Bowing Wall

Related terms

• Foundation

  The structure (slab, crawl space, or basement) that transfers the building's load to the ground. Foundation condition underlies the feasi…

• Hydrostatic Pressure

  Water-table pressure pushing against foundation walls and slabs — the driving force behind most basement leaks and wall bowing.

• Static Pressure

  Resistance to airflow in the duct system. High static (undersized ducts, dirty filter) overworks the blower and cuts capacity.

• Cantilever

  A structural member extending beyond its support, loaded at the free end (e.g., a bumped-out floor or balcony). Backspan and connection a…

• Blocking / Bridging

  Short pieces between joists or studs that stabilize members against twisting and distribute load. Often required at mid-span by code.

• Carbon Fiber Strap

  High-strength strips bonded to a bowing foundation wall to arrest further inward movement — a less invasive alternative to wall replaceme…

• Bearing Capacity

  How much load the soil can safely support. It sizes footings; weak soils require wider footings, piers, or ground improvement.

• CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit)

  A concrete block used for foundation and structural walls, often grouted and reinforced with rebar at intervals.