Photo Album: Fixing a basement wall crack in Felton, DE

This basement required a combination of wall anchors and power braces to correct the severe wall cracks. Power braces are normally used in the event we cannot get a wall anchor rod out to the earth anchor plate. Basically if there is an obstruction in the ground like a well, septic tank, large porch, etc. It is great to have a few options for just this kind of occasion.

Large basement wall cracks

When these wall cracks appear it is usually because the wall is bowing inward. If left untreated these cracks can be very hazardous and can even cause the basement wall to cave in.

Gauging the size of the basement wall crack

There are many ways to measure the size of the crack, but sometimes the best ways are the simple ones. The inspector was able to insert a pen into the wall crack, and since everyone knows the size and shape of a simple ball point pen, it is a great reference. DryZone has found that some people don't quite understand the severity of the situation from numbers and facts. Simple, real world references are much more effective when educating the homeowner. You should never be ok with a crack like this in the basement wall.

Not able to use a wall anchor in this section

At the edges of the picture you can see a couple of the wall anchors that are being installed. The section in between them is too large to be left without support. The reason that another wall anchor couldn't be used was that there is an underground obstruction just outside the basement wall. If the crew tried to drive a rod through to the earth anchor, they would've broken a septic tank. In this case, a power brace is a great alternative.

Installing a Power Brace

This heavy duty steel beam will push back against the wall to help support it. The Power Brace is adjustable, just like a wall anchor. Though it looks very different, it will do almost the exact same thing.

Securing the bottom of the Power Brace

The base of the beam is secured to the concrete floor so that it won't move. All of the adjustment is done at the top end. Many times there is a water pipe or electrical conduit the runs up against the wall, in these occasions the Power Brace is helped our by small pieces of lumber. That way the action of tightening doesn't crush the pipes.

Top end of the Power Brace

Although it is technically less adjustable than a wall anchor, a Power Brace can still adjust around 4-5 inches. This allows the homeowner to get the wall adjusted and straightened over time. A slower process will mean that the wall can settle a little in between adjustments.

Wall anchor plates in a basement

These reinforced steel plates are attached to a long rod and then the earth plate to complete the system. Each plate can support a certain amount of basement wall. The inspector will measure and calculate exactly how many anchors are needed for each individual case.

Offsetting the wall anchor plates

GeoLock wall anchors are very versatile. If there is a problem with a particular block or a pipe in the way, they can be moved to make the system work better.