bowing foundation walls

Signs of a Bowing Foundation Wall

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Bowing Foundation Wall

Foundation walls are meant to provide support to the entire structure of your home. They are therefore an important part of the home. However, even these walls can succumb to the wear and tear of external pressures.

Foundation walls are designed to withstand vertical forces acting on them. A bowing foundation wall is often the result of lateral forces acting on the wall. These forces include pressure from the soil surrounding the foundation. Although foundation walls are also built to be resistant to lateral forces, these forces can sometimes be too much for the walls. This is often the case in areas with high water tables or after heavy downpour.

How to tell that you have a bowing foundation wall

Diagnosing bowing in foundation walls can be difficult. That is if you don’t know what to look for. There are various signs and symptoms that indicate your foundation walls are bowing. These symptoms vary depending on the actual construction of the basement walls. The following are some of the most common signs in:

  1. Block Foundations
  • Stair step cracks – As the wall bows inward, the wall develops cracks along the mortar joints of the block foundation wall. These cracks can be noticed on either the outside or inside of the foundation walls.
  • Horizontal cracks – cracks may also occur horizontally along the mortar joints
  • Tipping – the wall may be seen to tip inward. This can be noticed along the top of the wall
  • Horizontal shearing – this may be noticed along the bottom of the wall.
  1. Poured concrete foundations
  • Vertical or horizontal cracks – these may be the result of settling. Keep close watch to the foundation cracks to see if they are growing in size.
  • Diagonal cracks – these can be spotted on the foundation wall corners. These are often a clear sign of a bowing foundation wall.
  • Wall tipping

What to do

If you’ve noticed that your wall is bowing, it is important to ensure that you have the wall repaired as soon as possible. Bowing is an indication of the failure of your foundation. Bowing is also a sign of extreme lateral forces acting on the foundation.

Search for a foundation repair contractor with experience. It is best to compare at least three quotations for foundation repair from different contractors. This will help you get the best value for your money.

Don’t wait for the problem to become even worse. Ensure that you have your foundation repaired as soon as possible.

carbon fiber sheets

Benefits of Using Stablwall Carbon Fiber Sheets for Foundation Repair

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Carbon Fiber Sheets

When properly constructed, the foundation is the strongest part of the home. This is as it should be. After all, we depend on the foundation to support the rest of the home. Therefore, cracks and other signs of foundation failure can be distressing.

The good news is that technology has come a long way through the years and the construction industry hasn’t been left behind. Just as new methods of construction are being introduced in the industry so are new methods of repairing buildings and especially foundations.

The StablWall System

StablWall is one of the latest and best foundation repair methods currently available in the market. It features carbon fiber sheets that are installed in foundation walls to provide much needed support. They offer various advantages over other foundation repair systems including the following:

  • Cover a large surface area

Carbon fiber sheets are large. They can cover large surface areas and therefore provide even more support to the wall.

  • Special epoxies

The system also includes epoxies that are specially engineered to provide increased strength when applied with the sheets. Once the sheets have bonded, the epoxy bond provides extra strength and therefore eliminates the chances of additional bowing or cracking.

  • Simple to install

The system is easy to install. A professional contractor can have your carbon fiber sheets installed within a few hours depending on the extent of damage your basement walls have experienced. The sheets are easily installed and bonded using the specialized epoxy. You won’t have to suffer days of interruption just to have your basement walls repaired.

  • Flexible solution

The sheets offer a flexible solution for the repair of your foundation. You don’t have to worry about those awkward spaces. The sheets are flexible and can be cut to fit any space.

  • Can be used on different surfaces

The StablWall system is compatible with a wide range of construction materials. It can therefore be installed on just about any basement wall including clay tiles, poured concrete, block and brick walls.

  • Don’t require maintenance

If you want to repair your basement and never have to think about it again, then the StablWall system is the best one for you. The system is maintenance free. This means that there are no adjustments to be made. You can rest with the knowledge that your foundation walls are much stronger.

