Leaning Foundation Wall

[dneck37]

Hey Guys I have a cinderblock foundation wall leaning in about a half inch. The wall is 8 feet wide and 7 feet tall and has 2 relatively small horizontal cracks 3 feet long along mortar lines and 2 stair step cracks. There was some hydrostatic pressure issues causing this that has been addressed with sloping and drain tile. What is the best way to repair this wall? I am looking at using steel beam braces (gorilla wall braces) or carbon fiber straps (rhino carbon fiber). This wall is not in a finished area and has a lot of utilities near it so no future plans to finish it either. I don't like the look of steel I beams because I feel like it could scare off potential buyers of the property in the future but I know these can stop movement and correct the problem. I am leaning towards carbon fiber straps that mount to the sill plate and drill into the footer because of the visual appearance. Though this only arrests the problem and doesnt correct it. The carbon fiber company also stressed that its bad to put a cinderblock wall in a state of compression on both sides and steel beams dont get full contact against the wall to distribute pressure evenly. Wasn't sure if that was sales propaganda or actually true. Does anyone have any experience good or bad with either of these products or have any "structural engineering" style advice on why one would be better for the other?

Thanks again for the advice, I dont come from a family of handymen so you guys are my only sounding board.

[lthenderson]

The only way I have ever seen it done in my area is with earth anchors. They drill small holes in your yard about ten feet from your foundation and pour a plug of concrete. From inside the basement, the drill a hole through the cinder block wall and insert a rod that goes the ten feet through the earth and is anchored in the wet concrete plug. After everything dries, you tighten the rod from the inside gradually over time until everything is nice and plum again. Once everything is filled in and done, all you see are a series of hex head bolts and large washers on the inside surface of the foundation wall.

[Papa bear]

I’ve excavated out the exterior, let the wall settle back, waterproofed, then backfilled with gravel.  It’s been good for 20 years. 

I’ve also helped a buddy with the steel C channel fix.  I helped him install the C channels to keep the wall from moving any more.  Anchor bolted it to the footer, ran it up to the sil plate, and braced it against the rest of the joists with blocking.  His design, I had never done that work before.

He finished the basement and sold the house soon after, so I have no idea how well it worked. 


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[Fishindude]

If you fixed the problem, it's not getting worse, and it's not leaking at the cracks, etc. I'd just leave it alone.

There is only one right way to fix this and that involves complete excavation, temporary shoring, removal, and complete replacement.
Those ideas you are suggesting probably won't do much good anyway.

[sonofsven]

I agree with Fishindude.
Half inch out of plumb in seven feet is not ideal, but it's not uncommon.

[cool7hand]

Former legal world professional here. If you rely on homeowners' insurance, you might want to seek professional advice in this regard. Any work you do without permits/professional help could void your insurance in case of a loss. Just food for thought if this matters to you.