Foundation Wall Straightening
On a typical bowed or cracked foundation wall, we always start by excavating along the wall to the footing elevation releasing the pressure against the wall. Once the pressure has been relieved, we can start pushing the wall back into its original location. Next, we drill 4-1/2” holes in the block, sometimes just below finish grade and sometimes above grade, depending on the location of the damage to the wall. The spacing of the holes is determined by the severity of the damaged wall.
We then install a 3/8” rebar vertically in the cores to add strength, and then we pour grout mix inside the blocks, filling them to the top. We vibrate the grout to ensure there are no voids. Finally, we install the core, that was originally drilled from the block, and finish the wall with our Basement Waterproofing Process.
Foundation Cracks
Cracks are a common problem with foundations! The most common cause of cracking is excessive soil pressure. This type of pressure creates cracks that may occur near the center of the wall or close to the top. Sometimes, the soil pressure is so great it will create a vertical crack near the corner or push the entire wall off of the first course of the block.
Another common reason for foundation cracking is frost — the moisture in the native or improper backfill material against your foundation can cause heaving and exert pressure against your basement wall. Driveways or walking areas near the foundation that are cleared of snow in the winter will typically have frost penetration much deeper than areas that are not traveled on. Under decks is also typically a vulnerable area for cracking due to the lack in natural insulators like unpacked snow or vegetation.
Also, an unheated basement or a well-insulated basement will have deeper frost penetration by the foundation if the back fill material contains moisture. The good thing about these types of problems is that we can fix most of them before the foundation needs to be completely replaced.
Why Use Basement Pros?
What makes Basement Pros worth your while? See some of the reasons below that make us the Northland’s expert in waterproofing solutions!
