Bowing basement walls are a problem that no homeowner wants to encounter. However, when this problem occurs, Cornerstone Structural Repair & Waterproofing is experienced in repairing bowed walls and restoring solid support for your home’s foundation.
Cornerstone Structural Repair & Waterproofing has been working in the St. Louis and surrounding areas. Our skill professionals have the knowledge and expertise required to fix bowing basement walls in the most efficient and effective way. To learn how our skilled employees can repair bowed walls in your home, contact us today.
What are the main causes of basement wall bowing?
The following are some of the main causes for wall bowing, cracking, or bending in basements:
- Water: Water pressure is one of the most common factors that causes concrete basement wall bowing. In cold climates, when water in the soil freezes, it expands, therefore, exerting excess inward pressure on the basement walls causing them to crack and bow. In addition, hydrostatic pressure will push up on basement foundations, which over time can result in bowed walls as well.
- Tree Roots: Tree roots can grow too close to a house and exert excess pressure on your foundation. This can lead to cracking of concrete and overtime create bowed walls.
- Poor Building Process: There are a number of things that may be done wrong when building a foundation, which can result in problems later on. One example is using the wrong size sill plate on the wall, which will create a lateral pressure and can result in bowed walls as time goes on.
- Age and Deterioration: Over time, structures often need repair simply because of the age of the structure itself. It is normal for the foundation of older homes to deteriorate as years go by and eventually, walls will begin to crack or bow.
- Settling: Settling, arguably the most talked about cause for basement wall cracks and other types of foundation problems, occurs as the soil around a foundation begins to compact. This can create increased and unevenly distributed amounts of pressure causing bowing of basement walls. In addition, if soil is washed away from a foundation, the structure will shift and concrete basement walls will bow.
- Shrinkage: Shrinkage of concrete as it dries can create uneven pressures, which causes bowed basement walls.
How do you repair bowed walls?
There are several ways to repair bowing walls. The best solution to bowed walls can be determined based on a number of factors, including the cause of the bowing walls. At Cornerstone Structural Repair & Waterproofing, our skilled professionals will determine the best solution to repair bowing walls on an individual basis for each customer.
If you encounter bowing walls in your basement, we recommend you call a professional immediately to inspect and repair the bowed walls. If left un-repaired, bowed walls will worsen as temperatures change and water is distributed in the soil surrounding your foundation. Even small cracks in your walls, if left alone, can grow over time causing bowing walls and an unsound foundation. Contact Cornerstone Structural Repair & Waterproofing today to receive free a quote for your bowing wall repair
project.