Bowing Foundation Wall
A foundation wall that is bowing inward by 3 inches is a serious structural issue and should be evaluated and repaired as soon as possible. Bowing walls are typically caused by excessive pressure from expanding soil, poor drainage, hydrostatic pressure, or freeze-thaw cycles pushing against the foundation. As the wall continues to move, cracks can widen, structural integrity can weaken, and the risk of partial wall failure increases.
GeoLock Trench
To install GeoLock® Wall Anchors, a small trench is excavated in the yard away from the foundation wall to create a stable area for the earth anchors. .
GeoLock Anchors
These anchors are positioned in undisturbed soil, where they can provide the resistance needed to counteract the pressure causing the wall to bow inward. A steel rod is then connected from the earth anchor to a wall plate installed on the inside of the foundation
GeoLock Plates
GeoLock® wall plates are installed on the interior face of the foundation wall and connected to the high-strength galvanized steel anchor rods. The system is then precisely tensioned to engineered specifications, transferring lateral soil pressure away from the foundation and into stable, undisturbed soil. This process permanently stabilizes the bowing wall, prevents further inward movement, and provides the opportunity for gradual wall straightening through future adjustments.
Foundation Wall Stair Step Cracks
Stair-step cracking in a foundation wall is a common indicator of structural movement and foundation distress. These cracks often develop when differential settlement or excessive lateral soil pressure causes the masonry to shift beyond its intended load-bearing capacity. If left unaddressed, stair-step cracks can widen over time, allowing water intrusion, reducing the wall's structural performance, and potentially leading to more significant foundation instability and costly repairs.
PowerBraces
PowerBrace™ steel beams were installed to permanently stabilize the foundation walls and prevent further inward movement caused by lateral soil pressure. Each zinc-coated steel beam is securely anchored to the concrete footing and mechanically fastened to the basement floor framing above, creating a continuous structural support system. This engineered solution reinforces the wall, restores structural stability, and can be periodically tightened to help straighten the wall over time without the need for extensive exterior excavation.
Temporary Basement Supports
Temporary adjustable support posts had been utilized as a long-term structural solution, despite being intended only for short-term stabilization. Over time, these inadequate supports were unable to properly distribute and sustain the floor loads, resulting in progressive deflection and sagging of the floor system. This ongoing settlement compromised the structural performance of the framing and increased the need for a permanent support system capable of providing the necessary load-bearing capacity and long-term stability.
Concrete Removal for Footings
Concrete slab sections and underlying soils were carefully excavated to create the necessary space for the installation of engineered SmartJack® footings. This site preparation allowed for the placement of properly sized and compacted load-bearing bases designed to transfer structural loads to stable soil. Establishing adequate footings is a critical step in ensuring the SmartJack system can effectively support, stabilize, and potentially lift sagging floor framing while providing long-term structural performance.
Footings with Rebar
Rebar was strategically installed within the footing forms prior to the concrete placement, creating a reinforced concrete foundation capable of withstanding significantly greater loads and stresses. The rebar provides additional tensile strength, helps minimize cracking, and ensures the footing can effectively distribute structural loads from the SmartJack® system to the supporting soils, resulting in enhanced durability and long-term stability.
SmartJack
The SmartJack® system provides a permanent engineered solution for stabilizing and restoring sagging floor systems. Constructed from high-strength galvanized steel, SmartJacks are designed for long-term durability and corrosion resistance in basement environments. Each support is installed on a reinforced concrete footing and precisely adjusted to transfer structural loads to stable soil below. The SmartJacks are securely fastened to the main support beam, allowing for controlled lifting of floor joists and the potential restoration of floors toward their original elevation. Once installed and properly adjusted, the system delivers reliable, long-term structural support while maintaining the ability for future fine-tuning if needed.