  • Have a great appearance

The sheets are thin and fit right onto the walls. They can be painted over or given any other finishing treatment to provide a great finish. This makes the perfect solution for finished basements.

StablWall carbon fiber

Common Commercial Applications of StablWall Carbon Fiber

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StablWall Carbon Fiber

StablWall Carbon Fiber has become quite popular for residential foundation repair. Carbon fiber is strong and easy to use. It is also easy to conceal once installed, making it a great choice for homeowners who intend to finish their basements.

StablWall Carbon Fiber is also finding a variety of applications in commercial construction. Some common applications have been outlined below.

Reinforcing Foundations of Commercial Buildings

Many commercial buildings feature concrete foundations today. While these foundations are designed to be strong, they undergo a great deal of stress and pressure from the weight of the building and the soil around them. Concrete foundations therefore, decay over time and often have to be repaired.

Carbon fiber can be used to wrap the foundation when the concrete has set. These sheets provide extra support to the concrete. This reduces the need for repairing concrete foundations by increasing the integrity and longevity of the foundation.

Reinforcing Concrete Columns

Structures, such as bridges, flyovers, mining systems and dams often have concrete columns. These columns may deteriorate with time and therefore often require maintenance. Carbon fiber can be wrapped around the column bases to provide extra support. The reinforcement ensures the integrity of the entire structure. It also reduces wear and tear on the column. It also increases the longevity of the structure and therefore reduces the need for repair and maintenance. You can focus your efforts and finances on other areas.

Repairing Cracks in Walls and Foundations

Repairing cracks in walls of commercial buildings requires much more than crack injections to fill up the cracks. Load bearing walls are under a great deal of strain as a result of the size of the building. Cracks are often a sign of the failure of the walls under the stress of the forces acting on it.

The repair of these walls often requires the installation of some sort of support system such as steel beams. These beams take up a lot of space and can be an eye sore. StablWall Carbon fiber on the other hand is inconspicuous. It can be installed into the wall and painted over to make it virtually invisible.

There are many other applications that this technology is finding in commercial construction because of its strength and ease of use. It is however important to ensure that you choose a certified and experienced commercial contractor to ensure that you get the best results from the installation.

foundation crack repair

The Best System for Foundation Crack Repair in Finished Basement

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Foundation Crack Repair

No homeowner likes the sight of foundation cracks. They are often a sign of a deeper problem and often only get worse with time. The thought of dealing with foundation cracks can be even more distressing when planning to finish your basement. You don’t want to wake up one morning to find all your hard work and investment ruined.

Choosing a System for Foundation Crack Repair

There are various systems available for the repair of foundation cracks. However, none of these systems is created the same. There are pros and cons to each and every system. You therefore need to take the time to study each system and determine which fits your needs and requirements.

The following are some factors to consider when selecting a system for the repair of cracks in your foundation:

  • System with long term benefits

It doesn’t pay to patch up cracks and have to deal with the cost of repairing them later as well as replacing furniture ruined by water. It therefore makes sense to invest in a system that will provide long term benefits for your basement. The system should be strong and durable.

  • Affordable

Many homeowners find repairing their foundations can cost a lot more than they can afford. However, advances in technology have led to the introduction of foundation crack repair systems that are not only more effective but also more affordable. Explore different systems available in the market. Select a system that is effective and affordable.

  • Isn’t constraining

Many of the traditional systems for repairing foundation cracks are constraining. The installation of steel beams for example, will have a great impact on how you finish your basement. Steel beams take up a lot of space and will limit what you can do with the space especially if you’re dealing with a small space.

A solution such as carbon fiber mesh offers greater flexibility. It doesn’t take up much room when installed. Carbon fiber can be painted, making it easy to conceal.

Carbon Fiber Fits the Bill

Carbon fiber systems are ideal for foundation crack repair if you’re planning to finish your basement. These systems provide extra strength to walls and prevent further movement. They are also quite affordable and easy to install. You don’t have to worry about excavation and further destruction to your property too.

