Wall Shearing

Soil pressure and other external factors can weaken your basement walls, resulting in an issue called wall shearing. Ignoring this issue might lead to water leakage, threatening your home’s foundation.

Matvey Foundation Repair has a solution. Our wall anchors, channel anchors, and other custom-engineered products stabilize your basement walls and restore your property’s framework. Learn more below.

What Is Basement Wall Shearing?

Wall shearing refers to the shifting or movement of basement walls in your home. Soil expansion, hydrostatic pressure, and other conditions are often to blame.

If you notice wall shearing in your basement quick action can prevent water from entering your home and causing damage.

The first step is to contact an expert like Matvey Foundation Repair, who can inspect your basement and determine the cause of wall shearing.

Reasons for Basement Wall Shearing

The most common causes of wall shearing in your basement are:

Soil Volume Fluctuations

The soil surrounding your basement might expand and contract due to moisture, putting pressure on your walls. Shearing often occurs when soil swells in damp conditions and shrinks during dry periods.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Heavy rainfall, common in Seattle and throughout Western Washington, can build up underground and exert force on your basement walls. This process, called hydrostatic pressure, contributes to wall shearing.

Frost Heave

In cold weather, frozen water in your soil can create an upward-pushing force known as frost heave, which stresses basement walls and could lead to wall shearing over time.

Is Wall Shearing Fixable?

Yes, but you need to resolve the root cause of this problem to prevent it from happening again. DIY fixes merely provide temporary relief and could make things worse.

Matvey Foundation Repair has various solutions for basement wall shearing, including our channel anchors and carbon fiber wall straps. These custom-engineered products can restore your walls without the need for a complete basement rebuild.

How We Fix Wall Shearing

Our approach to wall shearing includes these steps:

1. Inspecting Walls

We’ll start by inspecting the location, severity, and patterns of basement wall shearing. This allows our team to determine the cause and determine the best method of repair.

2. Reinforcing Walls

Next, we’ll strengthen areas vulnerable to wall shearing with the following reinforcement solutions:

• Carbon fiber wall straps
• Wall anchors
• Channel anchors
• The IntelliBrace™ Wall System 

3. Basement Waterproofing

Our basement waterproofing products prevent future wall shearing problems. Dehumidifiers, vapor barriers, interior drainage systems, and sump pumps control moisture and stop it from causing damage.

Why Address Wall Shearing Now?

Fixing your wall shearing issue as soon as possible avoids the following:

• Structural instability
• Water leakage, erosion, and mold growth
• Floor settling or compromised structural supports
• Financial savings by preventing extensive damages and associated water issues

Contact Matvey Foundation Repair for Professional Wall Shearing Solutions

Wall Shearing FAQs

Why do I have basement wall shearing?

Frost heave, hydrostatic pressure, and soil volume fluctuations can all cause wall shearing. We’ll identify the specific reason for your problem during our free inspection.

Is Basement Wall Shearing Covered by Home Insurance?

Typically, standard home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by soil movement, which includes wall shearing. However, some insurance policies may offer additional riders or specific coverage for foundation issues. It’s important to check with your insurance provider for the specifics of your policy.

How long does it take to fix basement wall shearing?

Our team can complete repairs in as little as a day. However, we’ll give you a more accurate time estimate when inspecting your basement.