How to Backfill Foundation Walls

By definition concrete is considered to be fully cured after 28 days of ideal temperature conditions, the temperature being above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, backfilling foundation walls should also not be performed until the basement slab has been poured and the foundation walls have been capped with the first floor framing.

Once the foundation walls are fully cured, have been properly sealed, and the insulation, utilities, and perimeter foundation drainage system installed, the foundation walls can then be backfilled. How to Backfill Foundation Walls Properly The proper backfilling of foundation walls is critical in the prevention of foundation wall cracks and other structural damages to the home.

To properly backfill a foundation wall coarse grained soil should be used. It should be first dropped, versus pushed, into place around the corners of the concrete foundation walls. Once the corners of the foundation walls have been evenly backfilled, the sides can then be filled in.
By dropping the soil gently into the void around the foundation walls, versus pushing it into place, the risk of putting too much rapid pressure on the foundation walls is reduced.

It is important to recognize the fact that soil is extremely heavy, and when it is pushed up against the foundation walls it creates an incredible amount of lateral pressure. By backfilling too soon, or without the basement slab poured and the foundation walls capped, this lateral pressure can cause the foundation to crack, or even worse, have the foundation walls slide off of their concrete footings. So when your contractor begins the process of backfilling your foundation walls, make sure he has waited sufficient time for the concrete to harden, that he uses coarse grain soil, and that he works carefully.

By doing so, you will reduce the risk of having to deal with future water problems in the basement and explaining foundation cracks to one day potential homebuyers.