Foundation walls leaning inwards can be a cause for concern, especially if there is little to no knowledge of why or how it began. The good news is that understanding the causes of a leaning foundation wall and taking some simple steps to correct them can help bring peace of mind back into your home.
In this blog post, we will discuss what signs you should look out for when it comes to determining the source of an inwardly leaning wall and how to fix a leaning foundation wall yourself.
Remember, while these tips are great resources to tackle on your own with proper research and precautions, it’s always best practice to work with a professional contractor specializing in foundation repairs before proceeding with any large-scale project like repairing a wall!
What Will You Need?
Before attempting to repair a leaning foundation wall, it’s important to ensure you have the right tools and materials. A few of these can include:
- Shovels/trowels
- Cement mix/mortar
- Leveler (for checking vertical lines)
- Metal stilts (for support)
- Caulking gun
Once you have the necessary supplies, it’s time to move on to figuring out what is causing your leaning foundation wall.
10 Easy Steps on How to Fix a Leaning Foundation Wall
Step 1. Identify the Source of the Issue:
To begin, take a look at the walls near the leaning foundation wall to see if there is any visible damage. Also, be sure to check for any signs of cracking or water damage on the surface that could indicate foundational issues. If all seems to be in order, proceed with step two!
Step 2: Dig Around the Leaning Foundation Wall:
Now it’s time to get your hands dirty. Carefully excavate around the affected area so that you can identify what might have caused the leaning inwards (i.e., an old tree root or some other object taking up space). Remove any objects found and check for structural integrity as you go.
Step 3: Level Out Ground Below Wall:
Using a shovel to level out the ground if the soil has been pushed inwards. This will help create a more even surface and improve stability when you begin adding new materials. Additionally, be sure to put a tarp on the ground around the affected area for easy cleanup.
Step 4: Add Gravel/Stone for Support:
Next, add several layers of gravel or stone underneath the base of the wall. This will provide a stable foundation for the cement mix you’ll use later. You can also use metal stilts to give extra support if needed.
Step 5: Mix Cement/Mortar & Apply to the Wall:
Mix a batch of cement or mortar according to the instructions on your product packaging. Then apply it across the entire length of your leaning foundation wall, beginning at the top and working your way down. Use a leveler to make sure everything is even.
Step 6: Allow Cement/Mortar to Dry:
Once you’ve applied your cement or mortar, allow it to dry before continuing with the next steps. This could take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on your product type. As it dries, use a leveler to check for any vertical lines that need correcting.
Step 7: Insert Metal Stilts for Support:
Insert metal stilts into the ground underneath the wall for additional support. Make sure these are placed evenly and securely, as any unevenness can cause further issues down the line! Don’t forget to use a leveler to double check your work before moving on.
Step 8: Add Additional Layers of Mortar/Cement Mix:
Once your stilts are in place, add another layer of mortar or cement mix over top of them. Use a trowel to distribute the material evenly and make sure everything is level before moving on. It will also help to use a damp cloth or brush to smooth out any ridges or imperfections.
Step 9: Caulk Around Edges & Base of Wall:
Once you’ve finished applying your mortar or cement mix, use a caulking gun to seal around the edges and base of the wall. This will provide additional protection against moisture seeping in and causing further damage down the line! Try to keep the caulk as even and neat as possible.
Step 10: Allow Structure to Cure/Dry Completely:
Finally, allow your newly repaired foundation wall time to cure and dry completely before using it again. Depending on weather conditions, this could take several days, so be patient! If possible, cover the area with a tarp while it cures to protect it from any outside elements.
Following these simple steps can help bring peace of mind back into your home and ensure that your foundation walls remain strong and stable for years to come. With a little bit of effort, you can avoid costly repairs in the future!
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Consult With a Professional: If you do not feel comfortable taking on this project yourself, it might be best to consult with a professional. Seeking help from an experienced contractor can help ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.
- Consider Waterproofing: If water has been seeping into your foundation walls, you should consider waterproofing them before you make any repairs. This will help prevent future problems from arising due to moisture buildup in the walls.
- Use Shims for Support: If your leaning wall needs structural reinforcement, try using shims between the joists of the wall to provide additional support. Also, be sure to use a high-strength adhesive to secure these pieces together to get maximum security and stability.
- Install Anchors if Necessary: Depending on how severe the lean is, you may need to install concrete anchors or steel rods into the ground in order to provide additional support to the wall.
- Monitor Your Wall’s Progress: After you have completed your repairs, it is important to regularly check on the stability and integrity of your foundation wall. This can help you catch any small problems before they become bigger issues that are more costly to fix.
With these tips and tricks, you can help ensure that your leaning foundation wall is securely stabilized and will remain safe for many years to come.
5 Precautions You Can Take While Working On a Leaning Foundation Wall
- Wear Protective Equipment: When working on a leaning foundation wall, it is important to wear the necessary protective equipment, including gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask.
- Do Not Overburden the Wall: Make sure not to overburden the wall with heavy materials or furniture, as this can cause further damage or instability in the wall.
- Avoid Using Power Tools Too Close to the Wall: If you use any power tools near your foundation wall, be sure to use them at least 6 feet away from the structure to avoid causing further damage or injury.
- Properly Support Walls During Removal of Old Material: When removing old mortar or cement mix from your foundation wall, make sure you have them properly supported so that they do not collapse during this process.
- Securely Fasten Shims and Anchors: Finally, when installing any reinforcement pieces or anchors into your foundation wall, fasten them to get maximum stability securely.
Taking these simple precautions can help ensure that you are working on your leaning foundation wall safely and effectively. Remember these tips, and be sure to use common sense when completing this project!
How Do You Straighten a Foundation Wall?
Once you have completed the necessary repairs, it is time to begin straightening your foundation wall. The best way to do this is by using a hydraulic jack system. This equipment uses pressurized air or hydraulic fluid to lift and support walls while they are simultaneously being secured with anchors.
It is important to follow all safety precautions when working with any type of heavy machinery and make sure that the area around the wall is clear before beginning the process.
Once you have securely fastened the wall into its original position, you can then use mortar or cement mix to seal any gaps or cracks in order for it to be as strong and secure as possible.
Finally, allow your new foundation wall plenty of time to cure and dry completely before using it.
By following these steps, you can help ensure that your foundation wall is secure and straightened safely and effectively. With the right tools and knowledge, you can have a strong, stable foundation in no time!
Conclusion
Fixing a leaning foundation wall is not easy and sometimes requires professional assistance. However, hopefully, this article on how to fix a leaning foundation wall has given you some insight into some of the steps you need to take to diagnose and remedy the problem successfully.
Remember that foundation walls are structural components of your home, so any repairs should be treated seriously, lest you risk more extensive damage to your home down the line.
Thanks for joining us on this journey – we hope it’s been helpful! Going forward, consider investing in regular house inspections to stay ahead of any potential problems with your foundation (or anything else!). Prevention is important! Keep in mind too that starting the process now can really help you save on costs later.