How to Fix Cracked or Bowing Block Basement Walls

A 16 year foundation repair expert shows you what to look for and your repair options for cracked or bowing block walls. This is probably not a do-it-yourself project for most folks but will guide you
toward a proper repair

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• hydraulic cement

1. 
   Example of hydrostatic horizontal crack (Freeze break )

   You'll need to pull down any drywall or wall covering in order to evaluate the extent of damage to your walls. Be sure to expose at least the center section of the wall all the way down to the floor. If you see a horizontal crack the entire length of the wall needs to be stabilized. ( cement block wall )
   If you find vertical cracks on two adjacent walls you have a settlement problem likely requiring piering to stabilize.

2. 
   Example of tuckpointing

   The extent of the damage, type of wall construction and the type of cracking will determine what method of repair is best. To see if the wall is still cracking or moving inward fill the cracks with HYDRAULIC CEMENT, available at Lowe's or Home Depot stores. This will fill the gaps and seal any leaking..these cracks will re-crack if the wall is still actively moving.

3. 
   Example of poor drainage

   Horizontal basement wall cracking and STAIR STEP /ZIGZAG cracking indicate HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE damage. This pressure is usually a result of poor water drainage outside the wall...swelling the soil and pushing in the wall. Vertical cracking is often related to settlement where doors and windows stick and perimeter walls crack upstairs.

4. 
   Example of punching shear

   Most horizontal cracking and bowing BLOCK walls can be stabilized with the installation of PROPERLY sized steel beams, PROPERLY positioned rebar and grout or Properly installed carbon fiber, all installed from floor to ceiling on the inside wall. Wall anchors are not recommended due to punching shear concerns. Use wall anchors or steel beams for solid concrete wall inward movement.

5. 
   Carbon fiber being installed along with bottom shear repair

   For most of these repairs you'll need the services of a foundation repair company who has the experience and equipment required to install the correct product for the type of wall and failure. When in doubt contact a local structural engineer for an unbiased inspection and report.

Tips & Warnings

• In most cases carbon fiber, rebar and grout and steel beams can be installed WITHOUT exterior excavation if the wall is not bowed more than 3 inches.
• See www.expertbasementrepair.com for more information on the repair techniques mentioned above.
• This is not a do-it-yourself repair in most cases. Installation by a certified installer is always best.
• Often a homeowner has friend with the experience to excavate. This will save you money if you can do it yourself. City permits are recommended in most cases.
• The appearance of steel beams and wall anchors plates sometimes will hurt home resale efforts.
• Wall anchor bolts must be tightened monthly or the anchors may become loose.

[insight4u]

on 8/6/2009 lots of good info,great job with the photos

[spark37]

on 12/3/2008 I designed and installed my own system 10 years ago.
Intent was to stop wall heaving, but to my surprise, it pushed the wall back. Still in place. cost-- under $300 time 12 hours by myself. Yes, its patented. contractors don't want it. too easy and inexpensive.

[HRHinton]

on 11/24/2008 This verifies what the structural engineer told me. I guess I should go ahead and take care of this before the problem gets worse and I have a more expensive repair!