Talk to your local contractor for more information on carbon fiber and why it’s the best choice for your basement.

step cracks

Step Cracks In Your Foundation – Should You be Concerned?

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Step Cracks

If there is one thing that a homeowner never wants to see on their walls, it is a crack. It is even worse when you notice a crack in your foundation wall. This is often a sign of some sort of failure in your foundation wall. While some cracks may be superficial and result from natural movement and drying processes, others are structural and indicate a much deeper problem.

The type of cracks that have appeared on your foundation walls can tell you a lot about the condition of the basement wall. It is therefore important to study the crack before you panic.

Step Cracks

These cracks usually occur on masonry foundation walls. This is because the points at which the blocks are bonded using mortar are usually the weakest points in the foundation. They are therefore the first points along which the foundation will show signs of failure.

The cracks give a stair step appearance because of the nature of block foundations. The bricks or blocks are arranged in a staggered pattern. This pattern is what gives the wall its strength. When cracks occur in the wall, they follow the points of weakness in the foundation wall.

What Causes the Cracks?

If you have step cracks in your foundation walls, you’re probably dealing with foundation failure. This occurs when a large amount of pressure from the soil is exerted on the foundation wall. If the wall is greater than the resistance the wall offers, the wall will bulge into the basement resulting in the formation of cracks.

In some cases, the soil outside the foundation wall may not provide adequate support for the wall. The foundation wall in this case will bulge outward. Cracks will still occur in this case.

What to Do

If the cracks are an indication of foundation wall failure, should you panic? No. You should get in touch with a foundation repair specialist. They can assess your foundation wall and provide you with proposals on how the wall can be repaired.

There are two factors to keep at the forefront of your mind as you search for a contractor:

  1. Experience

Don’t hire just any contractor. Choose a contractor with experience repairing masonry walls. This will ensure that you get great results from the repair.

  1. Long term results

When presented with proposals by different contractors, research the methods suggested. Go for a solution that offers long term results.

Tips for Repairing Bowed Brick Wall | Macedonia, OH

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

A simple search on the internet will tell you that there is a lot of information about repair and maintenance of poured concrete foundations. This is probably because many modern houses feature poured concrete foundations. However, if you live in an older house, you probably have a brick wall as your foundation. If this is the case, read on for tips on what to do if you discover your foundation wall is bowing or bulging.

  1. Find a contractor with experience in brick wall foundations

Dealing with brick walls isn’t the same as dealing with poured concrete foundations. These walls have different characteristics. It is therefore important to use a contractor that is not only experienced in repairing foundations but also with brick wall foundations. This will ensure the best results.

  1. Determine the level of bowing or bulging

How far has your wall bulged? This will determine whether you should consider repairing your foundation wall or opt for replacing the bowed brick wall. As a rule of thumb, bowing that exceeds 2 inches indicates serious structural breach to the wall. If your wall has bulged this much, you ought to be considering replacing your wall and not just repairing it.

  1. Research different methods for repairing brick walls

There are different methods that can be used to repair a failing brick wall. It is important to consider all the methods available and determine what will suit you best. This means researching methods for reinforcing the wall and other waterproofing systems to ensure long term results. Talk to the contractor of your choice to ensure that you choose the method that meets your requirements.

Popular Methods for Brick Wall Repair

  • Wall anchors

This is one of the oldest methods for brick wall repair. It is used to stabilize walls. It involves the installation of a large steel plate on the outside surface of the foundation wall. Long steel rods are then passed through the buried plate, through the wall and into the basement. They are tightened on the inside of the foundation wall. The resistance works to straighten the wall.

  • Steel channels

These are used where a lot of movement has occurred. The steel beams are anchored to foundation footing and bolted to a steel bracket that is installed between the floor joists.

