Bowed Basement Wall Repair in Kansas

Your basement walls can fall prey to all sorts of cracking and gaping. The most dangerous problem, however, is the bowing of walls. Basement wall bowing refers to walls that are curved inward. This unacceptable characteristic in walls is not normal. It happens when the soils beneath the basement are expanding and causing hydrostatic pressure. A bow of more than 1 inch suggests something seriously wrong with the basement. So, if you need a professional bowed basement wall repair in Kansas before your walls get worse, Lamunyon Dry Out and Foundation Repair can help you. Make your call today!

What Is Hydrostatic Pressure?

Defined as “the pressure exerted by a fluid at equilibrium at a given point within the fluid, due to the force of gravity. Hydrostatic pressure increases in proportion to the depth measured from the surface because of the increasing weight of fluid exerting downward force from above.”

So now you have water in the moisture-crammed soil, which exerts hydrostatic pressure on your basement walls. This causes them to bend and bow in unusual ways. Bowed basement walls will ultimately crack.

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 lack of appropriate drainage. We must fix these issues before we take other actions like replacement.

There are many ways to fix bowing basement walls, depending on the extent of the bowing. However, the most popular methods to fix bowing basement walls include reinforcement straps and wall anchors. In reinforcement straps, carbon fiber straps are applied on the wall vertically to prevent further bowing or cracking. In wall anchors, the anchors attached to the wall are installed deep in the earth where there are stable, load-bearing strata. Wall anchors also prevent further bowing and cracking.

At Lamunyon Dry Out and Foundation Repair, we perform foundation repair services, including 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 can 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.

Do You Have Bowing Walls In Your Basement?

Your busy routine may not give you enough time to ponder the shape of your walls. But if you have a basement, it doesn’t hurt to take a look at your walls every once in a while. You can simply look for the following signs to map out whether you have a wall bowing in the basement or not–

• Horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or stair-step cracks on the wall
• Water leakage through the wall
• Wall tipping
• Misalignment of doors and windows
• The wall is not straight up and down
• Leaning wall
• Bulging wall

If these issues persist, you will eventually notice that your walls are no longer straight. In that case, your walls will need stabilization to avoid further damage, such as foundation settlements or wall cracks. Depending on the extent of the bowing, we can come up with solutions, including wall anchoring and carbon fiber reinforcement. Don’t let bowing walls in your basement disrupt your house’s structural integrity. Make a call today!

Are There Other Ways To Fix A Bowing Basement Wall?

Yes! In fact, we can also use a thick carbon fiber wall support to repair bowed walls. These carbon fiber straps are the strongest on the market as they tie the foundation base to the house framing. Secured on both the top with a sill plate and at the bottom in the foundation floor with a carbon fiber pin, this system will not break down over time and ensures lasting control of the pressure from the outside. This will work on block and poured foundation walls, requires no digging into the yard, is quick and clean to install, and can be painted over once cured.

We can also install a wall support system that works directly with our wall anchoring system in connection to wall anchors. The Waler Wall support system is engineered to add structural stability to a previously bowed wall. It is engineered to add structural stability to a basement wall that has been compromised and can be used with our other repair products and waterproofing options.

Is A Warranty Offered On Basement Foundation Repair?

Yes! Lamunyon proudly offers a 25-year warranty on basement foundation repair anchoring and Waler Wall support systems, and a lifetime warranty on carbon fiber support systems. Our warranties are also transferable, so you have future peace of mind too. Don’t hesitate to ask your specialist for further details or call us today.

Bowing Basement Wall Repair Cost In Kansas

There are several ways to repair a bowing basement wall, each with a different price range. Other factors that influence the cost include the required materials, labor, and additional services like wall finishing. Repairing walls is cheaper than eventually having to replace them, so call us for a free inspection to learn more about the cost of fixing your bowed basement walls.

Bowed Basement Wall Repair Near You In Kansas

A bowed basement wall is a serious issue that requires immediate attention to avoid further damage and potential safety hazards. Our Lamunyon Dry Out & Foundation Repair team is committed to providing efficient and effective solutions for your bowed basement wall repair needs. With our extensive experience and use of cutting-edge technology, we can restore your foundation to its original strength and stability. Contact us today to schedule an inspection and learn more about our services. We also offer foundation repair services within Kansas in the locations – Manhattan, Salina, Topeka, Wichita and McPherson.