Foundation Walls Bowing: A Cause for Concern?

Bowing foundation walls are a serious issue that can affect the stability and safety of your home. They are an indicator of foundation problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more costly it becomes to repair.

What Causes Foundation Walls to Bow?

Several factors can contribute to foundation wall bowing, including:

• Hydrostatic Pressure: This is the pressure exerted by water against the foundation walls. It is caused by heavy rain, poor drainage, or a high water table.
• Soil Shrinkage: Clay soil can shrink and pull away from the foundation walls during dry periods. This can cause the walls to lose support and bow inward. 
• Poorly Compacted Fill Soil: When backfill soil is used to replace the original soil during construction, it can be broken up and loosened. This can cause the soil to fill with water and fail to support the home.
• Frost Heave: When water in the soil freezes, it expands. This expansion can put pressure on the foundation walls and cause them to bow.
• Tree Roots: Tree roots can grow large and exert pressure on foundation walls, causing them to bow or crack.

Signs of Foundation Wall Bowing

There are several signs that may indicate your foundation walls are bowing, including:

• Horizontal cracks in the foundation walls, especially cracks that are wider at the bottom than at the top
• Doors and windows that stick or are difficult to open or close
• Uneven floors
• A leaning chimney

What To Do If You Notice Bowing Walls

If you notice any signs of foundation wall bowing, it is important to contact a foundation repair professional as soon as possible. At Frontier Foundation & Crawl Space Repair our Design Specialists can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action for repairing the foundation and preventing further bowing.
If you're ready to find a solution to your foundation issues, give us a call today at 1-615-269-7772 or click here to schedule a professional inspection with one of our foundation repair experts. We offer free estimates on all our work!