You’ve noticed a crack in your concrete, and now you’re wondering what it’ll cost to fix. Whether it’s a thin line snaking across your driveway or a concerning gap in your foundation, getting accurate pricing information shouldn’t feel like guesswork.

The reality is that concrete crack repair costs vary dramatically from under $20 for a simple DIY fix to several thousand dollars for structural repairs. The difference comes down to the type and severity of the crack, and whether you tackle it yourself or hire a professional.

I’ve put together this guide to give you real-world numbers for both approaches. You’ll learn exactly what different repairs cost, when DIY makes sense versus when you need a contractor, and what factors drive pricing up or down.

By the end, you’ll know how to budget appropriately and make a confident decision about fixing those cracks. No inflated estimates, no confusing jargon, just clear cost breakdowns and practical advice for your specific situation.

Average Cost to Repair Concrete Cracks

Most homeowners pay between $300 and $800 for professional concrete crack repair, though costs range from under $100 for simple DIY fixes to over $6,000 for major structural work.

DIY Repair Cost

Cost range: $10–$100, depending on crack size and materials chosen.

For minor concrete cracks, DIY repair is affordable and straightforward. A tube of concrete crack sealant costs $8–$15 at any hardware store, while higher-quality epoxy or polyurethane fillers run $20–$40 per kit.

For larger projects, you might need concrete patching compound ($15–$30 per gallon) and basic finishing tools. The total investment remains budget-friendly, especially when you’re handling multiple small repairs across your property.

Tools required:

• Wire brush or grinder for cleaning ($10–$30)
• Caulking gun if using sealant ($5–$15)
• Trowel or putty knife ($5–$12)
• Safety glasses and gloves ($5–$10)

Cost examples by crack size:

• Hairline crack (under 1/8″ ): $10–$20 (single tube of sealant)
• Medium crack (1/8 “–1/4 “): $30–$60 (sealant plus patching compound)
• Multiple small cracks: $50–$100 (bulk materials and tools)

Professional Repair Cost

Cost per linear foot: $3–$15, depending on crack severity and repair method.

Most contractors charge a minimum service fee of $200–$400 to show up, which typically covers basic assessment and repair of minor cracks. This minimum exists because the equipment, insurance, and expertise required for concrete work create fixed costs regardless of crack size.

Even a quick 30-minute repair job requires contractors to mobilize their equipment, travel to your location, and carry proper licensing and insurance. Understanding this helps you decide when professional service makes financial sense and when it’s better to tackle repairs yourself.

Tools required:

• Professional-grade epoxy injection equipment
• Commercial concrete routing and grinding tools
• Industrial sealants and bonding agents
• Safety equipment and liability insurance coverage

Price examples for different crack sizes:

• Single hairline crack: $200–$300 (usually hits the minimum fee)
• 10-foot medium crack: $300–$500 (materials, labor, and surface prep)
• 20-foot structural crack: $600–$1,200 (may require injection or routing)
• Foundation crack with water issues: $1,500–$6,000+ (structural repair with waterproofing)

Cost by Crack Type

Not all cracks cost the same to fix. The width, depth, and cause of a crack dramatically affect both material needs and labor time.

Hairline Cracks

Price: $1–$3 per linear foot DIY, $100–$300 professional

Hairline cracks (under 1/8″ wide) are the easiest and cheapest to repair. These surface-level cracks typically result from concrete shrinkage during curing or minor settling.

A simple concrete crack filler or vinyl patching compound does the job effectively. DIY repair takes 30–60 minutes and costs $10–$30 in materials for most homeowners.

Professional repair is quick but often hits the minimum service fee. This makes it less cost-effective unless you have multiple cracks or want a warranty covering the work.

Medium Cracks (1/8″–1/4″)

Price: $5–$8 per linear foot DIY, $300–$800 professional

Medium-width cracks require more substantial repair than simple surface filling. You’ll need to clean the crack thoroughly and, if necessary, widen it slightly with a grinder for better adhesion.

Then fill with a quality concrete patching compound or epoxy for lasting results. DIY costs run $30–$100, depending on crack length and whether you own the tools.

Professional repair costs more because contractors use commercial-grade materials. They also employ techniques such as routing and sealing to prevent cracking over time.

Structural or Deep Cracks

Price: $500–$6,000+ professional (not recommended for DIY)

Wide cracks (over 1/4″), diagonal cracks, or cracks that go through the full depth signal structural issues. These require professional assessment and often specialized repair methods, such as epoxy injection or slab leveling.

Foundation cracks that allow water intrusion require both structural repair and waterproofing. Costs vary widely based on severity, accessibility, and whether underlying soil or drainage problems need to be addressed.

