Bowing walls are one of the most common causes of foundation damage in our customers’ homes and businesses. While bowed walls can lead to severe foundation damage, learning to spot some early warning signs can save you money and prevent more extensive damage from forming. At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we are here to give all of our customers the tools they need to avoid and repair foundation damage. Let’s take a closer look at bowing walls and some of the warning signs you should keep an eye out for.

Early Indicators of Wall Bowing

While significant bowing of walls is noticeable, wall bowing often starts with minor signs of damage that can be hard to spot if you don’t know what to look for. Some common early indicators that your walls may be starting to bow include vertical crack progression, minor bulging or leaning of walls, and horizontal water stains on your walls. We’ll take a closer look at each of these early indicators of wall bowing and how they can be addressed to prevent further wall bowing.

Vertical Crack Progression in Walls

Vertical cracks are often the first sign of early foundation damage that can lead to wall bowing. While it is normal for fresh foundations still curing to develop minor superficial cracks, vertical cracks that continue to expand and widen are not normal. Oftentimes, vertical cracks are a sign of soil or hydrostatic pressure forcing the walls of your foundation inwards. Left unrepaired, these vertical cracks can grow, leading to more serious foundation damage and bowed walls. If you notice vertical cracks that continue to grow or have signs of water seeping through them, contact a team of professional foundation repair specialists like Tom’s Basement Waterproofing.

Bulging Walls and Horizontal Water Stains

If you notice bulging walls or water stains, it is a sure sign that your foundation needs repair. Wall bulging is often due to hydrostatic pressure or shifting soil putting excessive pressure on the walls, forcing them inwards. This pressure can also cause water intrusion and stains on your walls and around the floor. Addressing these issues as soon as they appear is the most cost-effective way to prevent more serious foundation damage, such as bulging walls.

Catching Foundation Damage Early

Regularly inspecting your foundation walls and monitoring existing cracks and water stains is crucial for preventing more extensive damage. If you notice:

1. Bulging walls
2. Water stains
3. Water intrusion
4. Vertical cracks

We recommend you have your foundation inspected as soon as possible to prevent more expensive repairs or further damage to your foundation.

Professional Foundation and Wall Bowing Repairs in Michigan

At Tom’s Basement Waterproofing, we provide all the help you need to keep your foundation in safe structural order. We can help you with foundation repair options, including:

1. Interior excavation
2. Exterior excavation
3. Carbon fiber reinforcement
4. Tie-back systems

Once any necessary repairs have been made to stabilize your foundation, our team can also help you with preventative foundation maintenance, such as:

1. Basement waterproofing
2. Landscape grading
3. Gutter care
4. Regular inspections

Contact us today to learn more about your bowing wall repair and preventative maintenance options.

Affordable Foundation Repairs for Bowing Walls From Tom’s Basement Waterproofing

Since 1975, the Tom’s Basement Waterproofing team has helped home and business owners find affordable foundation repair options. If you are struggling with bowing foundation walls or have noticed some early signs of foundation damage, contact our team today at (586) 949-7826 to learn more about your repair options.