How to Repair Poured Concrete Foundation Walls

We recently met with a couple in Birmingham, MI who reached out after growing increasingly concerned about cracks in their poured concrete foundation. During their inspection, they shared that they sometimes lay awake at night wondering if they might wake up in the basement one morning, worried the walls might just fall in. We reassured them that we help homeowners with these concerns every day and scheduled a free estimate to determine the cause. But what causes poured concrete foundations to crack in the first place? Let's take a look.

Why Do Poured Concrete Foundations Crack?

While some hairline cracks are a normal part of concrete curing, larger or expanding cracks often indicate movement beneath or around the foundation. In the Midwest, changing soil moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and foundation settlement are among the most common causes.

Homeowners often begin searching for foundation repair after noticing one or more of these signs:

• Vertical or Diagonal Foundation Cracks: Concrete shrinkage or foundation settlement.
• Horizontal Foundation Cracks: Hydrostatic pressure from saturated soil.
• Water Leaking Through Foundation Cracks: Groundwater entering through foundation cracks.
• Sticking Doors and Windows: Foundation movement causing frame misalignment.
• Uneven or Sloping Floors: Foundation settlement beneath the home.

Restoring a Historic Birmingham Home's Foundation

Historic homes are a defining feature of Birmingham, MI, especially around Shain Park and the city's established neighborhoods. While these homes are known for their character, many foundations have endured decades of Michigan's changing seasons, shifting soils, and settlement.

We recently met with a Birmingham couple whose historic home had developed extensive foundation cracks and severely deteriorated concrete. After evaluating the foundation, our specialist designed a custom repair plan to stabilize the home while preserving its historic character.

Foundation Repair Systems Installed

• Shotcrete: Rebuilt and reinforced the deteriorated foundation walls with high-strength structural concrete.
• SmartJacks®: Stabilized sagging floor joists and restored support beneath the home.
• CleanSpace® Crawl Space Encapsulation: Sealed the crawl space to help control ground moisture.
• SaniDry™ Dehumidifier: Reduced humidity to create a drier, healthier crawl space.

Every Foundation Deserves the Right Repair Plan

No two foundation problems are exactly alike. Whether your home has foundation cracks, settlement, bowing walls, or moisture issues, Ayers designs custom repair plans for every foundation type. If you've noticed signs of foundation damage, schedule a free estimate and discover the right solution to protect your home for years to come.