BOWING WALLS?
Basement I-Beam Wall Support
Constant soil pressure and movement can lead to severely damaged foundation walls, including bowing and cracking. When the force of nature moves in, a structural bracing system can counteract the stress and straighten block or concrete walls over time. A structural bracing system is recommended when wall plates cannot be used because of yard restrictions or other obstacles. There is no need to excavate and no responsibility placed on the homeowner.
Advantages of Basement I-Beam Wall Support
- Permanently stops failing foundation walls
- Installation is quick and non-invasive
- No disturbance to landscaping and yard
- Only sits 4″ from foundation wall as not to interfere with framing
- Application done from inside the basement
- All parts are American steel
- 10 year transferable limited warranty
- Installation can be done with limited interior access
- Can be utilized when yard access is limited
How Are Horizontal Cracks Different From Vertical Cracks?
There are two different types of foundation cracks: structural and non-structural. Horizontal cracks are always structural in that they affect your home’s structural integrity. Therefore, horizontal cracks are almost always more serious than vertical cracks. While they may be unsightly, vertical cracks usually don’t affect the building’s structural integrity. Many times they’re caused by shrinkage during the concrete curing process.
For more information about the difference between structural and non-structural cracks, see, Structural or Non-Structural? Understanding Foundation Cracks.
What Causes Horizontal Cracks In A Foundation Wall?
Horizontal cracks in a concrete block or poured concrete foundation wall are usually caused by one of the following:
- Hydrostatic pressure – Poor drainage around the foundation will eventually lead to excess soil moisture and hydrostatic pressure build-up. Hydrostatic pressure can push water through even the smallest cracks in the foundation wall. The wall may even bow inward and crack if the pressure isn’t relieved via a good drainage system.
- Expansive soil – Soil with a lot of clay is called “expansive” because it swells as it soaks up moisture and then shrinks as it dries out. This swelling-shrinking cycle creates movement under the foundation, eventually leading to horizontal cracks in the foundation wall.
- The freeze-thaw cycle – When the water in the soil freezes, the soil expands. When the water in the soil melts, the soil shrinks. Over time, this seasonal freeze-thaw cycle can cause horizontal cracks. If you live in a cold climate and the horizontal crack is within the frost line, it might have been caused by the freeze-thaw cycle.
- Something heavy next to the foundation – Even something heavy parked next to your home – like a big dumpster or a large truck – can cause cracks in the foundation wall.
How Can Homeowners Prevent Horizontal Foundation Cracks?
Since many horizontal foundation cracks are caused by hydrostatic pressure or expansive soil, you can help prevent them simply by getting groundwater under control. Here are a few ways to do that:
- Regrade your yard so it slopes away from your home – Your yard should slope away from the foundation. If it doesn’t, regrade your yard so that it does. A landscaper can help with this, or you could DIY.
- Clean your gutters regularly – If your gutters are full of leaves and other debris, water could spill over the side of your house and soak into the ground around the foundation.
- Use downspout extensions – Your downspouts should release water at least 4 feet from the foundation. If they’re short, install extensions.
- Install an underground downspout with a pop-up emitter – An underground downspout is connected to a small basin located in your yard around 10 feet from the foundation. Water flows into the underground downspout and flows into the basin. When the basin is full, an emitter pops up and releases the water away from the foundation.
- Keep vegetation away from the foundation – Shrubs, flowers, and trees might look nice next to the foundation. Still, you don’t want any reason to add more water to the soil around the foundation.
- Install a drain tile system – A drain tile system is a great way to prevent excess moisture from building up in the soil around the foundation. For more information on how they work, see What Is Drain Tile?
What Causes Foundation Walls to Bow Inward?
A foundation wall can start to bow inward for the same reason that horizontal cracks form in a foundation wall: hydrostatic pressure, expansive soil, the freeze-thaw cycle, and something heavy parked next to the foundation.
What Is The Best Method For Repairing A Bowed Wall?
A structural bracing system will stabilize a wall that’s bowing inward and over time can even straighten a block or poured concrete wall. When wall plates can’t be used, a structural bracing system is recommended. No excavation is necessary.
