Bowing Walls in Sharon, Vermont, with Matt Clark's Northern Basement Systems.

Challenge

A homeowner in Sharon, Vermont, noticed worrying signs in their basement: a foundation wall was visibly bowing inward, with large horizontal cracks running across its surface. Over time, the pressure from the surrounding soil had caused the wall to weaken, compromising the stability of the entire home.

The homeowner was concerned about the foundation's long-term safety and sought an effective and permanent solution from Matt Clark’s Northern Basement Systems.

Our inspection revealed that hydrostatic pressure from the wet, heavy soil outside the home exerted constant force on the foundation wall, causing it to bow inward and crack. The damage would likely worsen without immediate intervention, potentially leading to structural failure.

Solution

Northern Basement Systems recommended the PowerBrace Wall System, a reliable and minimally invasive method for stabilizing and straightening compromised foundation walls over time.

Our team installed the PowerBrace Wall System, a patented system designed to stabilize bowing or tilting foundation walls and restore structural integrity.

Here’s how we fixed the problem:

1. Steel Beam Installation: Heavy-duty, zinc-coated steel beams were custom-fitted to the height of the basement and strategically placed against the bowing wall. These highly corrosion-resistant beams are designed to distribute pressure evenly along the wall.
2. Top Brackets: Secured the beams to the basement ceiling joists with specialized brackets, allowing the beams to anchor firmly without damaging the existing structure.
3. Bottom Brackets: Secured the beams to the basement floor, creating a stable and rigid support system.
4. Tightening Mechanism: A unique adjustment system was installed, enabling gradual tightening of the beams over time. This method slowly and safely pushes the wall back toward its original position without causing further stress to the foundation.

The Results
The PowerBrace Wall System immediately stabilized the bowing wall, halting any further inward movement. Over time, the homeowner can tighten the system to help restore the wall to its original position.

Benefits Experienced by the Homeowner:

• Improved Safety: The basement wall is fully stabilized, ensuring the home’s foundation remains secure.
• Cost-Effective Solution: The minimally invasive installation process meant no costly excavation was needed.
• Long-Term Peace of Mind: The PowerBrace system provides a permanent solution backed by a transferable warranty, giving the homeowner confidence in their home’s future stability.