  • Carbon fiber strips

This is the least invasive method for repairing foundation walls. They are also quite affordable. These strips are installed on the wall to provide resistance and prevent further bowing.

carbon fiber foundation repair

Is Carbon Fiber the Best Solution for Foundation Repair

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Carbon Fiber

The construction industry has developed a great deal over the years. There have been several advances in the materials and methods used in construction and repair of homes. Advances, such as spray foam, waterproof sealants and water based paints have gone a long way to make construction and repair easier and less labor intensive.

One of the most prominent developments when it comes to foundation repair is the application of carbon fiber for repairing foundation walls. When it came to the repair of bowed, bulging or rotated walls, steel beams were once thought to be the best solution. However, in the past few years, carbon fiber strips have become the material of choice for repairing foundation walls.

Why Carbon Fiber is So Popular for Foundation Repair

  1. Easy to install

Carbon fire is easy to install. The area of the wall upon which the strips will be installed is ground flat. A high-strength epoxy provided by the manufacturers is then applied. The strips are then applied to the wall with some pressure applied to ensure they are secured. The steel angles at the top are then bolted onto the walls. All in all, the strips can be installed within a day.

  1. Strong

Carbon fiber is much stronger than steel. It cannot break even under high pressure. It is therefore a long term solution.

  1. No maintenance required

Unlike with steel beams that have to be adjusted every few years, carbon fiber strips are maintenance free. You can completely forget about your basement once the strips have been installed.

  1. They blend in easily

Fiber strips do not take up any floor space. They also can be painted over and therefore disappear.

  1. They’re affordable

If you’re looking to save money on foundation repair, carbon fiber strips are your best option. They cost less than the cost of purchasing and installing steel beams.

Will Carbon Fiber Work for You?

It may sound like the miracle solution for repairing foundations, but it isn’t applicable in all situations. It ought to be used only on walls that lean inward or outward less than two inches. When the movement is greater than this, the wall requires more intense repair. It is therefore important to have your wall inspected by a professional contractor to ensure that you apply the right repair method.

Even though applying carbon fiber can seem simple, it is a job that ought to be left to professionals. This will ensure that the strips are applied correctly.

foundation repair

What Makes a Good Foundation Repair Estimate

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Foundation Repair Estimate

When you notice signs of damage in your foundation, you know that it is time for foundation repair. It’s advisable to talk to different contractors about the matter to get their opinions. This ensures that you make an informed choice when you decide on which contractor and system to use for the repair of your foundation.

However, comparing estimates from foundation repair contractors can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. The following are some things that will help you determine whether you’re looking at a good estimate or not:

  1. Diagnosis

Pay close attention to the diagnosis that is indicated in the estimate. Everything else will be based upon this one piece of information. A contractor can only determine what the problem is through visual inspection and the use of various instruments. With an understanding of the extent of damage to the foundation, the contractor can provide you with an accurate estimate for repair.

  1. Use of reputable methods

The methods outlined for repair should be reliable methods that meet and even go beyond the minimum requirements of the building code in your area. Study the material and machines to be used. Research the method to be used and read reviews by other customers who’ve applied the system to their homes. Ensure that the contractor is licensed and trained to apply the systems they have indicated in their estimate.

  1. Affordable

Foundation repair can seem expensive. However, if done correctly, it can help to save money in the long term. The price quoted should be affordable without being too cheap. Beware of contractors that will quote extremely low prices. These contractors are likely to cut corners in order to save money and make a profit.

  1. Clear details

The estimate should provide you with clear details on what will be done for the repair of your foundation. It should outline what the costs cover and what each party is responsible for. Be sure that you understand the conditions of the contract before you sign it.

  1. An extensive warranty

Take a good look at the warranty and what it covers. Some warranties are designed to only cover the repair and replacement of the materials that will be used for the repair of the foundation. They however, don’t provide protection in case of further damage to the foundation. Ensure that your contractor provides a warranty for the results of their work. This ensures you can call them in case of failure.

