The structural reinforcement of a home’s foundation walls is typically something that we only get calls about once we NEED to get a call about it. Case and point: in the fall of 2015, South Jersey Waterproofing were summoned to this lovely home in Haddonfield, NJ, to assess a suspicious basement foundation wall. Our expert team noticed that cracking and bowing needed to be addressed to maintain structural integrity.
WHAT IS BOWING?
In simple terms, bowing walls refer to any basement or retaining walls that curve inward. To determine if a wall is bowing, we can analyze a cross-section of the wall and ensure that a plumb line dropped from the top to the base does not fall outside the wall’s center of gravity.
CAUSE OF CRACKS AND BOWS IN FOUNDATION WALLS
Cracks and bowing in foundation walls can occur for various reasons, including soil movement, water damage, or poor construction techniques. These issues can lead to severe structural problems if left unaddressed, such as water seepage, foundation settling, and even collapse.
You can significantly reduce the risk of these issues by reinforcing your basement foundation wall with rod and grout reinforcement. The process is relatively quick and non-invasive, making it a popular choice for homeowners looking to protect their homes from costly foundation repairs.
SOLUTIONS TO FIX BOWING AND CRACKED WALLS
After taking measurements and analyzing the foundation, our team decided that the best move for these Haddonfield homeowners would be to have us reinforce the basement foundation walls with rod and grout.
Rod and grout reinforcement is a popular technique to prevent cracking and bowing in basement foundation walls. The process involves drilling small holes into the wall and injecting grout, a cement-based material, to fill any gaps or voids in the concrete. Then, steel rods are inserted into the holes and secured with more grout, creating a reinforced structure.
This method effectively prevents cracks and bowing in foundation walls because the steel rods provide additional strength and support to the concrete, making it less likely to shift or deform under pressure. Additionally, the grout fills in any gaps or voids in the concrete, creating a more solid structure.
WRAPPING UP
In conclusion, rod and grout reinforcement is a highly effective method for preventing the cracking and bowing of basement foundation walls. By reinforcing the structure with steel rods and grout, homeowners can protect their homes from substantial structural damage and avoid costly repairs. Contact South Jersey Waterproofing if you suspect the walls of your basement foundation are bowing or cracking right away! Maintaining structural integrity is an integral part of the waterproofing process – and our team has been doing it in Haddonfield, NJ, and the surrounding New Jersey and Pennsylvania area for over three generations. So don’t wait – call us today!
