Bowing Foundation Walls

[DJA]

I've just moved into an 80+ year old home with a block foundation. Two of the four walls are bowing/cracking and there is water leakage on all four walls. I've had several experts look at the problem and have narrowed down my choices to the following:

1. Destroy and replace the two walls bowing and install a water collection/pumping system in all walls. To me thhis is the best fix, but the most expensive.

2. Install an anchor system in the bowing walls and a water collection/pumping system in all walls. This takes care of the bow, but it seems that will create a "hard point" and new cracks are likely to form around the plate. Whatsmore is the appearance of these plates may deter a future buyer.

3. Dig from the outside to the level of the horizontal cracks and repair them from the outside and waterproof; repair cracks from inside and install the water collection/pumping system in all walls. This takes care of the water leakage, but there is still the bowing. The contractor mentioned the bowing isn't bad enough to warrant renewal, but I am still skeptical. Plus when it comes to selling the house again this will become an issue.

My questions are:

-Regarding the anchoring system, is the cracking around these a problem commonly seen?
-At what point does the bowing become too bad? Is there a tolerance?

[TJ1962]

Unfortunately this happens often.

There are many considerations: severity of bowing-the ACI (American Concrete Institute) states tolerances of a wall can be out of plane 1 inch per 40 lineal ft. This has a safety factor of 2" per 40 lineal ft.

There are other considerations: is the foundation crumbling? and after repair do you get back the monies spent for repairs on value of home?

Without writing a book, you have about five options. Weigh each option individually. Cost vs Value vs Performance.

If wall is in tolerance options include: wall anchors, I-Beams and Carbon Fiber Stabilization. All perform the task of arresting continued inward movement.

In regards to wall anchors you usually have put a large hole in foundation with could or could not add to water problem, depending on how tie back/anchor is waterproofed at time of installation.

Best Wishes.