The Pool Noodle Hack That Can Keep Your Foundation Cracks In Check

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When we look back at some of the greatest inventions of the 21st century, one product stands out — and not even because of its intended use. The trusty pool noodle is used for everything from floating in the pool to protecting car doors in tight garages. Where it really shines is in the world of home DIY. The magic lies in its versatility. This giant, water-resistant tube can be shaped, cut, glued, and squeezed for all sorts of uses as you tackle both complex and basic DIY projects around your home. This TikToker demonstrated how a pool noodle is the perfect substitute for a backing rod if you need to make foundation repairs around your property.

For this home DIY hack, you'll need pool noodles, a utility knife or box cutter, caulk, and paint to match your exterior walls. What's great about this hack is that it won't cost you much — you can pick up pool noodles at your local Dollar store for around $1.50 each. Or, if it's smaller bits you're after, you can buy a batch of 50 pool noodle pieces already cut up. However, foundational cracks must always be inspected by experienced professionals first. Even if the cracks are small, there could be underlying issues that need to be repaired.

Once you have all the tools ready, start by cleaning out the crack line. You want to make sure the pool noodle fits snugly inside and won't shift because of loose concrete. For smaller debris and dust, a handy garden tool here is a leaf blower. Ensure the area is dust-free so you can apply caulk and paint later. The TikToker here has cut up a few pool noodles into various sizes to fit along the foundation crack. Depending on your situation, you might be able to place the noodle in as it is, or you'll need to cut it into smaller slices. It's best to first measure the crack to see how much you'll need for each section. Once you've placed the pool noodles into the cracks as backing rods, move on to the sealant application.

@jerzeyjoee

Pool noodle technology for foundation caulking. Worked really well! Just need to repaint the stucco wqll and it will look great! #caulking #foundation #poolnoodletechnology

♬ original sound – Joe

While the TikToker doesn't go into the details of the caulk he's used, going with a polyurethane option for your pool noodle repair hack is going to be your best bet. It's corrosion-resistant and will give you good flexibility if you need it. Once the caulk has dried, go ahead and paint the seal carefully so that it matches your walls. Once you're done, you'll have completed a relatively affordable foundation crack repair. If you do see movement with the crack after it's been fixed, make sure to call in a professional to take a closer look.