melting-snow-foundation

Impact of Melting Snow on Your Foundation

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Melting Snow

The basement is probably the last thing you’d think about when winter rolls around. However, it is important to ensure that your basement is ready for the winter. Melting snow can have a big impact on your basement if you don’t take the necessary precautions.

Impact of melting snow on your foundation

Many people get concerned about their foundations and basement during the rainy seasons. But the snow can also have a negative impact including the following:

  • Water seepage and buildup of moisture
    When snow melts, it turns into water. This water seeps into the ground. If large volumes of snow have piled around your home, it will melt and the water will seep into the soil surrounding your home’s foundation.The excess water in the soil can seep into your home through any space it will find including cracks in the wall, the point at which the wall meets the floor or right above the foundation wall. If you have window wells for your basement windows, you can be sure that water will find its way into your basement through these wells.
    You’ll then be dealing with a moisture problem or at its worst, a flooded basement.
  • Formation of foundation cracks
    The increased amount of water due to the melting snow results in increased hydrostatic pressure in the soil. This results in increased pressure against the walls of your foundation. This can result in the formation of cracks in the foundation or even worse, bowing foundation walls.
  • Damaged discharge line
    When you have a working sump pump, flooded basements won’t worry you as much. However, watch out for the health of your sump pump’s discharge line during the winter. If the pipe is pitched improperly then water resulting from melting snow or that which has been pumped out of the basement can easily settle in the pipe and freeze. This results in obstruction of the pipe.

How to prepare for winter

  • Get professional help for waterproofing
    Don’t wait until the last minute to get a professional in to waterproof your basement. Start the planning early and ensure that the work is done before the winter sets in. It will be almost impossible to work under freezing temperatures in the winter.
  • Don’t get lazy
    Ensure that snow does not build around your home. Shovel snow on your driveway and around the walls of your home. Keep it away from the foundation of your home.
  • Check gutters and downspouts
    Have your gutters and downspouts checked to ensure that they are clear. They should also be able to guide runoff away from your foundation.
foundation-maintenance

Foundation Maintenance Tips

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Foundation Maintenance

Not all cracks are indicative of foundation problems, but all foundation issues manifest as cracks. See how that works? So it is a good idea to never ignore foundation cracks, or just any type of crack you see on walls and floors. When you see cracks, make an effort to note them, count them and even measure them to see if they are getting bigger or wider apart, if they are, call in a professional.

Prevention is Key

As with all things in life, preventing damages are better than trying to recover from them. So have a look at the following pointers and try to follow them if it applies to you or your type of home.

  • Moisture
    For the most part, foundation cracks are the result of soil expansion or contraction, so moisture plays an important part in the strength and steadiness of your foundation. Maintain the right amount of moisture down there. If you stay in a region that has a lot of play when it comes to wetness and drying out, it will put a strain on the structure. You may need to get soakers and other water delivery mechanisms to make sure the levels are steady.
  • Trees
    Let’s be clear about this, trees are a necessity and most weather related problems can be attributed to not having enough of them, so we are not recommending you cut down every tree around your house. As long as trees get enough water, they are not going to suck it out from under your house. Get a qualified engineer or a specialist to come take a look at the tree and root problems that may or may not pose a threat to your foundation. When planting trees, plant them away from the main structure of the house. If the tree’s branches can touch your walls, it is too close.
  • Downspouts
    While you need to keep a certain level of moisture under the house, too much water is a bigger issue. Foundation cracks can appear in places where there are soil swells or runaways, both a result of too much water. You may want to get a simple diverter, something that will keep water from settling along the walls and cause wetness to settle in the basement.

Regular maintenance can go a long way in keeping your home foundation cracks free and will stand steady and last a lifetime.

basement-space

How to Effectively Use Your Basement Space

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Basement Space

A basement can be used in almost exactly the same manner as an additional above-ground floor of a home. In fact, a basement is far more useful for practical purposes than any other rooms in your home. For example, you can work efficiently in a basement, without getting distracted or disturbed. You can rest peacefully in a basement, without any disturbing noises. You can watch a game on TV in the basement with the volume real high. Following are some of the ways you can use your basement space effectively.

