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Wet basement

Unfinished Basement

Wet crawlspace

Crawlspace

Cracked foundation

Foundation Problem

Moldy Wall

Odor / Humidity

Damp Basement Wall

Finished Basement

Cracked and bowed wall

Bowed Walls

   Cracked / Bowing Walls

   Your basement or crawlspace walls are at least partially underground and are subject to pressure from the surrounding soil. In some cases, this pressure can push the walls in causing structural problems.

   There are basic methods to correct this problem that range from stopping the inward movement to bringing the walls back to their original position. In most cases it is not necessary to rebuild the walls.

Illustration of cracking and bowing walls

   Seal-Tite® has perfected all three of the following methods:

1. Installing steel I-beams

Steel I-beams

Beams are installed through the floor and into the footer. The top of the beams are bolted into the joists. This method uses the exisiting footer and structure of the building to prevent further bowing of the wall.


2. Installing carbon fiber straps

Carbon fiber strips

A newer method involves carbon fiber (a woven material that has a tensile strength 10 times stronger than steel). These straps are bonded to the wall with epoxy to provide a low profile solution that prevents further bowing of the wall.

3. Installing wall anchors

Grip-Tite wall anchors

This method involves installing plates against the basement walls. Next, rods are drilled into the surrounding soil through the walls and outside earth anchors are attached. The plates are tightened to stabilize and, in some cases, pull back the walls.

   The best method for you depends on a number of factors. In some instances where the walls are only slightly bowed, one of the first two methods would be appropriate. However, to determine the best approach, you should have a professional evaluate your particular situation.