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The Role of Channel Anchors in Repairing Bowed and Shearing Walls

At Tar Heel Basement Systems, we have dedicated over two decades to basement repairs for homeowners across North Carolina. The goal of our channel  anchor installations is to put a stop to escalating foundation issues without necessitating a full foundation replacement. Our experts manage the entire procedure, from the initial inspection to personalized installation, leaving your home with a lasting, fortified foundation. 

What Exactly Are Channel Anchors? 

Channel anchors are specialized foundation wall anchors engineered to stop and restore shearing walls in your basement. The system employs steel earth anchors embedded in stable soil outside your foundation walls. These are then connected to the interior wall via threaded rods, which in turn are linked to steel channel brackets mounted on the inside of your basement walls. 

These channels run nearly from floor to ceiling and are secured to the floor to ensure maximum bracing. By anchoring the system into stable soil layers, channel anchors counteract the soil pressure that induces inward wall movement. Over time, channel anchors also provide the possibility of realigning walls back to their original position. 

Top 5 Indicators You Require Channel Anchors 

Channel anchors are most effective when your basement shows: 

  • Walls shearing either at the top or bottom 
  • Noticeable cracks in the walls, particularly horizontal or stair-step patterns 
  • Walls that bow around the middle 
  • Windows and doors that are difficult to open or close 
  • Floors that are uneven or sloping 

Channel anchors directly tackle the root cause of these issues, offering a solid fix by neutralizing soil pressure and fortifying your foundation. 

Why Opt for a Channel Anchor System? 

Ignoring bowing walls can result in their condition deteriorating over time. The combination of continuous soil pressure and water seeping through cracks can speed up the degradation of the walls. This puts your home at risk for water damage, mold infestation, and expensive structural repairs. In extreme cases, severely weakened walls may even collapse. Channel anchors, particularly when coupled with our complete basement waterproofing solutions, offer a failsafe remedy that averts these risks and saves on future repair costs. 

 
Benefits of Using Channel Anchors 

Tar Heel Basement Systems’ channel anchors provide homeowners several key advantages: 

  • Halt and prevent any further inward wall movement 
  • Offer the potential to realign walls over time 
  • Reinstate structural integrity without a full foundation replacement 
  • Impede soil pressure and water damage 
  • Minimal disruption to your home and landscape 
  • Simplified installation even around utilities without significant demolition 

By addressing foundation issues before they worsen, channel anchors not only restore your home’s value but also avert costly future repairs. 

Our Channel Anchor Installation Process: A 7-Step Guide 

1. Initial Inspection to Determine Anchor Locations 

A certified expert will meticulously inspect your basement to locate the most effective points for anchor installation. 

2. Boring Holes for Earth Anchors 

Our technicians will excavate around your foundation at the pre-determined anchor points, reaching stable soil layers to ensure optimal anchoring. 

3. Drilling Holes for Anchor Rods 

Small holes, typically 1-2 inches wide, are drilled through the basement walls to align with the earth anchors outside. 

4. Attaching Rods to Earth Anchors 

Steel anchor rods are inserted through these holes and are secured to the earth anchors using robust nuts and washers. 

5. Mounting Interior Channel Brackets 

Once the earth anchors are secure, steel channel brackets are affixed to your basement’s interior walls. 

6. Securing Floor Brackets 

The channel anchors are then bolted to the basement floor for added stability. 

7. Gradual Wall Straightening 

Post-installation, the anchor rods can be periodically tightened to help gradually restore the walls to their original, straight position. 

Why Choose Tar Heel’s Channel Anchors for Basement Wall Repair? 

  • Custom-engineered channel anchors 
  • FREE inspection, quote, and tailored system recommendations 
  • Industry-leading transferable limited lifetime warranty 
  • Award-winning quality and service 

Contact Tar Heel Basement Systems Today! 

Don’t allow foundation issues to escalate. Reach out to Tar Heel Basement Systems today to schedule your free inspection

FAQs

Most installations are completed within a day, thanks to minimal excavation and quick installation methods. When our experts conduct their initial evaluation, they should be able to provide you will an accurate time estimate.  

While not every case can be perfectly leveled, it will be made stable with channel anchors. However, in many cases, the walls can be carefully and slowly brought back to level by periodically tightening the anchor rods.  

Generally, our channel anchors integrate seamlessly with your existing basement structure, minimizing the need for any significant post-installation remodeling. 

Resources

TarHeel Basement Systems Service Map

Our Locations

Fayetteville Location

3400 Walsh Pky, Suite 220
Fayetteville, NC 28311

Greensboro Location

611 Summit Ave, Suite 5
Greensboro, NC 27405

North Raleigh

208 Millbrook Rd. Suite C
Raleigh, NC 27609

Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill Location

8005 Knightdale Blvd
Knightdale, NC 27545

Wilmington Location

2155 Enterprise Dr. NE
Leland, NC 28451

Winston-salem / High Point Location

2910 Griffith Rd
Winston-Salem, NC 27103