Signs of Wall Failure

Causes of wall failure trace all the way back to when the home was first constructed.  During construction, a hole is dug for the basement and the footing is poured.  The concrete block wall (or other foundation type) is then built on top of the footing.  The support beams and flooring system are installed, and the dirt is backfilled with loose soil. 

This loose soil that surrounds the basement walls contains voids and air pockets, even if it is well compacted.  This makes an easier path for water to flow down into the soil.  As the backfill soil gets wet, it expands, putting lateral pressure on the foundation walls.  This is what causes foundation walls to bow.

There are 4 phases of wall failure: horizontal cracking, stair-step cracking, shearing, and caving in.  The horizontal cracking occurs when the backfilled soil expands and pushes up against the foundation wall.  Then stair-step cracks form on the edges of the horizontal crack.  When continued pressure causes the wall to lean in, shearing occurs.  This can be a major problem and may be a costly fix if the problem is not taken care of quickly.  The final stage of the wall caving is extremely expensive and disruptive, which is why it is important to solve the problem before it gets that severe.

The best option for wall failure repair is the Geo-Lock Wall Anchor System.  This provides the best odds of permanent stabilization and the ability to straighten the wall over time.  Also, no heavy equipment is required inside the home, making this the quickest and most efficient solution compared to other products.