How to Repair a Foundation Bowing

Demolition

• 1

  Support the existing floor with a temporary support system consisting of post jacks and beams. The post jacks are columns that are extended under the floor to support the floor and alleviate loads on the foundation wall.

• 2

  Excavate along the foundation wall on the exterior of the house. It is important to dig all the way to the footing, or base, of the foundation. This saturated soil must be removed completely to fix the bowing wall.

• 3

  Remove the damaged concrete blocks. Using a hammer, carefully break away some of the blocks. Once a sizable hole is made, whole blocks can be removed if the mortar is cracked. If not, continue to chip away at the damaged wall.

Rebuilding

• 4

  Build a new concrete block foundation wall. Start at the bottom of the wall, where the footing remains. The first row of blocks should be placed level and straight. Use a chalk line to ensure the wall is straight. The second course should overlap the first course by half a block. This is done so the vertical joints do not align going up the wall. Drive rebar into the cores of the block and fill with grout, which is a loose type of concrete mix. This will reinforce the concrete wall from further structural damage.

• 5

  Install drain tile, which is flexible and perforated black tubing, along the base of the footing. Doing this will provide a path for the water to drain, alleviating the water pressure on the wall.

• 6

  Cover the exterior of the wall with a damp-proofing product that helps the wall resist water transfer into the basement or crawl space.

• 7

  Back fill the excavated space with crushed gravel. This material allows the water to flow down to the drain tile and not put pressure on the wall. Top with a layer of subsoil and then top soil. Add landscaping, and the exterior portion of the work is done.

• 8

  Remove the temporary support structure slowly, checking for any movement in the structure above or the foundation wall. Once the supports are free from the floor structure above, the job is complete.