Bowing Wall Repair in Huntly, Virginia
Challenge
A homeowner in Huntly, Virginia contacted Fortress Foundation Solutions after discovering several long horizontal cracks running across their basement walls. Over time, those cracks widened and sections of the wall began to bow inward. The homeowner noticed that shelves mounted on the walls were starting to tilt, and small gaps were forming where the walls met the basement ceiling. Outside the home, the soil surrounding the foundation remained saturated for long periods after rainfall, which increased the pressure pushing against the foundation.
As the pressure continued to build, the foundation walls were slowly forced inward. The homeowner became worried that the movement could eventually lead to structural failure or allow water to enter the basement. Because the basement was used for storage and mechanical systems, the homeowner needed a repair solution that would stabilize the walls without requiring major excavation or removal of interior finishes.
Solution
Fortress Foundation Solutions installed the PowerBrace™ Wall Repair System to permanently stabilize the bowing walls. Our team carefully positioned high-strength steel beams vertically along the affected foundation wall. Each beam was anchored securely to the basement floor and attached to the floor joists above, creating a rigid support structure that resists the inward pressure of the soil.
Once in place, the PowerBrace system immediately stopped further wall movement. Over time, the adjustable top brackets can be tightened to gradually encourage the wall back toward its original position. This allows stabilization and potential wall straightening without disrupting the home or surrounding landscaping.
After installation, the homeowner had peace of mind knowing their foundation walls were fully supported and protected from future movement, preserving the structural integrity of the home.