Choosing the Right Basement Wall Repair

Various methods of basement repair are applicable for different situations. The kind of problem in your basement should be your guide to making the right choice. Some of the common basement issues you are likely to face are tipping at the top, horizontal cracks that cause bowing walls, crumbling or decaying blocks and mortar, vertical cracks, and sheers that make walls slide inwards.

In most cases, these problems are caused by inefficient moisture-resistance techniques used during the construction of the basement. If ignored, they could cause the entire wall to collapse or damage the house’s foundation. 

Reach out to licensed contractors with experience in basement waterproofing in Mississauga when you notice any of the problems above in your basement. Working with locally-based companies will give you an upper hand because you will get solutions befitting your geographical and climatic conditions and use locally made products.

Solutions to common basement problems

Basement walls bowing in

The first step is to stop the movement from progressing, and it can be achieved through reinforcements with steel beams, which can be cemented below and attached to the wood above. It only works if the wall has not curved by more than 2 inches; otherwise, the structure will not be strong enough to support repairs. Another disadvantage is that the steel could also corrode or flex, even if the space between them and the wall is covered.

In some cases, filling the cracks to straighten the wall is a good solution, but it involves excavation of the soil to release the pressure causing it to bow in. Caulking or filling could also prevent the wall from straightening back up.

Another possible solution for bowing in basements involves the use of carbon fibre mesh. These are smooth and inconspicuous straps that are strong enough to support the wall foundation. Their inflexible nature means they cannot stretch, which prevents the wall from moving further.

Sheers 

Sheers are formed in basement walls when a row of blocks has moved inwards by at least half an inch, leaving the ones below and above in line. This problem is mostly caused by poor drainage that leads to water pooling near the walls outside. With time, the moisture causes the mortar and foundation to rot and weaken, resulting in the blocks shifting. If the sheer is less than an inch, steel beams can be used to rectify the problem. Basement waterproofing is another option worth exploring.

Tipping walls

Tipping walls lean inwards at the top section because they were not attached to the above structure during construction. Unlike bowing, tipping occurs even without the formation of cracks. The repair method involves the removal of soil near the walls outside to relieve the pressure it exerts. Steel beams with jacks or screws are then used to return the wall to the right position. They will remain in place until the wall is secured permanently.

Crumbling basement walls

Improper sealing of the basement will lead to the foundation rotting and crumbling. Waterproofing can solve the problems, especially after excavation, repair of the damaged elements, and reinforcement are done. If the damage is extreme, the entire wall may have to be replaced.

Sinking foundation 

Foundations can sink in if the soil under them is not strong enough. Signs of this include cracks on stairs and vertical cracks on walls. Sometimes the damage extends to the above living space, causing the walls and ceiling to crack, and doors failing to close properly.

Underpinning, where a solid substrate is installed under the foundation, is usually a good solution, but it should be accompanied by basement waterproofing in Mississauga.