4 Signs Of Wall Failure For Concrete Block Foundation Walls

Seeing your walls begin to crack or bow can be very scary—but maybe you're unsure if a wall crack is purely cosmetic or is a symptom of a larger problem. 

We hear you. Homeowners address their wall and foundation problems often because foundation issues can lower the value of their home drastically. So, here's what you need to know about wall failure for concrete block foundation walls. 

1. Horizontal cracking. 

This type of cracking near the middle of the wall is one of the first symptoms you might notice when the wall begins to bow. They usually start out small and increase in width over time as the soil outside continues to put pressure on the wall. 

2. Stair-step cracking at the corners. 

When these "staircase" cracks begin to show in the corners of a bowing wall, you can take it as a common sign of potential wall failure. It usually means the problem is getting worse, and, the longer the wall bows in the middle, the more the corners are held up by adjacent walls, creating the stair-step cracking effect. 

3. Pushing in at the bottom of the wall. 

If your basement walls are pushing in severely, the wall may be sliding inward near the bottom. This usually happens when the concrete floor in the basement holds the bottom row of blocks in place as the rest of the wall slides in. This is called "shearing." 

4. Leaning in at the top of the wall. 

When you see a concrete block foundation wall beginning to lean in at the top, that means the problem is very serious. This means the connection of your foundation wall to the framing of the house has been compromised. This happens when the rest of the signs of wall failure are ignored and the problem has been allowed to worsen. 

How Do I Fix My Failing Walls? 

Depending on the situation, there's any number of foundation solutions that could solve the problem. For example, carbon fiber straps can successfully reinforce a wall when it's bowing in the middle and hasn't started to slide in at the bottom or lean in at top. It doesn't require any digging or use of large equipment inside the home, making it a good option if there's limited access to the foundation walls. However, they won't help if you have major compromises to your home's structural integrity. 

It's best to call a specialist. Luckily, we'll give your home a FREE inspection—call and book an appointment today!