Foundation Crack & Bowing Wall Repair in Topeka, KS

Reading a Foundation Crack

• Vertical and thin, in poured concrete: usually shrinkage from when the concrete cured. Rarely structural, often leaky.
• Diagonal, from a corner or opening: often uneven settling under one part of the foundation.
• Stair-step, along block mortar joints: settling or soil pressure. Watch the width.
• Horizontal, along the wall: soil and water pressure pushing the wall in. Have it inspected soon.
• One side higher, or wider at one end: the two sides have moved apart, a sign of active movement.

Mark each end of a crack with a pencil and the date, measure its width, and check again after the next heavy rain. A crack that grows needs attention sooner. Our guide to signs of foundation problems covers what else to look for.

Foundation Crack Repair

Leaking cracks in poured walls are usually sealed from inside by injecting epoxy, which bonds the concrete, or polyurethane, which stays flexible and is often chosen to stop water. Cracks in block walls follow the mortar and are usually handled with drainage or bracing rather than injection. A crack caused by settling will open again unless the settling is fixed.

Bowing Basement Wall Repair

Wet soil pressing on a basement wall for weeks at a time, and frost in winter, can push a wall inward, most often a block wall. Look for a horizontal crack partway up, blocks out of line, or a wall that looks curved when you sight along it.

• Carbon fiber straps: bonded to the wall, for walls that have moved a little. Thin and low-profile.
• Steel braces: anchored to the floor and the framing above, for walls that have moved more.
• Wall anchors: rods through the wall to plates in the yard, tightened over time. They need room outside.
• Rebuilding: for a wall that has moved too far. The soil is dug out, the wall rebuilt or straightened, and drainage added.

For a wall that has moved a lot, a structural engineer's evaluation before pricing is reasonable. Be wary of a firm price for a badly damaged wall from someone who has not seen it.

Fix the Water Too

Water in the soil drives both the leaks and the pressure. A lasting wall repair usually comes with better grading and downspouts, or interior drain tile along the wall. See basement waterproofing in Topeka and typical prices in our guide to foundation repair cost in Topeka.

More Questions About Crack & Bowing Wall Repair

How fast does a bowing wall get worse?

There is no fixed speed. Movement often happens in steps, after wet seasons or hard freezes, and can sit still for long stretches in between. Measuring the wall a few times a year is the only way to know whether yours is still moving.

Are carbon fiber straps strong enough?

For a wall that has moved only a little, carbon fiber straps bonded to the wall are a common, low-profile fix. For a wall that has moved more, steel braces or anchors are usually recommended. Ask the contractor how far your wall has moved and which limit their system is meant for.

Should I patch a crack before the inspection?

No. Leave it as it is so the contractor can see its width, shape and any staining. Take dated photos and mark the ends with a pencil instead.

Can a cracked wall be fixed from the outside?

Yes, by digging along the wall, which also allows a membrane and new drainage to go on. It costs more and depends on access and weather. Most crack and bowing repairs are done from inside the basement.

Will repairing the wall stop the water too?

Sealing a crack stops water at that crack. Water pushing through mortar joints or at the floor joint needs drainage as well. See basement waterproofing in Topeka.