Walls leaning in your basement? Here's your guide to figuring out what needs to be done.
What Causes Leaning Walls in Basements?
Hydrostatic pressure
You may be surprised to hear, but your leaning basement wall may actually be caused by unresolved water issues in and around your basement.
Basically hydrostatic pressure (water) can build up surrounding your house. When this happens, it puts weight (or pressure) on your basement walls.
This is not always the case.
Poor build
The issue could also be poor construction or simply signs of an aged house.
Freezing
If you live in the northern U.S., you're not unfamiliar with freezing temperatures. This can cause the soil to expand and put more pressure on the walls.
Whatever the case, when pressure builds up on the walls, they have no where left except to lean or bow or buckle.
Can Leaning Basement Wall Be Fixed?
Good news
The good news is that in many cases the answer is yes.
Like most basement repair issues, each case needs to be examined by an expert. But fixes are absolutely doable in many cases.
Bad news
The bad news is that it's not always an easy fix. It can require heavy equipment and/or materials.
There are some products on the market which now allow us to be able to fix this issue without needing to excavate, but again, it depends on your particular situation and how significant the walls are leaning.
How Much Basement Wall Leaning is Acceptable?
It's never a pretty sight to see your wall starting to lean.
Our recommendation is to get it checked out by a professional whenever you see cracking or bending, even just as a precaution.
Leaning walls do not correct themselves.
The thinner your wall is, the less bowing it can handle. There are some general percentage rules of thumb for how far a wall will be able to lean before serious damage occurs.
But in reality, it's best to get them checked out by professionals.
Fixes to Leaning Basement Walls
Below are the most common fixes to leaning basement walls.
Gorilla Wall Brace
If your leaning wall calls for the gorilla wall braces, then you are in for a treat!
This system is used on concrete walls (block or poured) and requires minimal obstruction and excavation.
Time of installation is also quite low.
Wall Anchor System
There are several different wall anchor systems on the market today.
This is one of the most common solutions for leaning walls today.
Excavation is generally required for the wall anchors system.
Exterior Wall Braces
The outside wall brace are great for relieving pressure on basement walls.
These work great when there is pressure being placed on the wall. The exterior wall braces counteract that pressure.
Excavation is required for the exterior wall braces.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Leaning Walls
Wall corrections vary greatly. Common prices are anywhere from $5,000 - $30,000.
Here are things to consider:
- Is heavy equipment required
- Is excavation required
- Cost of goods
- Man power to complete the work
