Before the wall got reinforced
Horizontal basement wall cracks are a sign of serious foundation problems. Many times in the past we have heard a homeowner call us afraid that the basement walls are going to cave in. Sometimes they actually do cave in, act sooner rather then later to avoid this.
Combination of wall anchors and a PowerBrace
Most of the time a GeoLock wall anchor system is the preferred method of strengthening a bowing basement wall. In this case the job called for several wall anchors, but this spot on the wall required a different method. The PowerBrace is 100% internal, and was ideal because of an obstruction outside the wall that could not be drilled through.
PowerBrace foundation support
When our crew can't drill through the wall and use a wall anchor system, they often use a PowerBrace. The wall anchor is a long rod that connects the broken basement wall to the hardened earth outside, this strengthens the wall by using the earth to help support the wall. A PowerBrace is basically a steel "I" beam attached to the floor boards and the concrete slab. It can be tightened to fit snug against the wall.
PowerBrace wall reinforcement
Most basement walls are not totally flat. When there are electrical lines, water pipes, and other things in the way, the crew has to make adjustments. In this case a 2x4 piece of lumber was used between the brace and the wall to keep from crushing the electrical line.
Attached to the concrete floor
The bottom edge of the basement wall reinforcement is bolted to the thick concrete slab. This makes for a solid base. It also pivots slightly to allow for the adjustment along the top edge.
Top is adjustable
The top of the PowerBrace is adjustable to make it fit snug against the wall.