cost you the whole house.

  • Some Old Lady Some Old Lady on May 26, 2018

    If your dog digs in cement the DOG has a problem! I think a concrete pre-mixture would work but I doubt your dog will not stop scratching/digging the cement! Perhaps you can keep dog out of the basement, but watch the outside foundation if it is concrete! Lol

  • Some Old Lady Some Old Lady on May 26, 2018

    Oops....sorry....mis read your question but my answer should work for exterior concrete holes also. If the dog still tries to do his scratching perhaps you could attach lattice onto those areas? Would not look bad either? Just as a side, I wonder if the dog is trying to get at varmintsvetc that may be under your house? Dogs do not generally scratch holes, big or small, in concrete? Just a thought.

  • Some Old Lady Some Old Lady on May 26, 2018

    Put wire mesh at back of holes and then fill with concrete mixture (gently so not to disturb mesh) and smooth over. Could place lattice around concrete area....looks nice also.

    I wonder if your dog is trying to get to what he may be hearing under your house??? You may want to have someone look into that possibility??

  • Anna Anna on May 26, 2018

    He is digging in the outside area

  • Andra Andra on May 26, 2018

    I believe some Portland cement that you can mix yourself and pour should work. Fill in sand above the dirt and compact.

    I'd also see about blocking the areas so the dog can't damage (or at least, really has to work at it!) ;D I'd worry about him/her harming paws and other body parts if he/she continues. Hope you find some useful tips!