How to Fix Bowed-Out Walls

Bowed-out walls are a common problem for older homes, especially those built on unstable foundations. If you have bowed-out walls, it is important to fix the problem as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home. Depending on the severity of the bowing, there are a few different ways to fix bowed-out walls.

Steel I-Beams

Installing steel I-beams may be necessary if your walls have bowed out more than two inches. Installing steel I-beams is a complex process that requires special tools and expertise.

To install steel I-beams, the following steps must be taken:

1. The concrete floor is drilled to allow the installation of the I-beam.

2. The I-beam is inserted and leveled.

3. The I-beam is supported with concrete piers or footings.

4. The wall is jacked back into place and attached to the I-beam.

5. The wall is repaired and reinforced.

6. The floor is repaired and resurfaced.

Wall Braces

If your walls have only bowed out a small amount (less than two inches), you may be able to repair them using wall braces. Wall braces are metal devices that are attached to the wall and the floor to prevent further bowing.

To install wall braces, the following steps must be taken:

1. Select appropriate wall braces.

2. Locate and mark the studs in the wall.

3. Drill pilot holes in the studs and insert lag bolts.

4. Attach wall braces to lag bolts.

5. Adjust the wall braces until they are tight and level.

Foundation Piers

In addition to installing wall braces, you may also need to repair or replace your home's foundation. If the foundation is damaged or unstable, it can put stress on the walls and cause them to bow out.

To repair or replace your home's foundation, you will need to contact a foundation repair specialist.

Helical Piers

Helical piers are a type of foundation pier that is commonly used to repair bowed-out walls. Helical piers are steel shafts that are installed deep into the ground until they reach stable soil. The piers are then attached to the foundation of your home, which helps to stabilize it and prevent further bowing.

To install helical piers, the following steps must be taken:

1. The soil beside the bowed wall is excavated.

2. The helical piers are screwed into the ground until bedrock is reached.

3. The piers are attached to the foundation.

4. The soil is replaced and compacted.

Push Piers

Push piers are another type of foundation pier that can be used to repair bowed-out walls. Push piers are similar to helical piers, but they are installed by hammering them into the ground. Push piers are typically used in cases where the soil is too hard to install helical piers.

To install push piers, the following steps must be taken:

1. The soil beside the bowed wall is excavated.

2. The push piers are hammered into the ground until they reach stable soil.

3. The piers are attached to the foundation.

4. The soil is replaced and compacted.

Carbon Fiber Straps

Carbon fiber straps are a relatively new method for repairing bowed-out walls. These straps are made from a strong and lightweight material that can be easily attached to the wall. The straps help to pull the wall back into place and prevent further bowing.

To install carbon fiber straps, the following steps must be taken:

1. The wall is cleaned and prepared for the installation.

2. The carbon fiber straps are attached to the wall using epoxy.

3. The straps are tightened until they are snug.

4. The wall is repaired and reinforced.

It is important to note that repairing bowed-out walls can be a complex and expensive process. If you are not comfortable with taking on this type of project yourself, it is best to hire a professional contractor.