Why You Need to Fix Your Bowing Foundation Walls RIGHT NOW

Protecting Your Foundation and Your Home

Imagine your home’s foundation as the sturdy backbone that holds up the entire structure that is your New Jersey home. It’s a critical part of your home’s stability, and when it starts to show signs of distress, like bowing or bulging basement walls, it’s time to take action. Let’s dive into the risks of bowing basement walls and how to fix them.

All homeowners from the Garden State of New Jersey need to understand the urgency of foundation wall repair. Blue Umbrella Waterproofing, your trusted foundation repair experts, has seen and fixed countless homes with bowing walls, and we’re here to guide you through it.

What Causes a Wall to Bow?

Before we delve into why you need to address bowing foundation walls swiftly, let’s explore what causes these walls to bow in the first place. 

Hydrostatic Pressure

One of the primary culprits behind bowing basement walls is hydrostatic pressure. This pressure occurs when water accumulates in the soil surrounding your foundation. As the soil becomes saturated, it exerts force against your foundation walls, causing them to bow or bulge.

Poor Drainage

Inadequate drainage systems around your property can exacerbate the problem. When rainwater and runoff have nowhere to go, they can seep into the ground around your foundation, increasing hydrostatic pressure and leading to wall bowing.

Soil Issues

Certain soil types, like clay, expand when they absorb moisture and shrink when they dry out. This continual expansion and contraction can put constant pressure on your foundation walls, eventually causing them to bow.

Tree Roots

Large trees near your home can have extensive root systems that seek out moisture in the soil. They can push against your foundation walls as they grow, leading to bowing or bulging.

Now that you better understand what causes foundation walls to bow, let’s move on to the signs that indicate your walls are in distress.

Common Signs of a Bowing Basement Wall

Your basement walls are the most critical part of your foundation. Knowing this, it’s important to visually inspect your basement walls regularly. Spotting the warning signs of a bowing basement wall early can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run. Here are some telltale signs to watch out for.

Horizontal Cracks

Horizontal cracks along your basement walls are a clear indicator of bowing or bulging. These cracks often occur due to the immense pressure exerted by the soil against the foundation.

Diagonal Cracks

Diagonal cracks can also signal wall bowing. These cracks typically appear from the corners of windows or door frames and extend downward at an angle.

Vertical Displacement

If you notice that one part of your basement wall is no longer level with the rest, it’s a sign of bowing. This vertical displacement indicates that the wall is under stress and has started to lean.

Sticking Doors or Windows

Doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open or close can result from foundation movement. Bowing walls can warp the frames, making them misaligned.

Dangers and Risks of a Bowing Basement Wall

Now that you know what causes foundation walls to bow and how to identify the warning signs, let’s explore the serious risks and consequences of neglecting foundation wall repair.

1. You Will Spend More Money on Electricity

Bowing basement walls can compromise your home’s insulation, allowing cold air in during the winter and hot air in during the summer. This means your HVAC system has to work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature, leading to increased energy bills.

2. You May Face Water Damage

Cracked and bowing walls can also allow water to seep into your basement, causing moisture problems and potential flooding. Water damage restoration can be costly, and it’s best to address the issue before it escalates.

3. Mold Can Grow on Your Walls

Cracks in your basement walls can allow moisture to seep in, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Mold not only damages your property but can also pose health risks to you and your family.

4. Your House Will Attract Pests

No one likes finding bugs and other critters in their home! Gaps and cracks in your basement walls can provide entry points for pests. Insects may find their way into your home, causing additional problems and expenses.

5. Your Foundation May Continue to Fracture and Get Worse

Ignoring a bowing wall can lead to further structural damage, including foundation fractures. As the wall continues to bow, it puts added stress on the entire foundation, potentially leading to more extensive repairs.

6. You’ll End Up Spending More on Repairs

Delaying foundation wall repair typically leads to more extensive and expensive repairs down the road. The longer you wait, the worse the problem becomes and the costlier the solution.

7. You Risk Foundation Wall Collapse

In extreme cases, bowing foundation walls can collapse if left unattended, leading to catastrophic structural failure and substantial safety hazards.

8. The Value of Your Home Can Drop

A compromised foundation can significantly reduce the value of your property. Potential buyers are likely to be deterred by the prospect of costly repairs, and this can affect your resale value. In fact, basement foundation damage can lower your home’s value by 10 to 20%.

Repairing Cracked, Bowing, Bulging Walls

Now that you understand the urgency of addressing bowing foundation walls let’s explore the solutions available to rectify the problem. At Blue Umbrella Waterproofing, we offer a range of repair methods for bowing walls. The solution will depend on the severity of the issue. 

The Fortress Stabilization System

A compromised foundation can significantly reduce the value of your property. Potential buyers are likely to be deterred by the prospect of costly repairs, and this can affect your resale value. In fact, basement foundation damage can lower your home’s value by 10 to 20%.

If your wall is bowing 2 inches or less. In that case, Blue Umbrella Waterproofing recommends the very best in carbon fiber bowing wall repair; the Fortress Invisibeam System is a state-of-the-art solution to stabilize and reinforce bowing foundation walls. 

What Makes the Fortress System the Best?

Fortress Stabilization Systems’ InvisiBeam uses patented technologies and is the first to receive ICC-ES (International Code Council Evaluation Service) certification. The rigorous testing required to receive this certification makes InvisiBeam the premiere and trusted solution for your home.

Anchored at the Top and Bottom

The InvisiBeam carbon-kevlar strap is anchored above the basement wall to prevent any wall tipping and is post-tensioned to ensure an unbreakable bond from the wall. The strap is also anchored below the wall to prevent shearing. The pre-cured straps are designed to resist corrosion and provide durable support, stopping any further bowing. 

Proprietary Grid Technology

What makes The Fortress System carbon fiber straps stand out is the way that they are made. The use of open grid technology (OGT) combined with epoxy rivet technology (ERT) makes it stronger than traditional woven carbon fiber straps. In fact, Fortress tests its Kevlar straps to ensure each lot created meets its guaranteed minimum tensile strength of 234,700 PSI. 

Strongest Lifetime Warranty

InvisiBeam also comes with the strongest lifetime warranty available in the home foundation repair industry. Homeowners in New Jersey choose Blue Umbrella and InvisiBeam for peace of mind, knowing their home is protected. 

Steel I-Beams

Steel I-Beams are another effective option for addressing bowing walls. They provide robust vertical support, helping to straighten and secure your foundation walls. There is minimal intrusion for steel i-beams to be installed, and they provide an effective, long-lasting solution that can increase the value of your home.

Have Bowing Walls – What Do You Do Now?

If you’ve noticed any of the warning signs in your New Jersey home or suspect that your basement walls are bowing, it’s essential to act fast. Contact Blue Umbrella Waterproofing, your trusted NJ foundation repair experts, for a thorough inspection and expert guidance tailored to your home’s problems.

Don’t wait until your foundation issues escalate into more extensive and costly problems. Addressing bowing walls promptly can protect your home’s value, ensure your family’s safety, and save you money in the long run.

The importance of fixing your bowing foundation walls quickly cannot be overstated. From increased energy bills and water damage to structural integrity and property value, the risks of neglecting this issue are significant. 

Blue Umbrella provides the solutions and expertise you need to secure your home’s foundation. Our team serves New Jersey homeowners and business owners for all their basement waterproofing and bowing wall repair needs. Contact us today at 908-432-8858 to request a free estimate today.