Everything Georgia Needs to Know About Wall Anchors

Noticing foundation damage at your home isn’t just frustrating, it can be downright scary.  

Your house is more than just four walls, it’s your home. The location of birthday parties and family dinners. Ensuring its stability for years to come is important.  

Damaged, bowing walls threaten your home, and this issue is best repaired with wall anchors. These permanent, proven solutions stabilize foundation walls and restore your home’s structural integrity. 

In this article, you’ll learn more about how wall anchors are your home’s best line of defense against environmental factors like hydrostatic pressure.  

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What Are Wall Anchors?

Foundation wall anchors permanently stabilize your foundation walls by protecting against leaning, bowing, and buckling.  

Wall anchors use tension between a steel plate secured to the foundation wall and an earth anchor plate located in virgin soil outside of the home.

As you see in the diagram to the left, a steel cable connects the two plates. By tightening this cable, the wall is permanently stabilized.  

The placement of the earth anchor is key. It must be placed at least six feet, preferably 10 feet, from the wall to ensure the earth anchor is untouched, hard-packed soil.  

Wall Anchor Benefits: 

• Year-round, Quick Installation 
• Typically Installed in One Day 
• Lifetime Warranty 
• Minimal Disruption to Landscaping 
• Stops Wall Movement 

When You Need Them

Wall anchors address inward wall movement. If your basement or crawl space foundation wall is bowing, leaning, or tilting toward the middle of the room, wall anchors are the solution.  

Similar to the photo below, the most obvious sign of wall damage is a horizontal crack midway up the wall. However, any wall cracks at all can indicate a bowing wall, so it’s always best to have a foundation specialist inspect cracks when you notice them.  

The most common reason your wall is bowing is hydrostatic pressure. This is when water drains below the surface after rain or snow, builds up next to basement walls, and puts pressure on them.  

While all homes experience some hydrostatic pressure and are built to withstand it, severe damage can be a result of: 

• Poor or Clogged Drainage 
• Missing or Failing Gutters 
• Problematic Soil 
• Above-Average Precipitation 
• Construction Mistakes  

Working to improve these factors can help delay the problem, but once the damage has occurred, wall anchors are the only and best repair.  

Are They Permanent?

Yes, wall anchors are permanent. Since nothing will alter the effect soil has on your home, consistent tension is needed at all times. 

For this reason, wall anchors come with a lifetime warranty. That means that all lateral movement is warranted for the lifetime of the structure and the warranty transfers to any future owners. 

The good news is that wall anchors are fairly flat, meaning they can hide behind drywall or wall finishing easily. 

Are They Worth It?

Choosing to repair your bowing wall will save you time and money in the long run. 

Left untreated, your compromised basement wall is at risk of failure. Putting your home, and your family in danger. Repairing a failed basement wall later is much more costly than repairing it beforehand.  

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How Are Walls Anchors Installed?

Steps to Wall Anchor Installation: 

Installing foundation wall anchors requires at least 6 feet, but preferably 10 feet, out from your damaged foundation wall.  

Step 1

A hole is excavated in the yard in virgin, stable soil.

Step 2

A metal earth plate is placed into the hole.

Step 3

A steel plate is installed on the foundation wall.

Step 4

A galvanized steel shaft connects the two plates. The cable is tightened, and the tension stabilizes the wall and holds it in place.

Step 5

Anchors are typically placed 5 feet apart on the wall. The result is clean and able to be enclosed with finishing if needed.

While the wall anchor installation process seems straightforward, it’s important to remember any work performed on your foundation can have impactful ramifications.  

Can I Do It Myself?

DIY foundation repairs are never a good idea. Your foundation supports the weight of your entire home. The weight must be supported evenly to prevent secondary issues.  

Even the most prepared weekend warrior shouldn’t have to worry about their home’s structural integrity with every step. 

Foundation repair requires specialized tools and heavy-duty equipment. The cost of purchasing or renting these specific tools makes DIY repair less attractive. Not to mention it is often a dirty and labor-intensive process that requires a high level of expertise and years of experience.  

This is why our AquaGuard foundation team members work under a crew leader for a long time before being given the responsibility of their own crew. It’s essential they understand the unique soil and home construction in the Atlanta area and feel prepared for unforeseen events.  

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Wall Anchors Restore Your Atlanta Home

Your home is only as stable as the foundation it rests upon. A cracked, buckling foundation wall puts your home’s structural integrity at risk.  

Wall anchors permanently stabilize your foundation walls and resist future movement from the problematic red clay soil commonly found in the greater Atlanta area.  

If you’re concerned about your basement walls, notice cracking or bowing, or think you may have a foundation problem, AquaGuard is ready to help!  

Our trained inspectors have been helping homeowners in the Atlanta suburbs of Decatur, Peachtree City, and Newnan since 1995.  

With each repair, we strive to elevate the home repair experience. But don’t take our word for it, read our thousands of online reviews detailing our commitment to getting the job done right. 

Schedule your free, no-obligation inspection using our easy online scheduler. Choose a time and date that works best for you and your family.  

Wall Anchors FAQ

What is hydrostatic pressure?

Hydrostatic pressure is the force that is applied by water. 

This affects your home when groundwater pools against your foundation. The added water puts pressure on your foundation walls.

Are wall cracks normal?

Typically, wall cracks are not normal. While small hairline cracks can occur when concrete cures, an easily noticeable crack is almost always cause for concern. 

A crack’s location and direction say a lot, but the only way to truly evaluate the threat of a crack is to have an expert do a full inspection.

What is foundation settlement?

Foundation settlement is a term used to describe when a home sinks into a void created beneath a foundation.  

The cause of foundation settlement is always linked to soil movement. Problem signs can range from foundation cracks to sagging floors, sticking doors and windows, and even drywall cracks.