If your basement is bowing, it may be time to consider repairing it. For example, if a wall is bowing due to an existing crack, then this can be fixed quickly and easily using the techniques discussed in this article.
The most common cause of basement wall cracking is water infiltration due to broken pipes or leaks. This paper outlines the steps needed for repairing bowing walls by locating the area of “cracking,” conducting a patch repair and covering the area with a new grout layer.
Bowing basement walls are a common problem and can cause significant damage if left unattended. You may think, “it’s only a wall,” but remember that even seemingly minor defects and building problems can turn into major ones.
That is why it is so important to fix the issue quickly if you want to keep your home safe and unlivable.
If you’re going to restore the integrity of your basement wall and prevent future damage, this article will help you how to perform bowing basement wall repair DIY.
How Can You Repair Bowin Basement Wall By Yourself?
For a savvy DIYer, repairing the bowing basement walls yourselves is a great alternative. For example, if your basement wall is only 2 inches square, you can straighten it yourself. You have four DIY options for basement wall repairs.
| Methods | Cost |
| Hydraulic Cement | Check the cost. |
| Carbon Fiber Straps | Check the cost. |
| Basement Wall Braces | Check the cost. |
| Basement Wall Anchor System | Check the cost. |
Method 1: Hydraulic Cement
Assess The Damage
- When a wall is bowing inward or has minor cracks, hydraulic cement should be applied.
- Moisture damage or cracks from building settlements are two possible sources of this kind of harm.
Prepare The Wall
- Before you begin, remove any loose, crumbling, or cracked wall sections.
- Use a stiff wire brush to cleanse and prep the wall’s surface.
Prepare The Cement
- Blend the hydraulic cement as the manufacturer directs.
- When handling this material, keeping a comfortable temperature is crucial.
- Typically, temperatures between 45 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit are suitable.
Apply The Cement
- Spread the cement to the cracks starting at the top of the wall and working your way down after mixing it.
- To ensure that the cement is compacted into place, apply hard, consistent pressure throughout the application.
- When properly coated, cement can assist in stopping moisture leaks into your wall and restore the wall’s strength.
Method 2: Carbon Fiber Straps
Assess The Damage
- Check the wall to see if it requires the use of carbon fiber strips.
- This material can reinforce if your wall has bowed due to water damage or building settlement.
- A wall that has bent and is up to 2 inches out of position can be fixed with carbon fiber straps.
Plan The Spacing
- The bowed wall needs carbon fiber strips every 48 inches to give it the durability it needs.
- Before beginning the application, examine your wall and calculate the proper spacing.
Install Sill Plate
- You must install a sill plate to provide the carbon fiber strips an anchor.
- These are installed by drilling a foundation along the wall and inserting the plates every 48 inches.
Attach The Carbon Fiber
- Next, install each carbon fiber strip on the sill brackets to secure it to the wall.
- To properly fix the strips, apply epoxy to the carbon fiber along the foundation wall.
- The strips will hold the bowing wall in place and stop additional harm.
Method 3: Basement Wall Braces
Straps
Almost every 4 feet along the basement wall, carbon fiber straps are placed vertically from top to bottom. No drilling is necessary, as only the interior of the basement walls are strapped.
The straps, which are attached to the basement wall with epoxy, can be concealed or painted.
When used with water mitigation techniques, carbon fiber straps assist the wall in remaining stable. The basement wall’s bending cannot be fixed by straps alone.
Straightening And Strapping
Occasionally, stabilizers made of carbon fiber are placed after the basement wall’s bowing has been fixed.
The soil is dug from the outside. The basement walls are then corrected using hydraulic jacks inside the basement.
The walls are then strapped after correction.
Steel Beams
Steel I-beams are positioned vertically every 4 feet along the basement wall. The beams are fastened to the floor at the bottom. The joists or beams of the house are bolted to the top of the beams.
Along with removing soil from the outside of the wall, steel beams are installed. This is required to adjust the wall and push it back to vertical.
This method works best in unfinished basements since the beams stay in place.
Method 4: Basement Wall Anchor System
Wall Plate Anchors
Wall plate anchors are an excellent solution for basement wall bowing that bend up to 2 inches. Every 5 feet or so, big metal plates are attached to the basement wall.
At least 10 feet out from the basement, level, and horizontal steel rods are anchored in the earth.
Wall plate anchors need extensive outside digging. You cannot attach wall anchors if there are utilities or sewer lines within the 10-foot perimeter that surrounds the house.
Nevertheless, wall anchors are a successful, long-lasting fix for bowing basement walls.
Additionally, they make it possible to construct stud wall systems on the interior basement walls, which is crucial if you want to finish the basement.
Helical Tie-Backs
Helical tie-backs, which resemble wall anchors, work well for severely deflected basement walls. Both have rods that penetrate the ground outside and metal plates inside their basement walls.
Helical tie-backs are different because they are totally attached from inside the basement. Drill holes at an angle toward the ground.
The ends of rods up to 21 feet long are fastened to the wall plates before they are placed.
What Causes Basement Walls To Bow?
Water
Although we cannot live without water, it is a very corrosive and harmful element. Your basement wall may develop cracks and buckle due to water.
Water damage is typically brought on by inadequate drainage near your home.
The hydrostatic pressure created by this drainage may push on the exterior of the basement wall. Water damage typically manifests as zigzag cracks across your basement wall.
Settling
A home might start to settle as it dips into the soil it is built upon. This process is usual for homes, but occasionally excessive settling and movement can result in fractures appearing in the basement walls and foundation.
Settlement cracks typically manifest as vertical cracks extending the wall’s entire height.
Lateral Pressure
When your basement wall’s exterior is subjected to lateral pressure, it may be forced outward and bow in the middle.
Water pressure or expanding soil can impose external pressure. Sometimes the earth will swell and press out because it is so highly absorbent.
Additionally, the dirt may grow and press on the basement wall if the ground is frozen.
Heavy Objects
When hefty objects are stacked on top of soil close to a basement wall, the soil may be pushed downward and outward as a result.
Normal outside elements like decks won’t cause this, but heavy equipment or automobiles parked for a while might.
How To Prevent Basement Walls From Bowing?
- To stop water from collecting close to basement walls, fix your gutters and downspouts.
- Construct a strong sewage system with catch basins to direct water far from the house.
- To collect groundwater, construct a French drain.
- Gradually move soil away from a home.
- With quick-draining sand or pebbles, replace the expansive soils that are present against the exteriors of basements.
- Take away large objects, such as heavy equipment or bathtubs.
Bottom Line
The Bowing Basement Wall problem is a common one, with thousands of homeowners dealing with it.
If your basement wall is bowed out, you can follow the methods for bowing basement wall repair DIY I have provided in this article to learn the most suitable, effective, and safe way to ensure it stays standing.
FAQ
What degree of wall bowing is acceptable for basements?
Moderate deflection is between 2 and 4 inches; this can be fixed by tie-backs, wall anchors, or steel beams. Walls that are badly bent and deflect by at least 6 inches must need to be replaced.
Are Bowed Basement Walls Dangerous?
Bowing walls can cause serious problems for your home, particularly in the basement or garage. The structural strength of your home is the fundamental issue with any bowed wall.
Long-standing bent walls may gradually lose their strength, leading to disastrous cave-ins.
Your entire house might be affected by this impact.
A bowing wall can cause cracks in your house in addition to causing structural harm. These cracks could let moisture into your house, which might cause leaks and mold growth.
