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Types of Foundation Problems

Bowing Foundation Walls and Sinking Floors

Foundation walls will begin to bow before cracks are visible on the inside of the foundation walls. This bowing is often caused by external pressure and can be difficult to detect. All bowing is a sign of a significant problem and a clear sign of a weakened foundation. A bowing problem will worsen over time and must be addressed. All basement walls are vulnerable to bowing, old or new, brick, tile, concrete, or block.

Signs of a weakened foundation include the following:

• Foundation wall cracks that are more narrow at the bottom than at the top
• Uneven foundation floors
• Doors and windows that are jammed or stick
• Cracks in the home's plaster and/or drywall
• Cracks, crumbling, or breaks in exterior brickwork and/or caulking
• Leaning chimneys and/or porches

Caution: When foundation walls have begun to bulge in response to flooding or heavy rains in the area, they may be in danger of collapse. It is vital that you do not delay in seeking expert advice.

Foundation Wall Cracks

Foundation wall cracks can worsen if left untreated, particularly in the case of cinder block wall foundations. Any crack or opening in a foundation can become a passageway for water. Additionally, gaps and cracks will continue to worsen as the walls move and become influenced by pressure from outside the walls. One crack in a foundation wall leads to another, and no crack ever improves on its own. All cracks should be repaired if they're allowing water through, and even a hairline crack can be evidence of a larger problem and should be inspected by a professional immediately.

Horizontal Foundation Wall Cracks

Horizontal foundation wall cracks are potentially very serious problems that can sometimes lead to the complete failure of the foundation walls. Horizontal cracks occur when pressure builds against the side walls and forces them inwards. Given time, this pressure can snap the walls, creating an enormous problem. Options are available for all foundation problems such as wall anchors, and crawl space support beams that will competently repair your wall, contribute strength, and help prevent the inward movement of the walls, redistributing the weight to where the load can be better handled.

Finding and Monitoring Cracks

Frequently, foundation wall cracks are not detected until after they've formed. However, homeowners may believe that these cracks appeared suddenly.

Cracks in the foundation walls will most often appear at the weakest points, including corners, edges of basement window frames, holes for service, concrete cold joints, long spans of wall, pipe penetrations, and along the tie rods in the foundation. Any cracks detected should be checked on regularly – if you suspect that the crack has moved, spread, or widened, then your basement walls may be experiencing increased fatigue which will increase the damage and deepen the problem. Keep an eye on the crack by monitoring its length. Mark the ends of the crack with a pencil, and draw several “alignment” marks along the crack to check that the edges of the crack are not shifting unevenly. Date all marks to help record the rate of deterioration. Since Foundation Repair of Western Colorado offers all written estimates and consultations at obligation to you-- don't hesitate to call for a free estimate today!

Service Area

Foundation Repair of Western Colorado, LLC services North and South Western Colorado. See our service area page for more information.

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