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Bowed & Basement Wall Repair

Bowed wall stabilization is the process of reinforcing or strengthening a weakened or damaged basement wall, typically caused by soil pressure or water damage.

Bowed Wall & Basement Wall Stabilization

Bowed and basement wall stabilization refers to techniques used to reinforce or stabilize basement walls that are showing signs of movement or failure. Bowed walls are walls that have started to curve inward or outward due to pressure from surrounding soil. Block or CMU walls fail for several reasons, ranging from lack of reinforcing steel to excessive loads. When a wall bows, the tensile strength of rebar will not be effectively transferred to the wall. Even in cases where the walls are constructed properly, soil conditions can still cause bowing. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including water pressure, soil settlement, and poor construction practices.

Bowed walls can be stabilized or repaired using a variety of methods, such as wall anchors, carbon fiber straps, helical tiebacks, installing new steel or concrete beams, adding additional supports or reinforcement to existing beams, and repairing or replacing damaged foundation walls. Carbon fiber is an effective reinforcement solution for bowed walls because it has little to no elongation. When properly bonded to the concrete or masonry substrate, it will not stretch. Composite straps exhibit a design tensile strength of over 40,000 pounds, which in most cases will provide the resistance needed to stop movement related to the external soil pressure.

Basement wall stabilization ensures the walls are strong and stable enough to support the weight of the building and resist external pressures. It is important to consult with a professional contractor or structural engineer to determine the best course of action for bowed or unstable basement walls, as the specific techniques used will depend on the severity of the problem and underlying causes of the instability. Let the R&R Foundation Specialist team of experts help – contact us today for a free estimate!

Signs You May Have Foundation Damage:

  • Walls bowing inward 
  • Leaning or tilted walls
  • Horizontal or vertical or ‘stair-step’ cracks in walls

Our Wall Stabilization Repairs Can Include:

  • Carbon Fiber Wall Stabilization Supports
  • Exterior Excavation and Wall Pushback
  • Helical Wall Tiebacks and Anchor

If your foundation or basement walls are showing signs of structural damage, they should be inspected by a professional before the problem worsens. To schedule your free, no-obligation foundation assessment, get in touch with us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common signs that you have a bowing foundation wall?

Bulging walls in your foundation are usually an indicator that severe damage has occurred or is about to happen. R&R often stabilizes bowing foundation walls with inward movement with 2” or less.

How much wall deflection or inward movement is acceptable?

Any notable inward movement should warrant cause for a professional evaluation.

Is the work invasive?

Our carbon fiber bowing wall stabilization solutions are non-invasive and can be completed from the inside of the basement or crawl space.

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