This isn’t DIY territory; improper repair can significantly worsen the damage. Always hire a licensed structural contractor who can properly diagnose and address the root cause.

Factors That Affect Concrete Crack Repair Cost

Understanding these variables helps you anticipate costs and avoid surprise quotes.

• Crack Size & Depth: Width and depth are primary cost drivers. Surface hairline cracks need minimal material and time, while 1/2″ wide cracks extending through full slab depth require routing, cleaning, priming, and commercial-grade epoxy, 10x the material and 5x the labor.
• Repair Method Required: Simple surface filling costs far less than structural methods. Epoxy injection runs $300–$800, slab jacking costs $500–$1,500, metal staple stitching adds $400–$1,200, and carbon fiber reinforcement runs $3,000–$8,000.
• Labor & Regional Pricing: Contractors charge $50–$125 per hour, depending on location. Urban areas and specialized structural contractors command premium rates.
• Accessibility of the Area: Open driveways are straightforward, but foundation cracks behind landscaping require excavation, adding $500–$3,000 before repair begins.

DIY vs Professional Repair: Cost Comparison

The right choice depends on crack severity, your skill level, and how much time you have.

When is DIY Concrete Crack Repair Cheaper?

DIY makes financial sense for hairline cracks and minor non-structural repairs. If you have basic tools and moderate handyperson skills, you can fix minor driveway or sidewalk cracks for $10–$50, rather than paying a $200–$300 minimum service call.

Multiple small cracks spread across different areas also favor DIY, since you can tackle them gradually with the same materials. The savings are often 80–90% less than professional rates, making it the clear winner for cosmetic surface repairs.

You maintain complete control over timing and can work at your own pace. This flexibility is especially valuable when dealing with several minor cracks that don’t require immediate professional attention or specialized equipment.

When Professional Service Saves Money?

Hire a pro when cracks indicate structural issues, when you see active movement or widening, or when water infiltration is present. Professionals correctly diagnose underlying causes and use materials that last 10–20 years, compared with 2–5 years for DIY products.

They also provide warranties that protect your investment and give you peace of mind. A $500 professional repair that lasts 15 years costs less than doing $75 DIY repairs every 2 years over the same period.

For foundation or load-bearing cracks, incorrect DIY repair can make problems worse and increase eventual repair costs. Professional expertise prevents costly mistakes and ensures the job addresses the root cause, rather than just visible symptoms.

Risks and Hidden Costs of DIY

DIY repair fails when you misdiagnose the cause of the cracking problem. That “simple crack” might be a settling foundation that needs soil stabilization, not just surface filling with basic sealant.

Without proper preparation, cleaning, drying, priming, and even quality fill, the bonders will hold and fail within months. You might also need specialized tools like angle grinders ($50–$100) or concrete mixers ($40–$80 to rent) that eat into your savings.

Factor in the cost of your time, potential redo work, and lack of warranty when deciding. A failed DIY repair often means paying professional rates later anyway, plus the wasted material costs from your first attempt.

When Repair Isn’t Enough: Cost to Replace Concrete

Sometimes patching cracks costs more in the long run than replacing the entire section.

Replacement cost: $6–$15 per square foot for standard concrete, $15–$30 for decorative finishes.

Consider Replacement When

• Widespread cracking: Multiple cracks covering more than 30% of the surface area, or severe scaling/spalling that exposes rebar underneath
• Repeated settling issues: When the concrete keeps settling, and crack repairs can’t address the underlying foundation or soil problems
• Cost comparison: A 200-square-foot driveway section costs $1,200–$3,000 to replace versus $800–$1,500 to repair multiple cracks. Replacement gives you a fresh 20–30-year lifespan.
• Break-even point: When repair costs exceed 60–70% of replacement cost, or when poor soil, inadequate base, or drainage issues mean cracks will return
• Long-term value: Replacement eliminates the cycle of temporary fixes and lets you address underlying issues properly while choosing upgraded finishes or improved drainage solutions

Conclusion

I’ve walked you through concrete crack repair costs from every angle: DIY options starting at just $10, professional repairs ranging from $200 to $800, and structural work that can reach $6,000 or more. The right choice depends on your crack type and severity.

For hairline and small cracks in driveways or sidewalks, I recommend going the DIY route to save 80–90% compared to hiring out. But when you’re dealing with medium- to large-sized cracks, foundation issues, or anything structural, call a professional who can properly diagnose the root cause.

Get multiple quotes for any repair over $500, and remember that the cheapest option today isn’t always the most economical in the long term. Factor in material longevity, warranties, and whether you’re just patching symptoms or fixing the actual problem.

Now you’ve got the numbers and time to make your decision and get those cracks fixed.