Media Room

A media room can be the perfect home theater for movie nights. A basement can easily be converted into a media room. A media room does not necessarily have to have high ceilings since you will be seated most of the time. A basement that does not have many windows will give a real theater-like feel even during day time. You can insulate the walls of the basement easily to make it soundproof.

Personal Gym

A basement is a nice place to work out in peace. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about breaking anything like you do when you work out in your living room or any other rooms in your home. You also do not have to worry about disturbing any of the family members. The only thing to look out for is that you have the proper ceiling clearance in your basement

Personal Office

You can turn your basement into your personal office. Again, the best part is that you can work in peace. If you work from home, then you can easily keep an office hour as you will not get disturbed by your family members or get distracted by the sound of TV. Keeping an office hour will help you to work effectively, and efficiently. You can also customize the basement for your specific office needs.

Game Room

You can rework your basement into a great game room. A basement is an ideal place for your pool table. If you have the necessary space and a good budget, then your can even re-create your favorite sport in your basement, like hockey or mini-golf.

Your basement is an untapped resource when it comes to setting up things that you never considered setting up in your living room or any of the other rooms in your home. The best thing about turning your gym into an office or a media room or a game room is that it will always be maintained properly. This will help to keep basement moisture or any basement leak at bay, thus preventing the formation of mold or damp air in your basement.

StablWall-carbon-fiber

Using the Revolutionary StablWall Carbon Fiber for Permanent Foundation Repair

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

StablWall Carbon Fiber

Which is the weakest link to your home’s strength? You might be surprised to learn that it is the foundation. Immediately the contractor leaves the site, the effects of nature start bombarding the foundation walls.  From lateral and hydrostatic pressure to heaving soils and floods, your foundation has lots of problems to contend with.

Inevitably, problems such as cracks start appearing and this complicates things even further. According to the National Foundation Repair Association (NFRA), over 89% of homes less than 10 years old have such problems. To remedy this, StablWall carbon fiber technology comes in handy.

This is an invasive solution to foundation problems. The carbon fiber is used in cracked walls together with a resin to create a permanent bond that prevents further deterioration of the foundation. The carbon fiber sheets permanently bond to concrete thus providing the best solution for your problematic walls.

But why opt for this technology instead of others such as excavation and slab jacking? Here are some thoughts:

  1. Tested and Proven Technology

For over 30 years, carbon fiber has been used in other industries including aerospace and the military. Through the years it has been discovered to be ten times stronger than steel beams. With such a rich heritage in these industries, it was a no-brainer that the construction industry was going to adopt the solution.

  1. Convenience

One of the most complicated activities in foundation repair is, of course, excavation. This is not only time consuming but a lot of labor input is needed. With StablWall carbon fiber, you have a convenient solution that does not need labor consuming excavation works.

  1. Durability

Once the carbon fiber sheet is affixed to the wall, it is virtually indestructible. Your walls are able to deal with any external pressure including saturated soil or surface water. Cracks that threaten your walls cannot affect the surface anymore and this effect is permanent.

  1. Cost Savings

Repairing bulging walls or any other type of foundation damage can drain your savings. This is more so if you have to excavate and fit in expensive steel piers. Carbon fiber and the high strength epoxy used to repair the walls are inexpensive compared to other available techniques.

  1. Aesthetic Touch

StablWall carbon fiber does not take off from the beauty of your walls. The thin strips do not affect the look of your home unlike most technologies in the market.

Well, you now have a more effective, cost-effective solution for your damaged foundation walls. Why would you go for any other technique?

foundation-repair

6 Tell-tale Signs that Your Home Needs Immediate Foundation Repair

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Foundation Repair

Now that you have lived in your home for the last few years, the last thing on your mind is of course repair works. However, you will be surprised to know that over 70% of homes over 8-10 years old develop foundation problems according to a study by the National Association of Realtors ® (NAR). Indeed, these specialists recommend regular checks to ascertain any damage to in order to start prompt foundation repair.

