The Challenge: Bowing and cracking cinder block basement walls threatened the home’s structural stability.
When James noticed bowing walls and cracking in his home’s left and rear basement walls, he knew he could no longer ignore the problem. Concerned about the potential impact on his home’s structural integrity, he reached out to LUX Foundation Solutions.
Our foundation expert thoroughly inspected the entire property, carefully assessing the severity of the bowing walls and cracking. At LUX, we believe in educating our clients on the root causes of their foundation issues and providing tailored repair techniques for effective solutions, like our foundation wall anchors system. We offer a free, no-obligation estimate with clear pricing and details about our comprehensive warranty.
Understanding Foundation Failures
Upon our thorough inspection, we discovered hydrostatic pressure from moisture management issues, such as water buildup in the surrounding soil, severely affected the basement cinder block walls. The presence of a downspout near the foundation exacerbated the issue, allowing water to accumulate and increasing soil pressure against the walls. This can result in serious foundation problems, including cracked foundations, uneven floors, and water intrusion. Early symptoms like these must be addressed to prevent further deterioration and ensure home safety with foundation wall anchors as a preventive measure.
Solution: GRIP-TITE® Foundation Wall Anchors Installation
To provide a permanent fix, LUX Foundation Solutions recommended the installation of GRIP-TITE® wall anchor systems.
This ideal solution for cinder block walls provides the necessary reinforcement to prevent further movement and restore structural integrity over time. These heavy-duty anchors secure a galvanized steel anchor deep into load-bearing soil away from the foundation. An interior foundation wall anchor plate is installed inside the basement, connected to the exterior anchor system to reinforce the home foundation and provide vertical support. This system immediately halts any further bowing walls or cracking, while the adjustable mechanism allows gradual wall straightening over time.
Step 1: Site Assessment and Planning
Our team conducted a detailed foundation inspection of the basement walls to assess the severity of the bowed wall and determine the best locations for anchor installation.
Step 2: Excavation
We carefully excavated small sections of soil outside the basement walls to prepare for anchor installation. This created space to secure the basement wall anchors, ensuring minimal disturbance to the surrounding landscape and the foundation.
Step 3: Drilling the Anchor Holes
Holes were drilled through the basement’s cinder block walls, allowing us to insert the galvanized steel rods. These holes were carefully measured and drilled at specific points to connect the foundation wall anchor plates to the exterior soil anchors.
Step 4: Precision Installation
We installed 11 GRIP-TITE® wall anchor systems, each composed of an interior wall plate, an exterior soil anchor, and connector rods. Specifically, 5 wall anchors were installed 5′ apart for max spacing on the left basement wall and 6 on the rear wall. Each anchor is secured in load-bearing soil outside the foundation, creating a solid connection to the cinder block walls. As adjustments are made over time, the anchors allow the walls to return gradually to their original position, effectively closing cracks and fixing bowed basement walls.
Step 5: Tightening and Backfill
Once the anchors were secured, the rods were carefully tightened to correct and gradually straighten the foundation walls over time. After confirming proper alignment, we backfilled the excavated areas, restoring the home’s landscape. The installation was completed with minimal disruption to the existing structure, ensuring long-term stability while protecting the home’s interior and exterior.
The Outcome: A Safe and Secure Home
James’ basement is now secure with the successful installation of the foundation wall anchor systems. The bowing walls and cracking have been stabilized, ensuring the home’s structural integrity and giving the homeowner peace of mind.
Ready for Long-Term Foundation Stability?
With over 50 years of combined experience in foundation repair, LUX Foundation Solutions is dedicated to safeguarding your home and protecting your most significant investment. We take pride in restoring your peace of mind, enhancing your quality of life, and maintaining your home value preservation. Our goal is to deliver such an exceptional experience that you’ll want to share your satisfaction with others.
If you notice any cracks in your foundation walls or experience bowing or leaning walls, don’t wait. Contact us at 540-508-8587 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free foundation repair inspection. Your home’s safety is our priority, and we’re here to help you every step of the way!