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[Ryan Martis]

Sometimes building components are weak in tensile strength and lateral forces and thus contractors have to incorporate in them reinforcing materials in order to increase the capacity of the foundation wall. However, these reinforcing methods are not enough and basement walls bowed happen as a result of soil loads that push against the wall. In time, these factors produce lateral bending and the basement foundation wall becomes bowed. This condition worsens with time destroying both the structural integrity and the value of the property.

It takes some work to strengthen basement walls bowed: excavation of foundation, lifting the weight of the structure and pushing the wall back to as close to plumb as possible. However, even after these operations the wall loses its structural integrity and requires reinforcement. One of the most frequent methods of reinforcing basement walls bowed uses the carbon-fiber technology, in combination with specifically designed epoxies. This makes the reconditioning of the walls easier and afterwards the walls can be painted in order to create an invisible repair.

The lateral pressure from the soil outside is the first factor which causes basement walls bowed, although this problem can also be due to inadequate original design, poor drainage, uncontrolled water and over compaction of the soil. Cracks usually form at weak points and openings in the foundation walls, such as corners, edges, pour lines, pipe penetrations and tie rods in your foundation. Once you find a crack in the wall, we suggest checking it on a regular basis. If you notice that the crack is spreading, consult a specialist who can help you solve the problem.

Regardless if the walls are concrete or block, we advise you to monitor wall cracks for ongoing change. Nowadays, there are several devices which can monitor movement and evaluate damage and several types of cracks: horizontal, vertical and step cracks. The first ones are due to heavy, wet, soil; the second are the result of minor settling in a poured concrete wall, the last ones are seen only in block foundations and they look like steps. These types of cracks can also be noticed in basement walls bowed.

Most wall cracks occur due to poor construction practice and they are common both in new homes and older ones. Although vertical cracks don’t lead to structural issues, they leak water from the foundation outside into the basement. In many cases, home owners try to fix this problem on their own, without resorting to a specialist. Filling wall cracks with cement or other rigid substances is a failure because foundation leaking will not be solved by means of filling cracks.

If you notice wall cracks, the best thing to do is to consult an engineer who can tell you whether your problem is a simple fix or whether you have some serious leaking going on. The best way of sealing wall cracks is using the flexi span repair crack system. This technique seals the crack and forms an impenetrable barrier to water; polyurethane is a flexible material which adjusts to the continuous movement of concrete.