Can Bowed Basement Walls Be Fixed Permanently? Martinsville, IN
Do you have bowed basement walls? We are
often asked by homeowners who have foundation walls that have bowed, whether there is a way to fix the problem permanently. They wonder if they will eventually need to have the basement walls replaced and therefore wonder if it is best to simply invest in replacing the foundation that wastes money on temporary solutions.
There are many methods available for fixing bowed basement walls. Some of these methods offer only temporary relief and may be applied as you seek the means for a more permanent solution. However, many of the systems available today offer permanent results.
Common Solutions for The Repair of Bowed Basement Walls
Some of the most common methods used today for the repair of bowed basement walls include those outlined below.
1. Carbon Fiber Reinforcement
Carbon fiber is one of the strongest materials available for use in foundation repair. Carbon fiber straps or sheets are applied to the interior surface of the basement walls to provide support to the walls. The straps prevent further movement of the walls.
2. Wall Anchors and Tiebacks
This solution is also used to stabilize the wall by reinforcing it. By adjusting the tiebacks, the bowed basement walls may even be straightened out over time. The solution involves the installation of steel wall anchors or tiebacks. These extend through the wall and are buried in the ground outside the wall. The anchors are tightened to provide support and stabilize the wall.
3. Wall Braces or Beams
These involve the use of vertical steel braces or beams. They are installed against the bowed basement walls and anchored to the floor as well as the ceiling joists. The braces exert pressure and this helps to stabilize the walls. They can be adjusted over time to straighten the walls.
4. Excavation and Reinforcement of the Walls
If the bowing is severe, excavation of the foundation
may be necessary. This will expose the foundation walls and allow for reinforcements to be installed. The reinforcement may include concrete, helical piers or steel beams.
It is important to note that all the methods for repairing bowed basement walls outlined above can provide permanent benefits. However, this is only possible when the root cause of the bowing of the basement walls is identified and addressed. Without addressing the root cause of the bowing, your foundation will continue to experience damage. While the wall may stop bowing, you may experience problems such as the entire foundation shifting, cracks forming in other parts of the foundation, or water seepage. It is therefore important to deal with the underlying cause of the bowing prior to addressing the actual bowed basement walls. In some cases, more than one method of repair may be applied.
It is important to consult an experienced foundation repair contractor and explore the options available to you. Your contractor will guide you in resolving the underlying cause of the basement bowing so you can enjoy the results of the repair for longer.
Contact us today for your free estimate! Call Now at 1-317-893-7016
Since we are constantly working on damp crawlspaces and wet basements in the greater Indianapolis area, we are experts in structural floor repairs too. Whether you have sagging, bouncy, or unlevel floors, our solutions can help you.
Plus, we’re not only waterproofers, but we’re experts in structural floor repair. Whether you have foundation cracks, drywall cracks, or sagging floors, our structural repair specialists can help fix the problem. We’ve fixed hundreds of foundations and floor systems in homes and commercial buildings throughout the area.
Fixing your damp basements and crawlspaces before it becomes a big problem is the most affordable and effective option. You’ll avoid extra costly structural repairs and decreased home value. For our trained crawlspace technicians, a typical crawlspace repair usually takes less than a few days to complete. Many of our systems come with a warranty – so that you know the problem was fixed right. Give us a call us at 317-893-7016 to request a professional evaluation from our foundation repair experts.
**Lifetime Transferrable Warranties are for the lifetime of the home or 2 transfers of ownership. The CrawlDrain drainage system warranty guarantees no standing water in the crawl space. The sump pump is a 3 year parts and labor warranty. The CrawlSeal encapsulation system warranty guarantees the seams, sealants, and against rips or tears in the plastic. For more information about the warranties, request a copy of the warranty.
