Bowing Wall Repair in Farmville, Virginia
Challenge
A homeowner in Farmville contacted Fortress Foundation Solutions after noticing visible inward movement along one of their basement foundation walls. Over time, horizontal cracks had formed, and the wall appeared to be bowing inward near the center. The homeowner became increasingly concerned about the structural integrity of the foundation, especially after heavy rain when the surrounding soil became saturated.
An inspection revealed that hydrostatic pressure from moisture-laden soil outside the foundation was placing excessive force on the basement wall. Seasonal freeze-thaw cycles and poor soil drainage had gradually worsened the problem, causing the wall to bow further inward. Although the wall had not yet reached the point of failure, continued movement posed a serious risk of structural damage if left unaddressed. The homeowner wanted a permanent solution that would stabilize the wall without the need for invasive excavation.
Solution
Fortress Foundation Solutions recommended the installation of PowerBraces®, a proven wall stabilization system designed to permanently reinforce bowing foundation walls. The PowerBraces® system consists of heavy-duty steel beams that are custom-fit to the height of the basement wall and installed vertically along the affected area.
Each PowerBrace® was securely anchored at the floor and attached to the floor joists above, providing continuous stabilization along the entire wall. Once installed, the system immediately stopped further inward movement of the wall. Over time, the adjustable design of the PowerBraces® allows for gradual straightening of the wall as soil pressure is relieved.
After installation, the basement wall was fully stabilized, and the homeowner regained peace of mind knowing their foundation was protected from further damage. The solution provided a long-term, non-invasive repair that preserved the home’s structural integrity and value.