How to Repair Bowing Basement Walls?
A common misconception about bowing basement walls is that the replacement is the only solution. Luckily, that’s not true! Not only are there other options, but replacing a foundation wall doesn’t even treat the problem that created the bowing. Basement walls shift for a number of reasons, including standing water, incorrect basement waterproofing, and/or lack of appropriate drainage. We must fix these issues before we take other actions like replacement.
At Lamunyon Dry Out and Foundation Repair, we perform bowed basement wall repairs in four simple steps:
Step 1: Inspection
Inspection is a way for us to identify the cause behind the bowed walls in the basement. Once we are able to reach the root cause of the problem, we can choose a proper repair method.
Step 2: Repair Method
The basic and most common repair methods that are used to repair bowed walls in the basement are wall anchoring and reinforcement straps.
- Wall Anchors– Wall anchor installation is a proven engineering method to stabilize and strengthen your failing and bowing basement wall. It doesn’t matter what foundation you have, concrete, tile, or cinder block; the wall anchors will work with most materials. The anchors are installed deep in the earth in stable, load-bearing strata.
- Carbon Fiber Reinforcement – Reinforcing basement walls through carbon fiber straps stops the walls from bowing further, preventing collapse. After injection cracks with hydraulic cement or epoxy, these reinforcement straps are applied vertically. A layer of epoxy is applied before and after the carbon fiber strap to strengthen the reinforcement.
Step 3: Estimates
Once we finalize a repair plan, we will tell you the estimated cost and duration of the repair. This cost takes into account the extent of the repair, chosen method, urgency, work hours, materials needed, etc.
Step 4: Repairs
After agreement on the previous steps, we will implement the repairs as soon as we can. The repair may take a few hours or a few days to complete, depending on the extent of the damage. Our technicians try to be as cost and time-efficient as possible.
Repairing a bowed wall is no easy task. It affects the entire structure of your property, not just your basement. That is why it is crucial to opt for experienced professionals who can stabilize your house’s walls properly. At Lamunyon Dry Out and Foundation Repair, we provide you with budget-friendly, reliable, and qualified repair methods to repair bowed basement walls.
What is a Basement Wall Anchor?
Wall plate anchors are a very inexpensive yet powerful solution to bowing walls. These anchors are an approved means of repair by many engineers and building code officials in the United States. The anchors have the ability to recover the structural integrity of foundation walls without significant renovation or excavation. The purpose of a wall anchor is to restore lateral strength to the wall while allowing you to pull the wall straight using the natural expansion and contraction of the soil.
One of the many advantages of anchors is that they are not obtrusive or unsightly in the basement, like many alternative bracing methods. A thin, strong steel wall plate may be the only thing seen inside the basement. The wall anchors allow the foundation bowing wall repair to be carried out without giving up valuable square footage.
