What You Need to Know About Bull Tallow Soil and Foundation Wall Repair in St. Louis, MO

When searching for a home, you’re probably thinking about the number of bathrooms, the size of the backyard, and whether the furnace is outdated. 

However, there’s something else you might want to pay closer attention to—the soil surrounding the home’s foundation. 

In St. Louis, MO, bull tallow soil (a type of clay soil) is common, and it can cause serious problems for your foundation. One of the most significant issues is bowing foundation walls. If you’re noticing cracks or signs of foundation movement, this post will explain the ins and outs of foundation wall repair, clay soil expansion, and how to prevent further damage.

Characteristics of Bull Tallow Soil:

• High water retention
• Expands when wet, contracts when dry
• Sticky and difficult to work with when moist
• Prone to compaction and poor drainage

• Horizontal Cracks: A sure sign of pressure from clay soil expansion, these cracks typically run horizontally along the wall.
• Diagonal Cracks: Cracks running diagonally from corners of windows or door frames can indicate shifting pressure from bull tallow soil.
• Stair-Step Cracks: Often seen in brick or block foundations, stair-step cracks suggest the foundation is moving due to pressure from expanding soil.
• Bulging or Leaning Walls: If you notice any portion of your basement wall bulging inward, it’s time to act quickly. This is a major indicator of bowing walls caused by clay soil.

• Foundation Cracks: Expanding and contracting soil stresses the foundation, leading to cracks.
• Water Seepage: Moist clay soil often retains water, which can seep into your basement through any existing cracks, leading to dampness or flooding.
• Uneven Floors: If your foundation is shifting due to clay soil, your floors could become uneven.
• Settling: Clay soil contraction during dry spells can lead to foundation settling, where parts of your home sink unevenly.

While you may need professional help for foundation wall repair, here are some DIY steps you can take to help prevent bowing walls caused by clay soil:

• Proper Drainage: Ensure that water is directed away from your foundation by using downspouts.
• Grade the Soil: Slope the soil away from your home to prevent water from pooling near your foundation.
• Limit Watering Near Foundation: Avoid overwatering plants and shrubs near your home to reduce moisture build-up in the soil.

• Install Gutters: Ensure gutters are in place and properly maintained to direct water away from your foundation.

Wall Anchors

One of the most reliable solutions for bowing walls is the installation of wall anchors. This system works by driving steel rods deep into stable soil outside your home. These rods are then attached to heavy-duty steel plates mounted on the inside of your foundation wall. By gradually tightening the rods, the anchors can pull the wall back toward its original position, providing long-term stability and preventing further movement.

Wall Braces

Another option is to install steel beams or braces inside the basement to provide additional support for bowing walls. This method is less invasive but may not be as long-lasting as anchors.

Carbon Fiber Straps

For minor bowing less than 2 inches, carbon fiber straps can be applied to the wall’s interior to prevent further movement. While this method is effective for smaller repairs, it is not a solution for severely bowed walls.