Are you plagued by a large crack in your exterior wall and can’t figure out how to fix it? Don’t worry – we’ve all been there. An uneven, structurally unsound exterior wall can be aesthetically unappealing and downright dangerous. Thankfully, with the right knowledge and forethought, fixing a leaning exterior wall doesn’t have to be complex or expensive.
In fact, if done properly, you could save yourself time and money while ensuring that whatever part of your building that was causing concern is strong once more. In this blog post, we will walk through the best methods for how to fix a leaning exterior wall so that you can finally sleep soundly at night without worrying about potential structural integrity issues outside your home or office building.
How Do You Straighten Leaning Walls?
To fix a leaning exterior wall, the most important thing is to identify the cause of the lean. Common causes may include settling foundations, poorly constructed walls, or soil erosion. Once you have identified the root cause, you can take appropriate steps to correct it.
For foundation settlement issues, you will likely need a professional for help. Depending on the severity of the settlement and the risk associated with fixing it, they may suggest underpinning or other corrective measures.
In cases where a poorly constructed wall is to blame, you may need to rebuild or realign the wall entirely. This will involve removing any existing damaged materials, reinforcing any weak points in the foundation, and rebuilding the wall. Be sure to use materials that are appropriate for the local climate and environment.
10 Methods How to Fix a Leaning Exterior Wall
1. Excavate the Soil Around the Foundation
One of the first things you need to do when attempting to fix a leaning exterior wall is to excavate the soil around the foundation. This will allow you to better look at the foundation’s condition and determine what needs to be done to fix it. If the foundation is damaged, you may need to replace it entirely. If the soil around the foundation has become compacted or eroded, you will probably need to add new soil and compact it to provide a stable base.
2. Remove any Debris from the Area
Once you have excavated the soil around the foundation, you need to remove any debris that may be present in the area. This includes rocks, roots, and other materials that could damage the foundation. Be sure to clear the area of any loose items that may have been pushed into the ground during excavation. If you find large rocks, you may need to break them into smaller pieces before removing them. Roots should be cut off with a sharp spade and disposed of properly.
3. Inspect the Foundation for cracks or Damage
After you have removed all of the debris from the area, you need to inspect the foundation for cracks or damage. If you find any damage, you need to repair it before proceeding. You can use a concrete patch to fill in any cracks or holes that you find. If you need to replace a section of the foundation, use cement blocks and mortar to do so. Be sure to use an appropriate adhesive for the material that you are using.
4. Install Support Beams if Necessary
If the damage to the foundation is extensive, you may need to install support beams in order to stabilize the structure. This is typically done by drilling holes into the foundation and inserting steel beams into them. The beams are then secured with concrete. You may need to consult a professional structural engineer who can advise you on the best type of beam and installation procedure. They may also be able to provide a quote for the repair work. Once the beams are in place, you can continue with your wall repairs.
5. Fill in any Gaps with Cement
Once you have repaired any damage to the foundation and installed any necessary support beams, you need to fill in any gaps with cement. This will help to further stabilize the structure and prevent future problems. Mix the cement according to the directions on the package, and then fill in any gaps or cracks with a trowel. Smooth out the surface and let the cement dry according to the package instructions. When finished, you should have a structurally sound wall that should not lean any further.
6. Apply a Waterproofing Membrane
Once you have filled in all of the gaps with cement, you need to apply a waterproofing membrane to the exterior of the foundation. This will help to keep water from seeping into the structure and causing further damage. It is best to use a high-quality membrane that comes with a long-term warranty.
Additionally, make sure to properly follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the application. Although the membrane can be applied with a brush, roller, or trowel, it is recommended to hire a professional contractor if you are unfamiliar with the application process. This will ensure that the job is done correctly and that your home is safe from water damage for years to come.
7. Backfill the Excavated Area
After you have applied a waterproofing membrane, you need to backfill the excavated area with soil. This will help to protect the foundation from future damage. Make sure to fill the area with enough soil so that it is level. You may need to use sand or gravel if needed. After you have filled the area, tamp it down firmly. This will help to compact the soil and secure the foundation in place. Once you have done this, you can cover the area with grass or landscaping material if desired.
8. Install Drainage if Necessary
If your property is prone to flooding, you may also need to install drainage around the perimeter of your home in order to prevent water from pooling around your foundation and causing damage. This can be done by installing a French drain system around the base of your home. If you find that water is pooling in any area, you may need to install a sump pump or other drainage system in order to keep the area around your home dry. Installing a proper drainage system can help to reduce the risk of your foundation shifting and causing further damage.
9. Add an Extension if Needed
In some cases, it may be necessary to add an extension to your home in order to provide additional support for your leaning exterior wall. This is typically only done as a last resort, as it can be quite expensive. Your contractor will be able to advise you on whether an extension is needed and provide a cost estimate. If an extension is deemed necessary, the process typically involves digging out your foundation and pouring a new section of concrete. Once complete, the existing wall will be connected to the new extension with steel beams or other appropriate supports.
10. Monitor The Wall Regularly
Once you have taken all of these steps, it is important that you monitor your exterior wall on a regular basis for signs of further leaning or damage. If you notice any changes, it is important that you take action as soon as possible in order to prevent further damage. Regularly checking the wall, and taking action if needed, can help to ensure that your exterior wall is kept in good condition.
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Things to Consider When Fixing a Leaning Exterior Wall
1. Determine the Cause of the Lean:
Before you start any repairs, it’s important to determine the cause of the leaning wall. A leaning exterior wall can be caused by a number of things, including water damage, poor foundation, soil erosion, and improper construction.
2. Repair the Damage:
Once you’ve identified the cause of the leaning wall, it’s time to repair the damage. Depending on what caused the problem, this could involve a range of actions, such as replacing rotted wood, repairing cracks in your foundation, adding drainage to prevent further water intrusion, or even replacing siding or other components if necessary.
3. Reinforce the Wall:
Depending on how severe the lean is, your next step may be reinforcing the exterior wall with additional bracing or supports. This can include attaching 2x4s between studs to provide extra support or installing steel cables running from the top to the bottom of your wall.
4. Level the Wall:
Once you’ve reinforced your wall, it’s time to bring it back to level. You can do this using shims or jacks to slowly raise one section at a time until the wall is aligned and straight again. Make sure to secure the wall in place with screws before removing any jacks or other supports.
Conclusion
A leaning exterior wall is a serious problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. The tips in this blog post on how to fix a leaning exterior wall should help you fix the problem quickly and easily.
Leaning exterior walls is a serious problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. There are many ways to fix a leaning wall, but the most important thing is to make sure that the foundation is repaired properly.
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