Pressure-Treated Wood Foundations (PWF)

Short for Preserved Wood Foundation or Permanent Wood Foundation, a PWF wall is an engineered structural solution to horizontally cracked and bowed foundation walls that have lost their structural integrity. 

A PWF wall is essentially a reinforced pressure-treated wood stud wall installed around the interior perimeter of the basement. When an existing foundation is horizontally cracked, a PWF performs two functions:

  • Stabilizes the existing foundation wall and prevents further inward movement 

  • To support the weight of the home above it

Reinforced pressure-treated wood foundation wall installed along basement perimeter to stabilize a cracked foundation.

Why a PWF Wall must be engineered:

Because a PWF wall becomes part of the structural support system of the home, it must be designed by a structural engineer. 

The engineer will consider many factors when designing the repair including: 

  • The weight of the structure 

  • Height of the grade (soil) on the outside of the wall 

  • Amount of deflection (bowing) in the wall 

  • Local soil and site conditions


All of this will determine how the engineer lays out the design, including:

  • Type of hardware to be used. 

  • Dimensions of lumber needed.

  • The spacing of studs and anchors.

  • As well as how much blocking is required. 

Having a structural repair, properly engineered helps ensure:

  • The home is safely supported

  • Local building codes are met

  • Soil and moisture conditions are properly considered

  • Long-term structural performance

With the right engineering and installation, a PWF wall can provide a strong, long-term solution for damaged foundation walls.

PWF wall framing installed to reinforce a horizontally cracked basement foundation.
Pressure-treated wood stud wall bracing an existing foundation from the interior.
Interior PWF wall system providing structural support for a damaged foundation wall.

FAQ

  • In many cases, lateral pressure from the exterior of the foundation caused the horizontal cracking. The excavation with rock backfill of the trench takes the pressure off the wall, ensuring a complete and successful repair.

  • Each wall is designed for your space and built onsite to allow for site specific conditions.