Wall failure happens at different stages and the damage associated with each stage is different. Below is a brief explanation of what you can expect if you are experiencing these challenges.
What happens when a wall bows
When you see a horizontal crack in your foundation that is the wall point loading. It happens on the inside as well as the outside
Stage two of wall failure
Stage two is stairstep cracking at the corners. Avoiding stage three can save you money. If you see stairstep cracks addressing the wall sooner than later is a good idea
Stage three of wall failure
Usually the wall can still be saved but the repair might be more expensive than if it was addressed sooner
Stage one of wall failure
Stage one of a wall bowing is a frost line crack. A horizontal crack that tends to span the upper middle part of the wall. When water turns to ice, its volume increases by about 9% causing expansion of the soil right next to your home
Outside indicators
If the basement is finished it can be hard to tell if the wall is bowing. Gaps in the corners of the foundation are good indicator you are having foundation issues.
Stage three of wall failure
If your wall has managed to sheer some urgency is needed as the foundation is severely compromised. There is no way of knowing how much longer the wall has until stage four
Damaging pipes and conduit
As the wall continues to fall in it can damage water pipes, electrical conduit and anything attached to the failing wall.
What happens when a wall shears
Stage three is when the wall shears. Shearing is when the 2nd course of block starts to slide of the 1st course
Stage four of wall failure
Stage four is total wall failure. The repair is now rebuilding your wall which is usually a lot more expensive vs saving the wall. Water, bugs and small rodents will be joining you in your basement as well
Settling Foundation
Cracks in the Foundation
The first sign of settlement is usually a crack in the foundation. If you have landscaping or full back fill these cracks can be difficult to see
Cracks above door frames
Door and window frames will usually crack as the foundation continues to sink
Cracks in the Foundation
A crack in your foundation that is wider at the top than it is at the bottom is a very good indicator of settlement. Typically the home will have two of these cracks showing where the settlement starts and stops
Floor Cracks
Hairline cracks usually show up within a year of the concrete being poured and that is nothing to worry about. If your home has cracks that you could fit a penny into then you should have that inspected
Doors not opening correctly
As your home continues to settle doors and windows will become more difficult to open and close
Sometimes its hard to tell
The first signs of settlement often go overlooked. If you think you are seeing these signs its a good idea to have a professional with the tools to diagnose your issues and explain all your options