Bowing Wall Repair in Keymar, Maryland
Challenge
A homeowner in Keymar contacted Fortress Foundation Solutions after noticing concerning changes in one of their basement foundation walls. What began as faint horizontal cracking across the concrete block wall gradually progressed into visible inward bowing near the center of the wall. Over time, the homeowner also noticed gaps forming between the wall and the basement floor, and shelving units mounted to the wall no longer sat level.
The home was surrounded by dense, moisture-retaining soil that expanded significantly during periods of rainfall. As the soil became saturated, it exerted increased lateral pressure against the foundation wall. During drier periods, the soil contracted slightly, but repeated cycles of expansion and contraction caused cumulative stress on the wall. Without reinforcement, the wall continued to move inward, increasing the risk of cracking, water intrusion, and long-term structural failure.
Concerned about the safety of their home and the potential cost of future repairs, the homeowner sought a permanent stabilization solution that could be installed with minimal disruption.
Solution
Fortress Foundation Solutions installed the PowerBrace™ Wall Repair System to stabilize the bowing foundation 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 securely anchored to the basement floor and attached to the overhead floor framing, creating a rigid support system designed to resist ongoing soil pressure.
Once installed, the PowerBrace system immediately stopped further inward movement of the wall. 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 peace of mind knowing their foundation wall was permanently stabilized and protected against future soil pressure.