Wall Failure - Cause & Solution

Signs of Wall Failure

Horizontal cracking, stair-step cracking at corners, pushing in at bottom of the wall, and leaning at the top of the wall.

 

 

Soil is the Cause of Foundation Wall Failure

Hydrostatic pressure is when the backfill soil around your foundation becomes saturated by water and puts pressure on the walls, causing them to move or push inward. Avoid total foundation replacement if possible, because the walls are not the culprit, the soil is. It may make sense to replace all the pieces of a failing foundation, but failure will reoccur because of pressure in the soil against your foundation. The most effective option is to choose from solutions that can be adjusted over time or strongly reinforced against the pressure of the soil for permanent stabilization.

Permanent Solutions to Stabilize the Walls

 

Carbon Fiber Straps / CarbonArmor and ArmorLock Branded Systems

Carbon fiber straps are a generic term for high-strength carbon atoms woven into fibers. There are many kinds, some better than others. Carbon fiber straps are adhered to concrete walls to keep them from bending or bowing inward any further.

CarbonArmor is the branded system serving the same purpose, but it is stronger, 10 times stronger than steel, and can be used with the ArmorLock system that provides additional resistance.

Carbon Fiber straps and CarbonArmor is best for bowing in the middle of walls, now walls bowing at the top or bottom. It must be applied to concrete or masonry foundation walls only but can be covered with drywall after installation.

 

Steel Beams / PowerBrace System

PowerBrace System supports basement walls and straightens over time. Brackets are anchored to the basement floor joists to hold steel beams against the wall. The system is tightened over time to stop wall failure.

 

Wall Anchor Systems / GeoLock Anchor System

Steel rods attached to soil anchors extend through the foundation wall and wall plates. Wall plates distribute clamping pressure. Tightening nuts on the threaded ends of the rods stabilizes the wall for a permanent solution.

 

Helical Anchor Systems

Steel pipes driven deep into stable soil to permanently stabilize and lift settling foundations. A large machine called a drive head screws the helical anchor into the soil from a hole inside the foundation wall. The hole is then filled with concrete, and a steel plate connect the helical anchor to the wall. 

 

Push Piers

Helical Piers

 

EverBrace Wall Restoration System

The EverBrace Wall Restoration works by installing vertical steel I-beams and corrugated steel panels, then filling the void behind them with rigid foam to permanently lock the system in place. This system is best for severely failing walls.

 

Now that you know the signs and solutions, reach out to your local expert for a free inspection and estimate.

 

More about Foundation Repair.