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Basement Wall Shearing

Basement wall shearing leads to major structural and leakage issues. Choose Groundworks' foundation repair solutions now.

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Wall shearing on drywall of home
Close up of brick that is cracking and wall shearing.

When external soil pressure weakens your basement walls, it causes a phenomenon called wall shearing. If not properly resolved, this problem increases water leakage and negatively impacts your home’s structural stability.

Groundworks’ foundation repair solutions, including channel and wall anchors, reinforce areas prone to wall shearing and strengthen the structural components of your home. Our Alberta-based team of experts will thoroughly inspect your home to find the right solution for you.


Are you noticing wall shearing in your basement?
Book your appointment today.

What Is Basement Wall Shearing?

Basement wall shearing is a structural issue where your basement walls begin to shift or move laterally, resulting in cracks and displacement. This is a common issue in many parts of Alberta, mainly due to external pressure exerted by soil. Excess moisture, soil expansion, and other factors further exacerbate this issue.

If you notice wall shearing in your basement, your foundation might not be at immediate risk, but taking quick action will prevent further damage.

Foundation repair experts at Groundworks will inspect your basement and identify what’s causing your walls to shift and move.


Causes of Basement Wall Shearing

Various factors result in basement wall shearing, including:

Soil Fluctuations

Excess moisture causes the soil around your basement to expand and contract, putting pressure on your walls. Shearing occurs when soil frequently shrinks and swells from weather conditions.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Water from heavy rainfall often accumulates underground, weakening your basement walls. This process, known as hydrostatic pressure, is another leading cause of wall shearing.

Frost Heave

During winter, frozen water in the soil creates an upward-pushing force called frost heave, adding pressure to basement walls. Over time, this causes shearing.

Can You Fix Wall Shearing?

Yes, professional foundation repair experts resolve wall shearing without the need for a complete basement rebuild. DIY fixes, on the other hand, are only temporary and do not tackle the root cause.

Instead of makeshift repairs, rely on our experience and expertise. Our reinforcement techniques, such as channel anchors and carbon fiber systems, minimize disruption in your home.

The Expert Approach to Basement Wall Shearing

Homeowners across Alberta trust our foundation repair service, which offers long-lasting protection and peace of mind. Here’s how Groundworks fixes wall shearing:


Cracked brick in basement of home in need of repair

1. Comprehensive Inspection

Our team examines the location, severity, and patterns of wall shearing to identify whether the cause is soil movement, frost heave, hydrostatic pressure, or something else. This approach allows us to provide a long-lasting solution for your specific needs.

2. Damaged Wall Reinforcement

We strengthen basement walls with various reinforcement solutions, including:

3. Waterproofing Measures

Our patented basement waterproofing products prevent wall shearing in the future. Sump pumps, dehumidifiers, vapor barriers, and interior drain systems manage moisture and hydrostatic pressure, securing your foundation long-term.


Groundwork graphic image explaining merger between Polylevel and Groundworks

Why Address Wall Shearing Issues Now?

We encourage Alberta residents to quickly resolve their wall shearing problems to: 

  • Prevent expensive structural issues down the road
  • Stop water leakage, erosion, and mold growth
  • Reduce the risks associated with floor settling or compromised structural supports

Consult Groundworks for Wall Shearing Solutions in Alberta

Groundworks workers working on the exterior of a home.

Basement wall shearing doesn’t always pose an immediate risk, but addressing this problem can avert water damage and serious structural concerns. Our approach to wall shearing goes beyond surface-level repairs, providing the long-term protection you deserve.

Contact Groundworks for your free basement inspection and estimate.

Wall Shearing FAQs

Wall shearing can affect your home’s foundation, so we don’t recommend DIY repairs. A professional like Groundworks is highly trained to inspect your basement, identify the reason for shearing, and suggest a custom-engineered solution.

Some insurance policies cover foundation issues, so check with your provider. Groundworks also offers financing options that let you spread out the cost of repairs.

Soil fluctuations, hydrostatic pressure, and frost heave are some common causes of wall shearing in basements. Whatever the cause of your problem, our foundation repair experts will solve it.

Do you see any of these signs? Book an appointment now!

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Proudly Serving Alberta and Southern Ontario

Canada trusts Groundworks for reliable crawl space, basement waterproofing and foundation repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!  

Top Cities We Serve


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Excellent service! Really professional, knows his technology, works efficiently. Obviously enjoys his work. Thanks Feiross!

Brian Keating

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Cory came to my house, thoroughly evaluated the situation, explained the options to me, and patiently answered all of my questions. He is amazing. There was a crack in my basement wall that needed to be repaired. Paul (I think) did a good and clean Job. The repair was scheduled and completed exactly as was described to me. Great team! I’d definitely recommend this company to others.

Kavan Motazedi

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An amazing company with outstanding service. Incredibly impressed with both the work and the care. We did full waterproofing and a new sump system and we are thrilled. Sanity is restored after crisis flooding! From the initial consult to the final job the excellency is there. Would tell anyone and everyone to use this company.

Bek MacIntosh

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The service provided was excellent. From the start when we installed the tester to the end when we got the mitigation system installed. The installers came on time, cleaned up, and was super friendly. Definitely will contact them again for our next house!

Mabel Ma

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Excellent service. Sales was pleasant and quote was thorough enough to proceed. The crew that came out to excavate, and install the interior and exterior basement systems was absolutely top notch – their work was neat and tidy, they showed up on time, and worked hard. To top it off, they (and all the folks involved) have to be the most pleasant contractors I’ve ever dealt with – and this is house #5 for us over the years! Thank you, Basement Authority. Highly recommend.

Laura Chutny

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Yesterday we had our sump pump service by Ben and was very pleased with the work. He was knowledgeable and took care in his work. He was very friendly and explained what he was going to do. Very good at his job and we’ll ask for him if we need any work done in the future.

Wayne Bateman

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Fantastic service from start to end. Professional sales call, follow up, and terrific work crew on site. Did an amazing job of raising and leveling my driveway. The crew took great pride and were even excited with the outcome. I HIGHLY recommend their work.

Craig