As a conscious homeowner, you need to be on the lookout in order to call in an expert when foundation problems arise. The best idea is to be armed with signs that pinpoint foundation damage in order to call in a contractor early enough. What are some of these signs? Here are some ideas:

  1. Wall and floor gaps: These are some of the most obvious signs and they are easy to notice. The floor will sink when the foundation cannot bear the load anymore or if there is a shift in the slab. Such damage must be remedied promptly using slab jacking among other techniques.
  2. Wall cracks: These can either be on the external or internal walls. In most cases, a sinking foundation will also cause cracks on the chimney. Whether they are horizontal or vertical cracks on your foundation wall, you must call a contractor to have a closer look lest you ignore a deeper underlying problem.
  3. Cracked moldings: If your floor and walls are covered by moldings you can tell when there is a problem if there are cracks. Corner and crown moldings will easily crack due to the pull of a sunken foundation or bowing walls.
  4. Jamming doors and windows: This is one of the most ignored tell-tale signs of foundation damage. Most homeowners will just call in a carpenter to do some repairs but the problem is much worse. This happens when the foundation is sinking towards the middle and is also accompanied by vertical cracks on the wall.
  5. Bowed and bulging walls: These problems are caused by water pressure from the soil surrounding the basement walls. When not repaired early enough, bowing walls can lead to collapse of the entire structure hence the need for professional diagnosis in case these signs are noted.
  6. Sinking foundation: This is one of the most dangerous foundation damage signs. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that you will not note the problem first. However, drywall crack and stuck windows are some of the indicators.

Well, your home needs the best foundation repair you can get and there is no better solution than going for a professional contractor in your city. Whatever you do, don’t ignore any of these damage signs.

foundation repair

Factors That Can Affect The Foundation of Your Home

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Foundation Repair

One of the most costly and significant mishaps that can happen to your home is foundation damage. An unsettled base, a few cracks or weak concrete can eventually lead up to extensive and expensive repairs. Following are some of the most common factors that can affect the foundation of your home.

Over-watering

Over-watering can happen in two ways. Excessive rain, and you watering the lawn and then the rain drenching it after a few hours. Excess water can make the soil expand. This adds pressure on the foundation that causes damage to the concrete. It is always better to water your lawn after checking the weather conditions.

Seasonal conditions

Weather changing dramatically, from wet to dry or dry to wet, can cause the soil underneath the home to swell and shrivel. This may cause extreme damage. An example is the dramatic seasonal change in the Midwest.

Plumbing leaks

A sizable plumbing leak can cause the water to seep into the soil around your house and cause damage. It can even cause the foundation to shift. A leak in the main line or the sanitary sewer is hard to detect. Usually, it is detected only after the homeowners notice visible structural issues.

Unprepared ground

It is essential to prepare the ground properly before laying the foundation for your home. A foundation needs a dependable and solid topsoil to support the home structure. A poor topsoil layer can cause damage to the home in the future.

Poor drainage

A home that does not have gutters or has downspouts that do not point in the right direction can create oversaturation of the soil, resulting in an unstable foundation. Improper drainage is one of the most common cause for foundation failure.

Landscape invasion

Beautiful landscaping is essential for a home, to increase curb appeal and to increase the property value. However, it is essential to plant trees and large bushes, at least, five feet away from the structure. Overgrowth and transpiration of tree roots can cause the soil beneath the home to dehydrate and shrivel, which will cause damage to the structure.

Improper construction

If the foundation is constructed with substandard concrete and insufficient steel, it will cause the structure to weaken and shift, in the future. It is very important to stick to proper building codes while constructing your home.

Poor soil conditions (expansive clay soils), improper construction of a swimming pool that results in water seeping into the soil, and improper home renovations are some of the other factors that can affect the foundation of your home, which can, in turn, lead to an expensive repair job.

foundation-repair-StablWall

Reasons Why Stablwall Carbon Fiber is the Future of Foundation Repair

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Foundation Repair

Foundation damage according to the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) poses the greatest danger to the structural integrity of American homes. In fact, the National Association of Realtors (NAR®) says over 79% of all homes suffer from some form of structural weakness in the foundation. This is where Stablwall Carbon Fiber comes in handy.

