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Basement Repair in Macon GA

​“Bowing” or “leaning” basement walls are a common cause for concern when it comes to home maintenance. It is important to note that the severity of the bowing/leaning will depend on many factors, such as soil conditions, wall height, and type of foundation. The most common causes are increased moisture levels in the ground around your house, leading to expansion and contraction forces which can lead to structural failure over time. If you notice bowing or leaning walls then you can call Macon Foundation Repair or submit a free quote request.

Some other reasons why bowing occurs:

• ​Soil settlement 
• Underpinning the foundation 
• Poor soil drainage and/or high water table
• Weak walls from basement water and leaking
• Poorly compacted backfill around footings 
• Cracks in foundation walls 
• Settlement of low areas of land near your home 

Bowing basement walls can be distressing for homeowners who are concerned about the overall safety of their homes.  Consulting with an experienced home inspector is vital to ensure that your property is stable and safe.

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Carbon Fiber Repair

​Carbon fiber repair is a relatively new technology for repairing bowing or leaning basement walls. Carbon fiber, much like rebar, provides tensile reinforcement to the walls through carbon rods. The difference is that carbon fibers are made of organic materials instead of the steel used in the manufacture of rebar, so it doesn’t rust or corrode.
​The rods are then attached to anchor points with cable clamps. If there is only minor bowing or leanings in your walls, this can be an effective and quick fix without having to take down your entire wall. If you have more extreme bowing or leanings than what can be easily fixed with this method, the actual foundation may need to be replaced with something sturdier.

Carbon Fiber Repair Pros:

- Easy to do with no construction work required 
- Inexpensive compared to other solutions 

Carbon Fiber Repair Cons:

- Carbon fiber is somewhat flexible and doesn’t always perform optimally in areas of shifting soil or if the house has a dropped beam. 
- Installing carbon rods on a leaning wall can be a challenge and a bit time-consuming.

Wall Anchors

​Another option for repairing bowing or leaning basement walls is a wall anchor. Although it might seem counterintuitive, the process of installing a wall anchor actually strengthens your foundation by transferring some of the pressure from your foundation to that of the earth. This is an effective solution if you only have minor bowing in the foundation, as it won’t involve you having to replace your entire foundation.

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Wall Anchors Pros:

- A cheaper alternative 
- Installation is easy and can be completed in a few hours 
- If you have more severe bowing or leanings, the installation process can often balance the foundation walls to make them stable again.

Wall Anchors Cons:

- Wall anchors must be installed in pairs to work properly. This can be an expensive option if you have a large area that is leaning or bowing. 
- If the soil around your home settles after being installed, the anchors may not offer any support at all. There is also a risk of corrosion with wall anchors when exposed to saltwater environments.

Helical Tiebacks

​The helical tieback system employs a very different approach than either carbon fiber or wall anchoring. They work by attaching to the foundation wall and inserting it into the ground around the home's perimeter, anchoring it in place. If you have severe bowing or leanings, this is a good option because it will reinforce your entire foundation and prevent further damage to your home.

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Helical Tiebacks Pros:

- One of the most robust solutions for bowing walls 
- Helical tiebacks are durable and corrosion-resistant so that they will last many years 
-  The installation process is relatively quick and easy

Helical Tiebacks Cons:

- Expensive compared to other solutions 
- Helical tiebacks are heavy and can rip out the ground underneath your home if not installed properly, so you may need to hire a professional contractor for installation. 

​Ultimately, it’s up to you which method of repair is best for your situation. Carbon fiber and wall anchors are often less expensive, but helical tiebacks may be the ideal option if the damage is too significant. Contact us to find out more about your options and to understand which one suits better for your needs.