What Causes Buckled Basement Walls In Michigan?

Buckled basement walls affect the structural integrity of your home. The bowing, cracking, waving, and shifting are all signs that something is wrong with your foundation. Investing in foundation repair will help you avoid costly damage in the future, but first you need to figure out what is causing the problems altogether. Let’s take a look at some common causes of buckled walls in Michigan so you can get an idea of what’s going on in your home.

Expanding And Shifting Soil

The soil surrounding your home’s foundation is the biggest culprit when it comes to buckled basement walls. Soil naturally expands and contracts as it absorbs water, and that expansion creates pressure around your foundation. Your home is built to withstand a great deal of water pressure from the soil, but in heavy rain seasons, it may not be strong enough to stand up to Mother Nature. The walls will buckle and crack as a result.

In Michigan, we also have an issue with sand in the soil due to our proximity to the Great Lakes. This makes it easier for a building to shift because the soil isn’t as “rigid” as it would be in other areas. Think about sand washing in on a beach compared to dirt near a creek or lake. The sand granules glide over one another, which creates a negative effect when they’re underneath a house.

Poorly Set Foundation

Another issue Michigan homeowners run into is buying a house with poorly set foundation. In other words, the home was constructed before the foundation was officially ready to support the weight or before the soil was prepared to support the foundation. The shifting and movement that occurs after that can cause buckled walls, along with cracks in the flooring, cracks in the exterior of the home, and much more.

How To Fix Buckled Walls In Michigan

There are many other potential causes of buckled basement walls in Michigan, more so than we could possibly list her. Ideally, you should get an inspection from a professional foundation repair company like Tom’s Basement Waterproofing. We will be able to assess your property and pinpoint what is causing your foundation problems. We will also give you a quote for foundation repairs so you can get your home back in good standing. Whether you need foundation piering, simple concrete repair, or anything in between, our team is here to help every step of the way.