Comprehensive Solutions for Bowed and Leaning Walls
American Foundation Repair specializes in the replacement of severely damaged foundation walls. Bowing and leaning walls, often made of cinder block or concrete masonry units (CMUs), can compromise your home's structural integrity if not addressed. Our team at American Foundation Repair provides expert solutions tailored to your specific foundation issues.
Signs You Need Foundation Wall Replacement
A foundation wall replacement may be necessary if you notice:
- Horizontal cracks along cinder block walls, indicating excessive lateral soil pressure
- Diagonal cracks near corners, a sign of leaning walls
- Bulging walls where pocketed I-beams push outward
- Split sill plates or improperly installed anchor bolts
- Pocketed I-Beam going through foundation wall (From outside you can see a bulge at I-Beam end)
If these symptoms are present, it’s time to consult a professional to assess the damage and recommend appropriate action.
Causes of Severe Foundation Wall Damage
Excessive Soil Pressure
Prolonged lateral pressure from saturated soil can cause foundation walls to bow or lean over time. Homes in low-grade or bowl-like areas are particularly vulnerable.
Poor Drainage Systems
Clogged gutters or improperly pitched grades allow water to pool near the foundation, increasing pressure and compromising structural integrity.
Additional External Pressures
Heavy vehicles parked on adjacent driveways or improperly secured floor framing can exacerbate damage, leading to structural failure.
Bowed walls in finished basements can go unnoticed. The main cause is improper grading, where ground slopes toward the home, combined with faulty gutters that allow water to pool near the foundation, creating excessive lateral pressure. Over time, this pressure causes block walls to bow inward, leading to structural failure.
Even with functioning gutters, homes in low-lying areas are vulnerable as water naturally flows downhill, adding to soil pressure against the foundation. This prolonged pressure misaligns walls, causing them to lean or bow, often after years of unnoticed stress.
Leaning walls can result from poorly secured floor framing, often indicated by diagonal cracks. These issues require expert evaluation for permanent solutions, as quick fixes like epoxy injections are typically insufficient. Additionally, driveways near foundations contribute extra pressure from vehicles, further exacerbating the problem.
The Foundation Wall Replacement Process:
In rare cases, where the foundation wall is beyond repair, replacement becomes the only viable solution. This process includes:
- Shoring the Structure: Temporarily securing the home to ensure safety during wall removal.
- Removing the Damaged Wall: The severely compromised foundation wall is carefully removed while retaining the existing footing, if intact. If no footing is present, a new one is poured.
- Reinforcing the New Wall: New steel posts are installed and encased in concrete for maximum stability. Rebar is placed horizontally and vertically throughout the new wall for additional reinforcement.
- Installing a New Drain Tile System: An exterior drain tile system is installed along the perimeter, connecting to the existing pit or a new drainage system if required.
- Gunite Application: High-pressure concrete (gunite) is applied to ensure a strong, seamless finish. This method is performed by our specialized team with the tools and expertise to handle complex foundation replacements.
- Finishing Touches: The area is restored, including replacing concrete floors and ensuring your basement looks like new.
Compliance and Professional Standards
All foundation replacement projects comply with:
- ASTM Standards: Ensuring materials and methods meet industry benchmarks
- BOCA National Building Code: Adherence to safety and construction regulations
- Municipal Inspections: Local authorities review and approve every phase of the project
Solution: New Foundation Wall – Shoring Frame in Position
In rare cases, where the foundation wall is severely damaged has to be removed and replaced. This involves shoring the entire home temporarily and removing and replacing foundation wall or walls, but keeping the existing footing. If no footing is present a new footing will need to be poured.
The new foundation wall will be reinforced with new steel post and they will get encased in concrete. Place rebar horizontally and vertically along the entire new foundation wall. A new exterior drain tile system along the perimeter where work is being performed will be placed and will be connected to existing pit or drain tile system. A new pit will be installed to tie new drain tile system.
The concrete will be a gunite (spraying concrete mix at high pressure). This gunite method is only used by specialized companies, who have the expertise and knowledge in the foundation repair business. Most of our competitors can NOT offer you this option since they do not have the expertise or tools to complete a complex project such as foundation wall repair. Make sure to have one of our experts to evaluate your home for the best solution to your foundation problems.
Homeowners Book Now For A Free Estimate
Schedule your free inspection today with an honest and friendly foundation repair expert consultant. Being a family owned and operated business means we are the best qualified consultants in all of the Chicagoland area. Get a professional assessment of your problem and NEVER cross-sales or up sales. Receive a complimentary written proposal provided on-site or delivered in a timely manner by email. All of our proposals come with a 60 day price guarantee and a transferable warranty bringing peace of mind to you and your family. No gimmicks just great service and an expert evaluation from American Foundation Repair. A family owned and operated company since 1986.
