Foundation Repair in Bastian, Virginia
Challenge
A homeowner in Bastian, Virginia contacted Fortress Foundation Solutions after noticing alarming cracks forming along their basement walls. Over several years, a horizontal crack had grown wider, and the wall had begun to bow inward. The homeowner also noticed that during heavy rain, water pooled along the side of the house, saturating the soil around the foundation. Because the home had poor exterior drainage and downspouts that discharged water too close to the structure, large amounts of groundwater were collecting against the foundation walls.
As the soil became soaked, it expanded and pressed against the basement wall with increasing force. Over time, this constant pressure caused the concrete block wall to shift inward. The homeowner began to see small gaps where the wall met the basement ceiling and worried that the continued movement could lead to serious structural failure. They also feared that cracks could allow water intrusion, creating additional problems such as mold and moisture damage.
The homeowner wanted a permanent solution that would stabilize the wall and protect the foundation without the disruption of full excavation.
Solution
Fortress Foundation Solutions installed the PowerBrace™ Wall Repair System to permanently stabilize the bowing wall. Our team carefully positioned high-strength steel beams along the interior face of the foundation wall. Each PowerBrace was anchored to the basement floor and secured to the overhead floor joists, creating a rigid framework that resists the inward pressure of the soil.
Once installed, the system immediately stopped any further movement of the wall. Over time, the adjustable top brackets can be tightened, allowing the wall to be gradually encouraged back toward its original position. This process restores stability without damaging the home or surrounding landscaping.
With the PowerBrace system in place, the homeowner gained peace of mind knowing their foundation was secure, structurally sound, and protected from future soil pressure.