This homeowner in Fairmont, MN was facing a serious problem in their basement, large horizontal and stairstep cracks had developed in the foundation walls, a clear sign of wall movement and structural stress. The cracks were worsening, and water intrusion had started to occur, adding to the concern. If left unaddressed, the wall could bow even further and eventually compromise the stability of the entire home.
Knowing it was important to take action quickly, the homeowner contacted our team at Complete Basement Systems for a professional evaluation. During our inspection, we found that the horizontal cracking was a result of pressure from saturated soil outside the foundation walls, which is a common issue in Minnesota due to the freeze-thaw cycle and clay-rich soils. Additionally, groundwater was seeping through the cracks and wall joints, putting the basement at risk for long-term water damage and mold growth.
To stabilize the failing foundation walls, we installed the PowerBrace Wall Repair System. This system uses heavy-duty I-beams that are secured to the floor joists and tightened over time to potentially reverse wall movement. It’s a minimally invasive and highly effective solution to stop bowing walls from shifting any further.
To address the water intrusion, we installed the WaterGuard Interior Drainage System, which is specifically designed to capture water at the point where the basement wall and floor meet. The system channels the water to a sump pump, safely removing it from the home and keeping the basement dry.
A Safer, Drier Basement
Thanks to the combination of PowerBraces and WaterGuard, the homeowner in Fairmont now has a secure and dry basement. The structural integrity of the foundation walls has been restored, and the risk of water damage has been eliminated.
