Foundation Wall Repair in O’Bryanville

We recently completed a project at a single-family home in O’Bryanville. The homeowner had noticed a large crack along the left side foundation wall. The yard sloped toward the rear and right side of the property, which allowed surface water to collect near the foundation. Over time, this uneven drainage caused differential settlement, meaning one portion of the foundation began to shift more than the rest.

Cause of the Damage

As the foundation settled unevenly, the movement created unbalanced pressure against the left side wall. Eventually, the stress became severe enough to cause the wall to crack completely through the glass block window. This type of damage clearly indicated that the foundation was no longer moving uniformly.

Engineer’s Assessment and Repair Plan

The homeowner wisely contacted a structural engineer to evaluate the issue. After reviewing the conditions, the engineer designed a detailed repair plan, and the homeowner hired Hughes Construction to carry out the work. Our crew began by removing sections of drywall to access the damaged area. We then injected the foundation crack with urethane foam to stop active water seepage. To strengthen the wall, we installed staple dowels as outlined in the engineer’s design. On the exterior, we excavated along the crack and sealed it with HLM 5000 to provide additional protection from moisture intrusion.

Correcting the Drainage Problem

To address the grading issue that contributed to the unbalanced loading, we added about one truckload of topsoil to the right side of the property. This adjustment created positive drainage away from the home. In addition, we replaced the damaged glass block window, setting it with foam around the edges to allow for minor movement before capping it with concrete. Once the foundation and drainage work were complete, we restored the disturbed yard areas with seed and straw.

The Takeaway

This project shows how something as simple as poor drainage can lead to differential foundation settlement and significant structural stress. By improving grading and following an engineer’s repair plan, the homeowner ensured the stability of the foundation for years to come.

To learn more about our drainage services, do not hesitate to reach out to us today!