Bowing Basement Wall Repair

A bowing basement wall is typically caused by hydrostatic pressure. This is the force of water-saturated soil expanding and pushing on the exterior of the wall. Because there is nothing on the interior to counter that force, the wall begins to move. If left untreated, the wall can continue to move inward and eventually may collapse.

Bowing walls are most often seen in foundation walls constructed with concrete blocks. These concrete blocks are held together with mortar, and the mortar (unless it is reinforced), is the weakest spot. This is where you are most likely to see the failure. The walls are strongest at the corners, so the bowing is typically found toward the middle – in the form of stairstep foundation cracks.

Hydrostatic pressure due to poor drainage of the immediate exterior is normally to blame. Freezing and thawing in the Northeast contributes to the problem, as well as water-saturated clay-like soil in the Southeast.

Unless you’re putting in helical tiebacks to straighten the wall, all work is done on the inside.

We know that any construction project can cause dust and debris! We don’t like it either. Our experienced team will put up plastic curtains to contain the dust and debris in jackhammering is necessary with the I-beams. When scarifying the walls to apply Carbon Fiber Strapping, we use a vacuum system to remove the fine particles. In addition, we create a negative pressure environment in the basement, so everything is blown safely outside.

With any basement bracing installation, we clean thoroughly upon completion of the project.

While most people think of a basement as an extra storage space, it plays a much larger role towards your home’s structural integrity and the environmental healthiness of your living space. Whether you have leaks coming from your basement walls, or you’ve discovered that your basement’s been flooded by a recent rainstorm, it can cause both great amounts of stress and huge repair costs.

’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has the basement waterproofing solutions you need to ensure that water stays on the move…out and away from your home, so that a wet basement is the last thing you have to worry about while enjoying your home life. From our effective Channel ’58 Drainage Channels to our powerful Workhorse Sump Pumps, we cover all the bases when it comes to keeping your basement safe, dry, and useable for many years to come.

Contact us to schedule for a free inspection and receive a detailed estimate! With more than 64 years of keeping basements dry, there’s no one with our level of expertise!

What to Expect from ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing

1. Conversation and collaboration. To understand your goals, we ask a lot of questions…and we listen! That way we clearly understand the problem.

2. Detailed inspection. Together, we walk around your home to perform a thorough inspection. You point things out and we talk about the process.

3. A healthy solution. Your Foundation Specialist will provide a written recommendation that meets your goals. Cost included.

4. Five-Star Installation. The ’58 Crew will be there on time and communicate throughout the process. No surprises!

5. Money-Back* Confidence. Combined with the industry’s Strongest Warranties you can rest assured that your system will protect your home for the length of the warranty — a lifetime!

*That’s right, if we can’t fix it, we’ll return your money. Ask your Foundation Specialist for details. Working together to deliver a five-star experience.