Bowed & Buckling Foundation Walls

If you've noticed your basement walls starting to bow or crack, it's time to call in Quality Waterproofing certified experts.

Foundation wall movement is typically caused by hydrostatic pressure as soil expands and contracts with changing weather. Cracked, bowed, or buckling walls aren't something to ignore. These are signs of a bigger issue that should be addressed sooner rather than later, before it leads to water leaks and even more expensive repairs down the road. The good news? Replacing your entire foundation is rarely necessary. At Quality Waterproofing, we offer several solutions to get your foundation back in shape:

Steel Beam Reinforcement

Steel beams can be installed to help stabilize your walls. This process involves jackhammering the floor where the beams will go, bolting them to the wooden floor joists, and transferring pressure from the wall to the joists.

While steel beams are effective, they do come with some drawbacks. Since they’re rigid, they only touch the wall where the bowing is most severe, meaning some parts of the wall won’t be supported. Plus, they take up a bit of space and can require you to remove drywall in finished basements. Steel beams brace the wall, but other methods, like carbon fiber, can actually help straighten it over time.

Carbon Fiber Fabric Reinforcement

Our preferred method for repairing bowing or buckling walls is carbon fiber. This ultra-strong, lightweight material is commonly used in aerospace and sports gear, but it’s also perfect for foundation repairs. The carbon fiber strips are applied to the damaged areas of your walls, sometimes combined with wall crack repairs if moisture is present. Once the epoxy sets, the strips bond to your wall and prevent any further movement, stabilizing the foundation.

Carbon fiber is ideal for walls that have shifted two or three inches or less. It doesn’t take up any extra space and can easily be painted over, allowing you to finish your basement without any issues. It's a fast, cost-effective solution that gives your home back its strength.

Rebuilding the Foundation Wall

In rare cases where the foundation damage is severe—think walls with multiple horizontal cracks, significant bowing, or shearing—a full foundation replacement may be the only option.

This process involves excavating the soil around your home and temporarily supporting the structure while the damaged walls are removed and replaced. It’s a big job, and yes, it’s the most expensive option. But sometimes, it's necessary to ensure the safety and stability of your home.

At the end of the day, your home deserves a solid foundation—and no one should have to worry about shifting walls or costly water damage. At Quality Waterproofing, we’ll work with you to find the best solution for your specific situation, so you can feel safe and secure in your home.