Bowing Walsl Repaired in Radiant, Virginia
Challenge
A homeowner in Radiant, Virginia contacted Fortress Foundation Solutions after noticing progressive bowing along one of their basement walls. The issue began with small horizontal cracks near the center of the wall, but over time those cracks widened and the wall began curving inward. The homeowner also observed that shelves and storage racks mounted to the wall were no longer level, and hairline cracks began appearing in the drywall on the main level of the home.
The home was surrounded by heavy clay soil, which retains water and expands significantly during periods of rainfall. After storms, moisture accumulated around the foundation, increasing hydrostatic pressure against the basement walls. As the soil expanded, it exerted constant force on the foundation. During dry periods, the soil would contract slightly, but repeated cycles of expansion and contraction gradually pushed the wall farther inward.
The homeowner became concerned that if the wall continued to move, it could eventually crack further, allow water intrusion, or compromise the structural integrity of the home. They wanted a reliable, permanent solution that would stabilize the wall without requiring disruptive exterior excavation or complete wall replacement.
Solution
Fortress Foundation Solutions installed the PowerBrace™ Wall Repair System to permanently stabilize the bowing wall. High-strength steel PowerBrace beams were custom-fit to the height of the basement and installed vertically along the affected wall. Each beam was anchored securely to the basement floor and attached to the overhead floor joists, creating a rigid support system that resists the inward pressure caused by soil expansion.
Once installed, the PowerBrace system immediately stopped further wall movement. The adjustable top brackets allow for periodic tightening, which can gradually encourage the wall back toward its original position over time. With the system in place, the homeowner gained confidence knowing their foundation wall was stabilized and protected from future soil pressure.