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Home»Foundation Repair»Photo Gallery»1940's Cracking Foundation Repaired in Duluth, MN

Foundation Repair Photo Album: 1940's Cracking Foundation Repaired in Duluth, MN

Homeowners in Duluth, MN had significant damage to the foundation of their 1940's home. Cracking and bowing to their block foundation was concerning and to protect the longevity of the home, they reached out to DBS. DBS Design Specialist Nathan Schroeder visited the home and gave a thorough inspection with a free, no-obligation estimate for the project. His action plan for the basement was to install our PowerBrace™ Wall Bracing System. DBS Foreman Nick Burley and crew installed 10 PowerBrace™ I-beams would be installed to support the foundation walls. Our team anchored the beams to the basement concrete, as well as to the rim joists in the ceiling. These beams will be tightened overtime to restore the wall's original position. The homeowners were happy with the work done and can now count on a safe and supported basement.

Cracking and Crumbling of Foundation Wall in Duluth, MN

This Duluth, MN home was built in the 1940's and has a cinder block foundation. Over time, soil movement has put uneven pressure on the basement, causing cracking, shifting of the foundation blocks themselves, and water damage.

Cracking and Water Damage to Foundation in Duluth, MN

In this photo, it's clear that water has been coming into the basement via cracks in the foundation and around the egress window.

Cracks Follow Window Frame

When a foundation is shifting, it's common to see cracks follow the frame of the windows and doors, like the vertical cracks seen below this basement window in Duluth, MN.

Stair Step Cracking

Stair step cracking causes separation of the foundation blocks, eventually causing the walls to bow inward.

Horizontal Cracking Seen Here

This type of horizontal cracking is common for foundation walls. As soil expands and contracts, it puts lots of pressure on the foundation wall, causing bowing in the center portion of the wall.

More Horizontal Cracking

Most of the time, unfinished basements are used for storing family items like this grandfather clock. But because basements are prone to wetness, in this case due to foundation cracks, it becomes a poor place to store valuables.

Before PowerBrace Installation

Our team will put 10 PowerBrace™ beams total in this basement, and one will go behind the water heater.

After PowerBrace Installation

Our team was able to install this supportive steel I-beam between the water heater and old oil tank.

Cracks and Bowing Behind Utilities

Cracks allow for water to leak into the basement, and can damage expensive appliances like washers and dryers.

PowerBrace Beam Protects Wall

After photo of the wall behind the family's washer and dryer. It's now protected from shifting and the threat of water.

PowerBrace™ Steel I-beams Installed Around Perimeter

Our team installed 10 beams total around the basement's perimeter - a permanent solution to this home's foundation issues.

PowerBrace™ Beam to Go Here Near Breaker

Our production team will attach a steel I-beam to this corner, assisting in even weight distribution of the other supporting PowerBrace™ beams.

After Photo of Breaker Box Corner

Here, you can see how our team connected the I-beam to the ceiling support and concrete footing. These anchor spots ensure full support.

PowerBrace™ 75-year Warranty

PowerBrace™ wall support beams are installed with a 75-year nationally backed fully transferable warranty.

PowerBrace™ Wall Bracing System Tightened Over Time

Over time our PowerBrace™ wall support system is tightened in an attempt to bring the now stable walls back to their original position. This progress is benchmarked during annual maintenance appointments by the DBS Service Team.