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Quite often bowing walls are caused by hydrostatic pressure. When the soil that is surrounding areas around basement walls becomes saturated with water, foundation problems are likely to develop. This leads to bowing walls and other issues that can wreak havoc on your home’s foundation.

Why does this occur in the first place? When the soil expands due to an increase in water levels, it pushes against areas such as your basement wall or any other kind of concrete wall that is exposed. As a result, foundation failure occurs over time from the pressure and cracks mounting up. Soil erosion not only causes foundation damage, but can also lead to floor cracks, sinking floors, and more. These conditions are common in many areas around Birmingham, AL which often experience heavy rains, although it can also be caused if your downspouts are emptying rainwater close to your home. In such a situation, concrete walls are at a high risk of damage.

In order to stabilize bowing walls and improve structural integrity, you must act fast to ensure a permanent solution to all of your foundation issues. Left by itself, bowing foundation walls are likely to crack and collapse. Foundation repair for your retaining wall is the only solution that will guarantee peace of mind against wall damage and other common foundation problems.

What options do you have for repairing a bowing wall

Depending on the extent of damage, you have a few options to consider for wall repair. For tilting walls that are not so prominent or less than 2 inches, you can opt for carbon fiber straps as they are minimally invasive. Solutions such as installation of a steel anchor rod, steel wall plate, or wall anchors might be needed for more significant damage.

It is advisable to contact a specialist to gauge the full extent of damage as they would be most capable of identifying problems you might not be able to, such as moisture damage or unforeseen foundation settlement due to expansive soils.

Southern Home Structural Specialists offers a free estimate for foundation repair along with comprehensive support including financing options. We would be glad to do an on-site inspection of your house and grounds to assess the extent of any damage. Needless to say, we strive to offer excellent service to all our clients in Alabama. We offer competitively priced solutions for foundation repairs, thanks to our wide service area so that you do not have to worry about the foundation of your house deteriorating once we have installed the necessary repairs.

Give us a call today and let us help put your mind at ease concerning your bowing walls or any other foundation issues you may be having.

Foundation issues manifest themselves through a variety of different ways, and it is important to stay alert in order to ensure that foundation problems don’t get out of hand. There are a few major warning signs you can identify if there seem to be issues with your home’s foundation. Here are some signs of foundation problems to watch out for:

Foundation cracks in basement walls

When a foundation wall deteriorates, horizontal cracks (also known as stair step cracks) tend to form. These are telltale signs that something is wrong. It is also common to notice interior walls developing hairline cracks. Keep a lookout for small cracks near interior doors, door frames, window frames and concrete piers because a vertical crack further confirms that the concrete foundation is beginning to disintegrate and this will eventually result in a serious foundation problem if not addressed quickly.

Not all cracks are the same though— a concrete slab tends to form diagonal cracks therefore you must keep a watchful eye on tiny cracks on exterior walls as well. Ceiling cracks due to water leaks and other structural issues are common as well! In general, it is a good idea to seek help if you notice significant gaps and deterioration of your basement.

Sagging floors in your crawl space

Damp crawl spaces are an alarming sign of potential foundation damage. A damp basement will eventually result in warped floors because the structural wood framing on your floors is interconnected. Too much water around a foundation can lead to nails popping and structural damage.

To avoid flooring issues, it is a good idea to ensure there is no standing water in your crawl space. If you notice musty smells, you might have poor exterior drainage which can amplify foundation failure.

Bowing and tilting walls

Bowing walls are the result of excessive moisture in the soil around your house. The saturated soil begins to push inward, and this results in bowed walls. This results in serious foundation issues! The water saturated soil underneath your house might lead to foundation settlement too, which can result in the integrity of your house being at risk. While a damaged foundation might seem scary, it can safely be restored with the help of expert assistance.

It is a good idea to get the opinion of a structural engineer or foundation repair expert when you suspect foundation troubles. A professional opinion can help guide you towards the best course of action and also identify other causes of concern, such as poor drainage. If you suspect that your home is adversely affected, don’t waste time and seek help! The average cost of structural repair varies widely based on foundation type, but we are happy to provide a free estimate to help you avoid costly repairs.

Contact us for an evaluation of your home, or read testimonials from satisfied customers.

Getting the foundation of your home inspected is always a good idea to mitigate any potential safety issues that might develop in the future. If you are in the process of buying a new home, it can be an exciting process—but one of the biggest mistakes people make is that they forget to get the foundation checked out during the home inspection process. Since the foundation of a home is not visible during a preliminary home inspection, most home buyers fail to identify potential foundation problems that will inevitably cause them trouble in the long run.

Ensuring a comprehensive foundation inspection is key

Signs of structural damage include hairline cracks on the roof and exterior walls, warped floors due to water damage, and tilting of your basement walls. It can be overwhelming to figure out every problem during a foundation inspection, therefore consulting a structural engineer is a great idea as they can recommend repairs. It is also standard practice for them to inspect a property for ancillary issues such as excessive moisture in the ground, as this too can impact the exterior wall of your home. As a homeowner, you will undoubtedly want to determine if there is anything wrong with your home, whether it is the attached garage, plumbing or area around your house. Every element of a housing unit is interconnected in some way or the other, therefore if there is an issue with one component it is likely that it will adversely affect the rest of your house as well.

Other situations where a foundation inspection is recommended

Apart from getting a foundation inspection for a new home, you must always get a complete inspection done as part of home maintenance if you notice structural issues that were non-existent before. If any of the above signs of structural deterioration seem to appear, it is a huge cause for concern. Home inspectors can help you know for certain if an issue requires invasive correction without having to spend unnecessary amounts of money. They will be able to answer doubts regarding soil washing, cracks around doors, cost of potential foundation repair and any other questions you may have.

Checking off foundation issues must be at the top of your list, whether you are planning to purchase a house or plan on conducting ongoing maintenance checks. At the very least, getting a rigorous foundation inspection every year is a must. If you lack the expertise to identify foundation problems, you can seek the help of a professional inspector or foundation repair company. Comprehensive home inspections might feel like a hassle but it is well worth the effort as it can help you uncover valuable information about potential problems with the integrity of your home.

If foundation problems are a concern for you, let our professional foundation repair experts get to work for you. Our expertise helps equip us to ensure a job well done. Contact us by requesting a quote or by calling (205) 520-9777! The SHSS team is ready and willing to work to solve your foundation problems.

Our team at Southern Home Structural Specialists specializes in foundation repairs. If you need the foundation inspected for your home you can contact our team and we’d be happy to provide a foundation contractor to help identify any potential problems with your property.