Stages of Wall Movement
Foundation issues can be a nightmare if left untreated. But how do you know what to look for? Read this blog to learn more about the four stages of wall movement and how American Waterworks can help.
Foundation walls are meant to stand strong and support the home's structure. However, over time, natural forces can cause serious damage. At American Waterworks, we specialize in identifying those issues and offering long-term, warrantied solutions to permanently protect your home. Our commitment is to help every homeowner prevent wall failure before it happens, and to be there with trusted expertise when it already has.
In this blog, we will go over the four stages of wall movement, what they mean, and how we can help restore stability in your home. But first, let's go over the most common causes of wall movement.
Why Do Foundation Walls Move?
Your foundation walls are designed to provide strength and stability, but they're constantly under pressure. Over time, various factors can lead to cracking, bowing, or even total collapse.
The most common causes of wall movement are:
- Hydrostatic Pressure: When water builds up in the soil around your foundation, it creates outward pressure on the walls. Over time, this can cause them to crack or bow.
- Expansion and Shifting Soil: Changes in soil composition or expansion can cause the soil along your foundation to shift and apply pressure.
- Freeze-Thaw Cycles: In the Midwest, expanding and contracting soil during temperature changes can gradually damage foundation walls.
- Poor Construction: Sometimes, issues stem from the way the home was originally built, including insufficient reinforcement.
The 4 Stages of Wall Movement
Understanding these stages can help you take action before it gets worse.
Stage 1: Horizontal Cracking
What's happening:
This is often the first sign of trouble. A horizontal crack running along the center of the wall may seem harmless at first, but it indicates that external pressure is already exceeding what your wall can handle
Stage 2: Stair-Step Cracking and Bowing
What's happening:
Diagonal or stair-step cracks forming along the mortar joints signal increasing stress and possible foundation settlement. These cracks mean your wall is actively shifting and weakening, and signs of bowing or inward movement can be present.
Stage 3: Shearing
What's happening:
You will see the wall starting to shear at the bottom, a clear indicator of potential collapse. At this stage, the structural integrity is compromised, and the risk of collapse grows. Immediate reinforcement is needed to stabilize the wall.
Stage 4: Wall Failure
What's happening:
The wall has given out, either partially or completely, due to prolonged stress. This is a serious safety concern that requires emergency repair and structural restoration.
How American Waterworks Can Help
No matter the stage, we have a solution designed to stop the damage and restore your foundation. Our systems are designed for durability and backed by industry-leading warranties.
CarbonArmor Wall Reinforcing System
Military-grade carbon fiber straps are bonded directly to the wall surface to stop further movement. Ideal for early-stage damage, this system installs quickly and cleanly, without digging or excavation.
Anchors are embedded deep into stable soil and connected to steel plates on your basement walls. Over time, these can even straighten walls back to their original position.
If exterior access is limited, our PowerBrace uses custom-fit steel beams to stabilize and slowly straighten foundation walls from the inside with no digging required. *However, depending on the severity of the wall and what is needed for the project, digging may be required.
ShotLock Wall Restoration System
For severely damaged walls, our fiber-reinforced ShotLock system is a powerful solution. Applied under high pressure, it forms a new, ultra-strong concrete layer over the existing structure.
Why Homeowners Trust American Waterworks
We understand how overwhelming foundation issues can be. That's why we go beyond repair, we focus on prevention and peace of mind.
When you choose American Waterworks, you get:
- Proven Products backed up by transferable warranties
- Certified Crews trained in the latest foundation repair technologies
- Custom Solutions designed for your home's unique needs
- Reliable Experience with thousands of successful projects across the Midwest
Don't Wait For Wall Failure to Happen
Whether you've noticed a small crack or are dealing with a wall that's visibly leaning, we're here to help. The sooner we catch it, the easier and more affordable it is to fix.
If you've noticed any of these signs, then it's time to contact American Waterworks for a FREE, no-obligation estimate. Our team of professionals will inspect the issue, explain the problem, and recommend a solution that works. Protect your home today by clicking HERE!
*Product recommendation varies by location
Resources
Pavers, V., & Pavers, V. (2024, December 9). 8 reasons retaining walls Fail | Viking Pavers. Viking Pavers | Bay Area Paver Driveway Paving Company Paver Installer. https://vikingpavers.com/8-reasons-retaining-walls-fail/
Systems, M. B. (n.d.). Four stages of foundation wall failure. Mid-State Basement Systems. https://www.midstatebasementsystems.com/about-us/news-and-events/37461-four-stages-of-foundation-wall-failure.html