Reasons Your Foundation Could Buckle

Jul 15, 2021

Foundation Damage Happens Before You Even Notice

Foundation walls don’t just bow or buckle overnight. The process can progress slowly over the years, so by the time you realize it, the damage has been done. Bowing walls are typically caused by the force of hydrostatic pressure. One may ask…. What is hydrostatic pressure and why would that result in foundation damage?

What is Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure occurs when water presses against the basement walls, causing the weight against the walls to exceed their capacity. Walls can also bow and fail when expansive clay or frost expands the soil to fatigue and damage the wall.

Cracking, bowing, and buckling foundations can indicate a serious problem for a homeowner. However, while these problems should always be taken seriously and repaired as soon as possible, replacement of the foundation is not your only option available. Companies like PierMagic Foundation Specialists will perform a free assessment on your foundation issues and provide the best solution to really get to the root of the foundation issues.

Are all Basement Cracks Dangerous?

First off, let's address the direction of a foundation crack to get a better understanding of when to call an expert.

Vertical Cracks

If the crack in your foundation wall is vertical, it’s most likely a result of soil settlement which can be a problem because this type of crack lets in a lot of water. The more water seeping in through the crack, the worse and more expensive the damage can be. This can be addressed by the specialist for a possible crack injection process.

Diagonal Cracks

According to inspectapedia.com, steep diagonal cracks may also appear in concrete foundations due to unusual point loads that exceed the compressive strength of the concrete (maybe it was weak concrete not high loading), and we've seen steep diagonal cracks in poured concrete and other high-rise masonry buildings exposed to frost damage.

Signs of Needing An Expert for Your Bowed Wall Repairs

Bowed wall repair is needed when the soils adjacent to your basement walls naturally hold a lot of water. With Missouri and Kansas clay soil, this is a common occurrence. This happens when the weather is in a wet cycle... which can be the Fall, Spring, Winter, and even as we've witnessed a wet Summer! This issue occurs for several reasons, including:

Footing drain (if there is one) stops functioning
Soils were not compacted when they were backfilled during the home construction
Poor gutter functionality
Improper grading around the home

While these issues can seem frightening and expensive, they are the most effective and least expensive option other than replacement of your concrete, which is extremely expensive.

Repair Your Foundation Cracks Prior to Selling Your Home

As we've seen the housing market explode the past year, if you're considering listing your house, it's imperative to repair your foundation prior to listing. You will be expected to receive an inspection, in which your foundation issues will be addressed. You don't want to scare off potential buyers, or provide a reason for them to lower their offer. Also, you don't want to have your future buyers thinking you concealed the foundation issues, and have a reason to hold you liable for the expenses further down the line.

How to Repair Bowing/Buckling Basement Walls

Repair options for bowing/buckling basement walls can include the following, all of which can be handled by the team at PierMagic Foundation Specialists serving the Kansas City area. Our team will be happy to walk you through the specific recommendations for your needs.

"I" Beam Wall Braces
Tie-Back Anchors
Carbon Fiber Straps

Regardless of how long you plan on staying in your house, a crack in the foundation is something that needs to be addressed immediately. It will not disappear, but will instead cause more damage the longer you wait. Reach out today for a free quote! 816-765-4800

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