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When the walls of a home are bowing, they appear convex, bulging inward into the room. This structural issue most commonly develops when water—such as from flooding, melted snow, or gutter issues—presses against the walls from outside. It may also occur due to freeze-thaw cycles, as the ground outside expands and contracts, slowly pushing the walls inward. If you’re wondering how to remedy this issue, below is a brief guide about basement waterproofing.

The Disadvantages of Bowed Basement Walls

At first glance, bowed basement walls are unsightly. To guests, it will be obvious that something is pushing the walls out of alignment, and thoughts of mold or intrusive roots will make the space uninviting. However, bowing could also cause practical issues for your basement living area, such as by preventing that entertainment system from sitting flush against the wall, or tipping bookcases over.

Eventually, the wall may crack from the pressure, and no longer support the floors above the basement. This could increase the risk of severe structural flaws, such as settling or collapse. 

basement-waterproofingYou should also realize that the reason behind the buckling could pose threats if you do not address it. For example, if water was causing the bulging, there could be mold growing inside your basement walls. The moisture could also attract pests and wildlife, presenting costly removal issues.

How to Fix Bowed Basement Walls

Luckily, there are many ways for basement waterproofing contractors to remedy this issue. If you catch the bowed walls early, you can reinforce them with steel beams, which will realign the wall and support the floors overhead. They could also help the weaker areas of the damaged wall with strips of carbon fiber.

However, if the bowing is too far along, they might need to rebuild the foundation wall. This will require excavating your yard, removing the damaged components, and replacing the foundation walls. 

 

If you notice that your walls are bulging, turn to Beaver Basement Waterproofing for quality repairs. This family-owned and -operated company can repair your basement walls and apply waterproofing techniques to prevent future bowing. With their reliable 25-year warranties, you can enjoy peace of mind after the project is complete. To learn more about their services, visit the website. You can also call (608) 634-4880 to schedule an appointment for basement waterproofing today.

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