The Smart Solution

You may already realize that a simple crack in your foundation can exacerbate to a point of ruining your precious investment. What’s more bowing and cracking foundations lead to moisture problems in the basement? Therefore, Stablwall is an innovative repair system where carbon fiber reinforces polymer sheeting in order to correct these defects.

This technology has been used in the aerospace industry for decades and its effectiveness lies behind how it works. In essence, the sheeting is composed of many carbon fibers lined up against each other. It is impregnated with specially designed epoxy bonding adhesive to bind these fibers together and to the wall.

Therefore, it is ideal to handle cracks and bowing walls because it prevents expansion of any gaps existing on the walls. To understand the reason as to why Stablwall Carbon Fiber is creating so much hype in the foundation repair industry, take a look at some of these benefits:

  1. It contains highest tensile strength, which means it cannot break easily. In fact, these strips are considered to be 10 times stronger than steel beams.
  2. They are thin strips, which are almost invisible once they are applied. Your foundation walls will not lose that aesthetic touch you desire.
  3. The durable solution with no maintenance required in future.
  4. Versatile solution that can work with poured concrete, brick walls, block and even red clay tile walls.
  5. Easy installation which saves money and time while also reducing the inconvenience of having a messy project going on in your home.

The process of applying a Stablwall starts with a diagnosis of the problem in order to recognize whether there is an underlying cause. Surface prep is then done to remove dirt and cured cement paste in order to get down to the aggregate. Cracks and joints are then filled before the epoxy is applied on the wall and on the back of the carbon fiber sheet before it is attached.

Furthermore, the Stablwall Carbon Fiber project is best done by an expert for more effectiveness. These experts know how to correctly impregnate the fiber material with epoxy. Without a doubt this is the best solution to repair any foundation damage. It is not only convenient and versatile but offers more permanency thus assuring your lovely home is safe.

Bowing Cinder Block | Chicago, IL | StablWall

How to Diagnose Bowing Foundation Walls

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Bowing Foundation Walls

Foundation walls are already under a lot of pressure from supporting the building above them as well as the soil around them. However, they can come under even more stress when there is inconsistent pressure against them. The integrity of the foundation wall can be put at risk from inconsistent pressure, especially during times of extreme rainfall or drought.

When there is extreme drought, the soil that supports the foundation walls dries and shrinks away from the foundation. Gaps are formed between the foundation wall and surrounding soil leaving little support for the foundation wall. During seasons of heavy rainfall, water seeps into the soil and increases the amount of hydrostatic pressure against the foundation wall as the soil expands to accommodate more water. These extremes result in bowing foundation walls.

Are your foundation walls bowing?

Foundation walls are considered to be bowed or bulging when a part of the wall is pushed inward. This point should be pushed further inward than the bottom or top of the wall. The bowing or bulging occurs before any cracks begin to present themselves. The bulging is therefore the first sign of bowing foundation walls.

Many people mistakenly believe that the absence of cracks is a good sign that the wall is still strong. Even when the bow in a foundation wall is minimal, it is a sign of weakening in the structure of the foundation. When the bulge becomes more pronounced, you may need to rebuild the foundation.

Cracking in bowing foundation walls begins on the exterior surface of the walls. There is tremendous downward pressure on the walls. It takes some time for the cracks to appear on the interior surface. Cracks usually present themselves as step cracks. However, they may begin as horizontal cracks that develop into step cracks over time. The steps occur along mortar joints.

Step cracks differ from horizontal and vertical cracks in that the wall pulls in all four directions. In vertical and horizontal cracks, the parts of the wall on the opposing sides pull away from each other. Stabilization in walls with step cracks must therefore be carried out in all four directions.

If you notice step cracks in your foundation wall, contact a professional contractor as soon as possible. These cracks are a sure sign of bowing or bulging of foundation walls. If the bowing or bulging has not occurred by the time the step cracks have appeared, it is likely to begin soon after.

Repair of bowing or bulging foundation walls should be carried out by professional contractors only. This ensures that the best solution is applied and safety is observed.

Foundation Repair | New York City, NY | StablWall

6 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Foundation Repair Contractor

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Foundation Repair Contractor

A study by the Foundation Repair Association (FRA) in 2013 found that out of 843 houses sampled, over 68% had foundation problems. Most of these issues were structural and had already exacerbated to a point of compromising the integrity of these homes.