Contact us today!

foundation repair

How to Look Out for Foundation Repair Issues when Buying a Flipped House

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Foundation Repair Issues

Have you always dreamed of purchasing an old house and turning it into your dream home? Buying a new house isn’t an option for many people. They’re just too costly. Some people just like the character that can be found only in old houses.

However, old houses present many problems to house flippers. While the prospect of turning an old house into a modern living space may seem exciting, there are various problems that require attention in these houses.

One of the most common problems old houses present is with the foundation. If you want to be on the safe side and ensure that your house is on a good foundation, look out for the following:

  1. Documentation of foundation repair

Find out if any repair work has ever been done on the foundation by asking for permits. If previous owners carried out any extensive repair on the foundation, permits would have been required. However, it is possible that previous owners may have used subpar contractors who would avoid taking permits.

  1. Exterior signs of structural issues

Look for signs of structural issues such as leaning foundation walls, bowing windows, excessive gaps between the foundation wall and the siding and cracks. Check to see if doors and windows in the house are sticking or do not fit well into their frames too.

  1. Interior signs of structural issues

Examine the interior of the basement for signs of structural issues. Look for signs, such as inward leaning walls, bowing or bulging walls, cracks in the walls or floor, cracked drywall and dropped ceilings. You should also check to see if the floors are level and if doors don’t close or stay open.

  1. Seepage

It is easier to spot seepage during heavy rains. You’ll be able to witness the problem first hand. If you’re inspecting the basement in the dry season, you may want to look for signs of seepage, such as discoloration on walls or floors, rotten wood or the growth of mold. A musty smell and high humidity are also signs of seepage.

It is vital to get your foundation inspected by a licensed contractor. Doing this ensures that you are able to identify problems early and attend to them. Foundation repair may seem like a daunting task especially with an old house. However, it need not be if you have a professional contractor assisting you.

prepare your home

How to Prepare Your Home for Fall

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Prepare Your Home for Fall

Summer is gone and with the warm weather now a distant memory, it is time to prepare your home for colder weather. As a home owner, you appreciate how critical it is to keep your indoors cozy while also ensuring the property is primed for more rain. With the meteorology department already giving warnings about today’s unpredictable weather, it is imperative to learn how to prepare your home for fall.

Here are some tips to help you go through fall:

  1. Clean and Fix the Gutters

The last 10 years have witnessed increased rain during this season and you need to clean the gutters to ensure effective drainage. This protects your house from stagnating water which ruins both the walls and foundation. The downspouts should also be unclogged, and if the discharge pipe is near the walls, make sure it is extended by about five feet.

  1. Seal All Air Leaks

To reduce heating and cooling costs during this season, make sure you have sealed all gaps especially on the windows and door joints. More importantly, get a professional to check for problem areas where leaks are common in order to seal them permanently. In short, keep outside air out and inside air in.

  1. Clean and Fix the Fireplace Chimney

This should be done by a professional contractor who will clear ash and charred wood from the chimney and fireplace. The damper should also be checked to ensure it doesn’t allow in a draft that will add to your heating and cooling costs.

  1. Give Your Heating System a Checkup

It is crucial to ensure that all heating ducts and vents are not blocked by furniture or curtains. This should be done by a technician with the right tools and skills to ensure the system is working seamlessly. The furnace is a critical appliance in fall and it must be checked before the onset of this cold season.

  1. Work on Paths and Walkways

Due to increased precipitation, your walkways will become slippery and they should be repaired to avoid slips and falls. Your family will be safe and you will also avoid medical bills arising from such injuries. To make the walkways even safer, invest in ENERGY STAR outdoor lights which will light up the way without increasing your energy bill.

  1. Invest in Storm Windows

To ensure your family is safe indoors, it is time to replace removable screens, which are popular during summer, with storm windows.

Of course you need to do a thorough cleaning of your home before fall considering much of your time will be spent indoors. Now that you have an idea on how to prepare your home for fall, why not get down to it? Contact us today for more information!