The strength and weather resistance of bricks makes them ideal for walls. In time, a leaning brick wall can cause damage to your home and be an eyesore. Fortunately, it’s an easy issue to fix. Here, we’ll show you how to fix a leaning exterior brick wall. For more information, please continue reading.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix a Leaning Brick Wall
Incorrectly built retaining walls can sag, bow, or lean. You may have additional problems with your yard, landscaping, or foundation. If you don’t address the problem with your retaining wall quickly, it can become an expensive problem.
Step 1: Adjust the Footing
Brick walls may lean due to poor drainage or settling. It may be possible to adjust the footing to correct the issue. In a foundation, the base sits on the ground. Raising the bottom and preventing the wall from leaning can level the foundation. Under the floor, you will have to insert shims around the perimeter of the foundation. To compact the gravel around the footing, you must first level it. By supporting the bottom, it will prevent future settlement of the foundation.
Step 2: Add Support to the foundation
You may need to add Support if the brick wall is leaning because of foundation problems. Installing helical piers or steel I-beams is one way to do this. Helical piers support the foundation. You can place them underneath the foundation or along the house’s perimeter. It is also possible to support the foundation with steel I-beams. A perimeter wall attaches them to the foundation underneath. Keeping the brick wall from leaning and the foundation from shifting will help prevent these problems.
Step 3: Use Wall Anchors
If poor drainage or settlement is causing the leaning brick wall, wall anchors may be able to fix it. It is necessary to drive wall anchors into the ground. Their placement along the house’s perimeter and attachment to its foundation are crucial. To install wall anchors, you must dig around the home’s perimeter and insert the anchors into the ground. To prevent a leaning wall and support the foundation, tighten the screws after installation.
Step 4: Install Helical Piers
Depending on the foundation problem, you may need to install helical piers to stabilize the brick wall. Helical piers provide structure support by driving them into the ground. Brackets connect the ports to the wall and run along the length of it. A tightening is required once the piers are in place. It is possible to use this method to stabilize a brick wall that is leaning because of foundation problems.
Step 5: Use a Foundation Plate
It may be possible to fix a leaning brick wall with a foundation plate if it results from poor drainage or settling. The foundation plate is a device that supports the foundation on the ground. It is necessary to place the container beneath the footing and attach it to the wall with brackets. Afterward, the plate is secured in position by tightening it. Supporting the bottom can prevent leaning walls.
Step 6: Use Soil Nails
You can fix a brick wall that leans due to poor drainage or settlement with soil nails. Supporting a foundation with soil nails involves driving them into the ground. Attached to the foundation, they form the perimeter of the house. Using soil nails requires excavating around the home’s perimeter first. In this step, you will drill holes in the foundation and insert soil nails. As a final step, you’ll need to compact the soil and backfill the excavation.
Step 7: Use Shotcrete
It might be possible to fix a leaning brick wall with Shotcrete if there is poor drainage or settlement. An application of Shotcrete involves spraying concrete onto a surface. Building a foundation or supporting a structure requires it. The first step to using Shotcrete is excavating around the wall’s base. Then, you’ll wet the ground and apply the Shotcrete. Afterward, you’ll apply Shotcrete and moisten the soil. Upon hardening, Shotcrete will support the wall.
Step 8: Install Cables or Struts
If your brick wall leans due to foundation problems, you may need to install cables or struts. Struts or cables support the foundation. They form the house’s perimeter along the perimeter and are attached to the foundation. The first step to installing cables or mounts is to dig a trench around the foundation’s perimeter. The next step is to place the wires or reinforcements on the track. Finally, attach them to the foundation.
Step 9: Replace Damaged Bricks
Damaged bricks will cause the brick wall to lean, so you’ll need to replace them. Using a chisel and hammer, remove the mortar around the brick. Next, use a cold chisel and hammer to remove the brick from the wall. Finally, clean out the mortar joints and install a new brick.
Step 10: Add a Layer of Masonry
Add a layer of masonry to the brick wall if it is leaning due to poor drainage or settling. Reinforcing walls with masonry is possible. You can find it at most hardware stores. The first step in adding masonry to a brick wall is to wet it with a hose. Using a trowel, spread the masonry over the wall according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Lastly, smooth it out and let it dry.
Why Is It Important to Fix a Leaning Exterior Brick Wall?
Fixing a leaning exterior brick wall is essential for a few reasons. Firstly, it is an eyesore. When people look at your home, they will likely notice a leaning brick wall. In addition, a leaning brick wall can damage your home over time. Walls that lean too far can cause cracks or collapse if they are under too much stress.
A leaning brick wall can also be a safety hazard. Having a leaning fence could result in an injury if it falls. Additionally, fixing a leaning exterior brick wall prevents further damage. Unrepaired walls will continue to deteriorate over time. You should set a leaning brick wall immediately if you have one.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Stabilize a Leaning Wall?
Helical tieback anchors or carbon fiber reinforcement are the most effective means of stabilizing the wall. The installation of Helical tieback anchors will, however, be the most effective method for straightening a bowing or leaning wall as close as possible to its original placement.
Why is My Retaining Wall Leaning?
There is a possibility that retaining walls could tilt or lean as a result of soil pressure behind them. During this time, “Mother Nature” and age have a way of giving older retaining walls a tendency to lean. As walls age, they tend to tilt due to improper construction or engineering.
Conclusion
This article provides a step-by-step guide to repairing a leaning brick wall. So, don’t worry if you have a leaning brick wall! Most people can quickly complete this process. You only need time, a few essential tools, and a willingness to get your hands dirty to accomplish this task. We hope this article was helpful and informative.
