BOW WALL REPAIR
A brick wall that bulges or falls off the structure is a structural emergency, not an aesthetic problem. MBNL intervenes within 48 hours to secure the area, dismantle the compromised section and rebuild according to the standards of the Quebec Building Code.
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A BULGING WALL CANNOT BE REPAIRED BY ITSELF
A bow wall is a brick wall that separates from the structure of the building. The metal ties that hold the masonry to the frame corrode, break, or were never installed properly. The wall then bulges outward, cracks appear, and in some cases entire sections collapse.
WARNING SIGNS
A joint that crumbles, a crack that widens, water that comes back to the same place. They are signals. The longer you wait, the heavier the intervention and the more the bill goes up. Here's what to look out for.
BOMBING WALL
A visible bulge, the wall pushes out.
CRACKS IN THE CORNERS
Vertical or stepped cracks around the swollen area.
BRICKS THAT MOVE
Bricks that are loose to the touch, detached from the wall.
SPACE IN THE WINDOWS
Visible gap between window frame and masonry.
PROGRESSIVE DEFORMATION
A wall that has already been repaired and is starting to move again.
Our projects, our results
Everything you need to know about bow walls
Does MBNL offer emergency intervention for a bow wall?
Yes. If the bulge poses an imminent risk to the safety of occupants or bystanders, MBNL offers emergency response. You can reach us directly at 438.225.2169. Our team assesses the situation quickly and, if necessary, secures the wall as soon as possible.
How do I get an evaluation for a bow wall repair?
The extent of a belly repair depends on several factors: the extent of the bulge, the type of building, the accessibility of the wall and the intervention method required. For this reason, we do not provide remote estimates. A member of our team comes to the site under 48 hours to assess the situation and give you a detailed quotation within 24 hours, free of charge and without commitment.
What is a bow wall and how do I know if my wall is affected?
An oxbelly is a visible bulge on a masonry wall caused by the rusting of metal anchors, repeated water seepage, or freeze-thaw cycles that crack the mortar and displace the bricks. You may suspect it is present if you observe a gradual bulge in the exterior siding, stepped cracks around the joints, or bricks that seem to come off slightly. As soon as these signs appear, contact us at 438.225.2169 for a free inspection. A curved wall can come off without notice.
Is bow wall repair work guaranteed?
Yes. Like all work carried out by MBNL, belly repair is covered by a written guarantee. The details of the coverage (duration, scope) are specified in your estimate before the start of the work.
Can I leave a bow wall without fixing it?
No An untreated belly evolves inevitably: the mortar continues to degrade under the effect of frost, the bricks lose their anchoring and the risk of collapse of the siding increases over time. An early repair is always less expensive than a complete rebuild. Call us at 438.225.2169 for a free diagnosis; our specialists advise you on the urgency and priority of the work.
What are the technical solutions depending on the severity of the bulge?
The method of intervention depends directly on the extent of the displacement:
- Bulge of 2 inches or less : injection of grout, installation of structural screws and application of a metallic plate as a reminder. This approach is less invasive and less expensive.
- Significant bulging (over 2 inches) : complete removal of the damaged siding, replacement of the anchors, installation of new compliant anchors and reconstruction of the coating.
In all cases, our CCQ certified masons assess the situation in detail before recommending the most suitable solution for your building. Ask for your free diagnosis to know the real condition of your wall.
Your facade in good hands
The majority of builders repair what they see. MBNL starts with a comprehensive diagnosis to identify why the wall moved: drainage, load, poor mortar — before touching anything. You fix the cause, not just the appearance.
TRAINED BY THE BEST
Our expertise comes from the largest commercial projects in Quebec.
MENTORED BY THE PIONEERS
Formed directly by the founders of the AEMQ. Same standards.
RBQ 4.1 license active
The only license that authorizes work on stone. The majority of foundation contractors only hold the concrete license.
UNIVERSITY EDUCATION IN STRUCTURE
Our construction site decisions are based on materials science.
WE KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORHOODS
Each era of construction, each type of brick, each local regulation.
DIAGNOSIS BEFORE QUOTATION
Free on-site inspection. We tell you what we see, not what we want to sell.
AN UNTREATED BOW WALL PUTS YOUR BUILDING AT RISK
This bulge in your brick wall indicates a structural problem that is getting worse over time. Our certified masons correct the problem at the source. Schedule an inspection with no commitment.
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