Prompt Repairs

If your foundation walls are bowed or bulging, the doors and windows are jamming and you can observe cracks both in the exterior and interior walls, it is high time to call a foundation repair contractor. The problem comes in choosing the best because there are thousands of them in every single city.

Well, after shortlisting the available experts, there are some questions you need to ask them in order to gauge their suitability. Here are some of the most important:

  1. What is Your Assessment of the Damage?

To determine whether a foundation expert is qualified, you need to gauge their professionalism. Before hiring any contractor ask them whether your foundation actually needs any repairs. The best professionals will take the time to assess the damage and write a report on what needs to be done. If a contractor doesn’t carry out intensive investigations they are just after your money.

  1. How Long Have You Been In The Industry?

The National Foundations Repair Association (NRFA) advises all property owners to always work with an old hand in the industry. An experienced contractor has gathered invaluable skills in the field, invested heavily in technical resources and personnel and can deal with any kind of repair work you need.

  1. Are You Duly Licensed and Insured?

There are no two ways about it; when it comes to any foundation repair contractor project, you must use a contractor with relevant licensing and insurance coverage. You can easily confirm this from your state’s registration board to ensure your home is safe during the entire project. Moreover, workers must have compensation cover in case of work-related injuries.

  1. Do You Offer Warranty for Services Offered?

A good contractor always stands behind their work and you should thus hire a contractor who is ready to offer a warranty. This assures you that services offered will last and you won’t have to go looking for more repairs anytime soon.

  1. Any References and Testimonials?

The best way to identify a professional contractor is by linking with their previous customers. This will give you a feel of how this company works, especially regarding their reliability.

  1. How Do Your Prices Compare to Others in the City?

You must compare costs vs. benefits when hiring a contractor. The best way is to have a contractor give a breakdown of their prices against those of others and other concomitant benefits.

Timely foundation repair contractor can make all the difference between a collapsed structure and a nice stable home. Just make sure you hire the most qualified contractor around.

cinder block foundation repair

What You Should Know about Cinder Block Foundation Repair

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Cinder Block Foundation Repair

Cinder block foundation repair is necessary in homes with crawlspaces. It can also be necessary in basement constructions and pillar forms. A cinder block foundation is desirable for most people because the block is relatively inexpensive and easy to build or work with. However, the block is not impervious in entirety and therefore requires repair after sometime to ensure that it maintains the structural integrity of the entire building.

Common issues of a cinder block foundation

Among the issues that may necessitate the repair of a cinder block foundation include instability of the foundation, which can lead to serious damage of the property and eventually cost a lot of money to repair. An unstable cinder foundation can be due to improper construction. Other issues of the cinder block foundation that may necessitate repair include excessive moisture, poor soil beneath the foundation, inadequate moisture seal and extended below-freezing temperature periods.

Although in old buildings a crack of a quarter inch can be seen as normal, large cracks require immediate evaluation by an expert. Among the classic signs of cinder block foundation problems include misaligned windows, doors and cracks on the wall of the living areas.

Hire a reputable structural engineer for cinder block foundation repair

A deteriorating and cracked foundation is not just unsightly, but it reduces the overall integrity of the property’s surface and it can lead to water dribbling into the block leading to major damage. As such, once you notice any sign of foundation problems in your property, contact a reputable structural engineer immediately. An experienced structural engineer who is interested in restoring your property to its original state will determine the exact cause of the foundation problem and what should be done to fix it once and for all. Although you may get the opinion of a home inspector regarding the problem and what should be done, the inspector will most likely refer you to an engineer. This is because the engineer conducts a detailed examination of the problem.

Fixing the cinder block foundation problem

There are many ways of fixing any problem of a cinder block foundation. However, only a reputable structural engineer should be allowed to make a decision on the best way to fix the problem. If the foundation damage is superficial, a TLC will be enough to improve its appearance. Minor alterations can also be done around the home. Underpinning, which is a process of extending the foundation, can also be done to make the foundation more stable. Nevertheless, make sure that your cinder block foundation repair is done by a professional to ensure that the foundation problem is solved once and for all.