Basement Wall Repair in Milton, Vermont, by Matt Clark's Northern Basement Systems.
Challenge
A homeowner in Milton, Vermont, reached out to Matt Clark’s Northern Basement Systems after noticing long horizontal cracks forming along the foundation walls in their basement. Over time, the cracks widened, and one wall began to bow inward slightly — a clear sign of foundation movement caused by pressure from the surrounding soil. The homeowner also noticed that several basement windows had started to shift and small gaps were appearing where the walls met the ceiling. Concerned about the safety and stability of their home, they sought a permanent foundation repair solution before the problem worsened.
Solution
A certified foundation specialist from Northern Basement Systems visited the home to perform a complete structural inspection. Using a laser level and measuring instruments, the team confirmed that the foundation wall was bowing inward due to excessive hydrostatic pressure in the surrounding soil. Fortunately, the wall was still structurally sound enough to be stabilized without total replacement.
The specialist recommended the Supportworks® PowerBrace™ Wall Support System, a patented solution designed to stabilize and, over time, potentially straighten failing basement walls — without excavation or major reconstruction.
To permanently stabilize the foundation and prevent further inward movement, the installation crew installed a complete PowerBrace™ Wall Support System.
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PowerBrace™ Beams: Heavy-duty, zinc-plated steel I-beams were custom-cut to fit the full height of the basement walls. Each beam was anchored securely to the concrete floor and attached to the floor joists at the top using a unique tightening bracket. This setup allows the system to be adjusted over time, gradually helping to straighten the wall back toward its original position.
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Tightening Assembly: The adjustable top bracket was installed along each beam, enabling controlled torque adjustments during follow-up visits. This feature provides both immediate stabilization and the potential for long-term wall improvement.
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Corrosion Protection: All PowerBrace components were zinc-coated for superior rust resistance, ensuring a clean, finished look and decades of durability even in high-humidity environments.
The installation was completed quickly and efficiently with minimal disruption to the homeowner’s daily routine. The PowerBrace system immediately stabilized the failing wall, stopping further movement and restoring the homeowner’s peace of mind. The clean, finished appearance of the zinc-plated beams blended seamlessly into the basement, giving it a professional, reinforced look.
The homeowner was thrilled to have a permanent, warrantied foundation repair solution — one that not only stabilized their home but also provided the possibility of gradual straightening over time through routine tightening adjustments performed by Northern Basement Systems. This Milton, Vermont, foundation repair project shows how Matt Clark’s Northern Basement Systems combines expert diagnosis with innovative structural solutions to stabilize failing basement walls permanently. The PowerBrace™ Wall Support System provided immediate reinforcement, long-term durability, and peace of mind — ensuring the home remains strong, stable, and protected for decades to come.
