Today, we’re going to jump right to the point of today’s post; When you see the crawl space or basement walls of your home bowing in and breaking down, there is no doubt something is wrong! That said, bowed, cracked, and leaning basement walls are a sign that something has gone very wrong with the structural integrity of your property. They have lost the strength and integrity to hold your home up properly.
There are many reasons this happens, but as a foundation repair company, we are mainly concerned about what is causing your foundation to fail and what services we offer that can help. One of the reasons your foundation walls may be having a tough time is because of the build-up of hydrostatic pressure behind them.
All forms of moisture (especially rainfall) can cause a continuously excess amount of water to collect on your home’s foundation. The soil around your home naturally absorbs as much of the moisture as it can and swells. As a result, pressure is exerted that then forces the foundation walls inward.
This is a very gradual process that can take an extremely long period of time and one at which, over time, you may not even notice it until it is too late! Your walls may have already been weakened, and one day, they just cave in, with little to no time passing at all. Whatever the case may be, repairs are vital for getting the foundation of your home back in order and able to perform as it should.
There are a few different ways our team of professionals can repair bowed or cracked walls. After analyzing the state of your structure, they will decide what will best suit your needs.
This is the process Level Up Foundation Repair follows to repair your foundational walls:
1. Bowed walls can be due to moisture intrusion, so the repair often involves exterior waterproofing. Waterproofing entails excavation of the soil away from the sides of a home, which sometimes corrects the walls’ formation. The walls can then be core-filled as a way of helping to prevent future movement.
2. Where the bowing is not quite so extreme, core filling of the walls may be sufficient to prevent further bowing.
3. In more serious situations, carbon fiber strapping or steel bracing can be applied to stabilize the cracked or bowed concrete or block walls in your basement or crawl space.
Carbon Fiber Wall Support Systems
These advanced systems are highly durable yet minimally invasive. Don’t gamble with the investment in your home by overlooking this very serious issue! Call Level Up Foundation Repair today at (816) 230-0101 or (816) 788-9922. and schedule an analysis of the best course of action to take for getting help from our trained professionals.
Understanding Hydrostatic Pressure
Hydrostatic pressure occurs when water collects in the soil surrounding the foundation of your home. The weight and density of the water against your basement or crawlspace walls exert force upon them. Unless mitigated, this can lead to the cracking and/or bowing of your foundation walls over time. Conditions that greatly influence increased hydrostatic pressure on homes include heavy rainfall, snow melt, inadequate systems for drainage, and high water tables.
Common Signs You Need Foundation Repair
Early warning signs of foundation problems spare property owners from having to spend lots on expensive repairs later on. These signs can be found around your home as follows:
Wall Cracks: Horizontal cracks on mortar joints in brickwork or concrete blocks
Sticking Doors/Windows: Misalignment is causing sticking problems in the opening/closing of doors/windows.
Uneven Floors: Slopping of floors illustrating possible shifts in the foundation.
Seepage of Water: Dampness or mold inside basements/crawlspaces as a result of water intrusion from outside.
How Fixes Can Be More Than Repairs
While immediate repairs fix the visible damage with urgency, preventive measures are the true long-term measures of protection from recurring issues:
Exterior Drainage Improvements
Improvement in external drainage systems eliminates most water accumulation near your building’s foundation.
- Gutter Extensions/Downspouts: These allow rainwater to move away from the perimeter of the building.
- French Drains/Sump Pumps: Groundwater is routed effectively through perforated pipes/pumps, respectively.
Interior Waterproofing Measures
Install interior measures to manage internal humidity levels effectively.
- Vapor Barriers: Installation on the floors/walls of the basements/crawl spaces blocks entry of moisture.
- Dehumidifiers: Help maintain indoor humidity at an optimum level so that mold/mildew cannot grow.
Soil Stabilization Techniques
Stabilizing the soil around your home can greatly reduce the forces it exerts on your home.
- Chemical Grouting: The method through which certain stabilizing materials are injected into weak soil to enhance its load-carrying capacity.
- Soil Anchors/Piers: Support is installed to hold the foundation firmly in place into stable layers of subsoil.
Professional Assessment & Tailored Solutions
Every property has its own set of problems and situations that require personalized ways of handling them. It is here that professional assessments become vital for taking the steps necessary in a way that is unique to your own home.
Accurate Inspection Programs
A truly comprehensive assessment (like the one our team of experts can do for your home includes the following pattern of detailed inspections for the precise detection of where the root cause lies:
1. Visual Examination: For visible defects/cracks that might be symptoms indicating an underlying problem.
2. Soil Testing: For the nature of soil composition/moisture content to determine whether it is resistant to erosion or swelling.
3. Structural Analysis: To determine overall stability and pattern of load distribution for an exact diagnosis.
Customized Repair Plans
Based on findings, specialists develop programs with appropriate methods/materials tailored to that situation.
These include:
1. Immediate Interventions: On-site shoring or bracing can temporarily stabilize the structure from further deterioration while further planning is taking place.
2. Permanent Solutions: The strategies adopted, including wall reinforcement and improvement of drainage, are carefully and properly carried out to bring back structural completeness.
Nipping these basic issues in the bud ensures that your investment will increase your home’s longevity and stability as well as keep it safe. Timely interventions, expert consultations, and maintaining healthy living environments mean robust, resilient homes that stand firmly against time and elements alike!
Choose Level Up Foundation Repair
At Level Up Foundation Repair, we are committed to improving the quality of living for Kansas City homeowners through advanced techniques and materials that can repair foundation problems threatening the stability and lifespan of your home. From learning about hydrostatic pressure to scheduling a detailed structural analysis, these comprehensive solutions go a long way in safeguarding your investment.
Through proactive interventions and consultations with our experts, we can help make sure that your living environment remains healthy while your home becomes stronger, more sturdy, and better endures the test of time. Ready to take the next step in securing the safety and stability of your home?
Give us a can call us at (816) 230-0101 or (816) 788-9922. Our team is prepared for professional assessments and personalized repair plans according to your specific needs. Don’t wait until small issues turn into major ones that will not only cost a monumental amount but will also bring about safety hazards to your family’s living spaces!
Call now and let Level Up Foundation Repair give you peace of mind with our expert foundation repair services.
