Bowed Basement Walls

Why?
There are a number of reasons that cause a basement wall to buckle inwards, but the primary culprit is the soil becomes saturated with water. When the soil becomes saturated, it looses its cohesiveness and exerts more pressure on the wall. The basement wall is normally not reinforced and can not take this added pressure and hence bows inward.

Steps To Prevent Damage To Basement Walls

• Slope graded away from the house
• Make sure the rain water leaders discharge at least 6 feet away from the house
• If the house has a sump pump make sure it is working properly
• Ensure then discharge hose from the sump pump is at least 12 feet away from the house
• Do not drive heavy vehicles near the house - moving vans, delivery trucks, etc.
• Don't have gardens next to the house
• If roof drainage is connected to storm system check to ensure it drains properly
• Check the weeping tile system
• Do not raise the grade around the house higher than the top of the foundation wall and preferably stay down a minimum of 6"

Don't Dig!
Once a horizontal crack has developed the wall has failed and needs to be repaired. Often using Grip-Tite® Earth Anchors we can repair the wall without excavation quickly, usually in one or two days.