Fortress Stabilization Case Study

Hillside Home Foundation Repair in Pittsburgh, PA

InvisiBeam®, Crack Stitch™, and Full Waterproofing Fix a Failing System

The Challenge

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, it's common to find homes built into steep hillsides. While scenic, this terrain puts intense hydrostatic pressure on foundation walls—especially when combined with poor drainage and heavy rainfall. In this case, the homeowner’s basement had already been fitted with a waterproofing system, but the installation was severely flawed and had completely failed.

Key issues included:

  • Drainage tile connections held together with duct tape

  • A sump pump that wasn’t properly installed

  • No weep holes drilled into the block wall, allowing water to build up inside the hollow cores

  • Sections of the foundation footer removed, compromising the home’s structural integrity

These oversights led to persistent water intrusion, inward wall movement, and basement slab cracking.

The Solution

Highlander Waterproofing, a Fortress-authorized contractor, was hired to correct the failed system and stabilize the home. They removed the old waterproofing and installed a new drain tile system, sump basin with battery backup, and drilled weep holes to properly manage water.

To restore structural integrity, they re-poured missing sections of the footer and reinforced the bowing front wall with Fortress InvisiBeam® straps, anchored into the concrete porch slab above. The damp wall was dried with a blow torch to ensure epoxy adhesion, and horizontal cracks were sealed with hydraulic cement.

Lastly, Fortress Crack Stitch™ was used to repair cracks in the concrete slab, completing the full structural reinforcement.

The Outcome

This hillside home now has a fully functional, properly installed waterproofing system, a repaired foundation footer, and reinforced basement walls and slab. With Fortress InvisiBeam® and Crack Stitch™ in place, the homeowner has peace of mind knowing their foundation is protected from both water and structural movement—no matter how much rain Pittsburgh delivers.

Why It Matters

Incorrect foundation repairs can make a bad situation worse. This project highlights the importance of using certified installers, field-proven reinforcement systems, and industry-best practices. Fortress systems like InvisiBeam® and Crack Stitch™ are engineered for real-world conditions, from hydrostatic pressure to structural load transfer.

Installation Photos - Click to Expand

Close-up of muddy excavation revealing a gray pipe, dirt, and a small water pool near a textured wall, indicating plumbing work.

A worker uses a torch to repair a cracked concrete wall in a basement, showcasing damage and restoration efforts.

A worker in a blue shirt uses a spray tool to apply a repair mixture to a damaged section of a wall with peeling paint and cracks.

A worker applies cement to a partially finished wall, showcasing uneven surfaces and grey concrete blocks in a dimly lit basement.

View of a basement corner with exposed concrete blocks, a drainage pipe, and fresh cement along the floor, indicating renovation work.

A freshly poured concrete slab in a construction site, surrounded by dirt, debris, and a construction bucket.

A charming brick home with a steeply pitched roof, lush front lawn, and parked car, set among trees and neighboring houses.

A narrow trench filled with gravel runs alongside a black pipe in a basement, with visible construction tools and plastic sheeting nearby.

A bare concrete floor with visible cracks and stains, alongside a black flexible duct and a water heater in a basement setting.

A gloved hand applies material to a reinforced wall with Invisibeam in a basement setting, showcasing home repair work.

A worker in white gloves adheres Invisibeam to a textured wall during a renovation project.