Bowed Basement Walls | Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

4 Important Facts about Bowed Basement Walls Philadelphia, PA

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

One thing that can strike fear in the heart of a homeowner is the bowed basement walls. One day they appear okay, the next time you go into your basement, you have bowed basement walls. While this can be a severe structural concern, it is something that can usually get fixed. The trick is not to let it go for too long. Bowed basement walls are weak basement walls. They’ve become weakened because of too much pressure from the exterior of your home. It is almost always due to the soil and the weather. Soil becomes saturated with water from the rain, and it begins to push against your home’s foundation. As the pressure continues, the walls become weaker, and they bow.Bowed Basement Walls | Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

  1. Don’t Ignore the Problem.

One thing that you never want to do with any structural problem is to ignore it.

  • The problem won’t go away.
  • The bowed basement walls will not fix themselves.
  • Your wall’s issues will only continue to get worse, as the pressure will continue.
  • Eventually, the walls will crack more, crumble, or even fall.
  1. Some Causes of Wall Bowing Can Get Rectified

While most of the time, excessive water is the cause of bowing walls, there are some other reasons that this happens, and you can prevent it.

  • Have a drain put in to draw the water away from the foundation.
  • Have leaky pipes repaired
  • Keep your gutters clean.
  1. Think Ahead

Avoid having your driveway installed right up to the house’s foundation. A massive concrete driveway can put pressure on the foundation and cause bowing. You should plant trees as far away from the foundation as possible so that roots do not grow and press against the foundation.

  1. Bowing Can Get Repaired

Don’t let bowing walls make you feel defeated. Your professional foundation specialists can inspect, diagnose, and repair your walls. They have several different methods to reinforce your walls and help them become structurally sound and sturdy. Your walls will be as new and won’t give you another problem. These systems often come with warranties to help ease your mind.

The most important fact to know about bowing walls is to call for help as soon as possible. It’s up to you to take care of your foundation and see that it remains stable. When you take care of your foundation, it takes care of the rest of your home.

Contact the Professionals at StablWall Today! (866) 782-5955

 

Foundation Repair | New York City, NY | StablWall

The Best and Worst Foundation Repair Options New York

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

When you have foundation issues, it’s vital to get the root of the problem. A quick fix is not the answer. If you don’t know why you have foundation problems it is best to call a professional. What may have been a simple fix, can build up to a significant problem over time, that’s why prompt diagnosis and plan for foundation repair are a must. The first and most crucial step in foundation repair is calling a reputable and experienced foundation contractor. They will have the skill and tools to diagnose and make the proper foundation repair.

foundation-cracks-new-york-stabl-wall-carbon-fiber-1

Water, It’s Good for You, But Bad for Your Foundation

Most of the foundation issues that you’ll encounter are due to water.
● The soil becomes over saturated and exerts pressure on the foundation.
● Sometimes this pressure can cause your walls to crack and bow.
● Cracks in the foundation allow water to get in.
● Bowing walls indicate a weakness in the wall.
● That happens because water is allowed to gather around the foundation.
The best solution for this is having a drainage system installed. Your technician can look over your foundation issues to determine the best drainage system for your needs. The technician may also recommend a retaining wall, which is also an excellent solution in some cases.

Reinforcement Of Walls Gives Them Strength

In some cases, if the initial foundation issues did not get addressed, they can progress to the point that the wall or walls get weakened. If it gets determined that your walls need reinforcement, you have a couple of excellent options. Strips are useful for adding strength and stability to your weak walls. These strips are super durable yet very lightweight. Your foundation company will install a system that ensures your wall stays up, so you no longer have to worry about wall failure.

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Avoid The Worst Option

Never attempt to fix foundation issues yourself. Homeowners may get tempted to use putty to repair cracks in the foundation. Since this solution appears to work, they think that they’ve taken care of the problem. However, in reality, they did not. They filled the cracks and stopped water from leaking into the basement, but only temporarily. It is not a long-term solution, and it does nothing to address the reasons behind the foundation issue. Therefore, the problem is never repaired and continues to get worse.

Call for a free foundation inspection today and put foundation issues behind you. You’ll love the peace of mind that comes from knowing that professionals checked your foundation and made the needed repairs to ensure that it’s safe and secure.

Contact the Professionals at StablWall Today! (866) 782-5955

Carbon Fiber Strips | Chicago, IL | StablWall

3 Carbon Fiber Strips Considerations Chicago, IL

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Basement walls get built to support the weight of the entire building above them. However, they are vulnerable to lateral pressure exerted by the soil around them. When hydrostatic pressure within the soil increases, it pushes against the foundation walls. When the force of hydrostatic pressure exceeds the strength of the basement walls, the walls move inward and sometimes crack.

Carbon fiber strips are proving to be a popular choice when it comes to repairing foundation cracks and bowing walls. Carbon fiber has one of the highest tensile strengths that any material currently has. It will not stretch, bend, or break even under high pressure. It is ten times stronger than steel and yet doesn’t take up any of the floor space in the basement. Installation is fast, and it gives excellent long-term results.

Carbon fiber strips may sound like the answer to all your foundation problems. However, there are some things to consider before having them installed. Carbon Fiber Strips | Chicago, IL | StablWall

  1. The cracks in your wall must get filled

It isn’t enough to have the strips installed on your wall. You also need to have the cracks filled with mortar or epoxy. That gets done to prevent movement. Carbon fiber has excellent tensile strength. However, it has little sheer or compressive force. The straps installed in your wall can quickly fail if steps do not get taken to ensure that the tension is maintained. Filing up the cracks will prevent movement and make sure that theforce in the strips is maintained.

  1. Pay attention to tuck points

Many DIYers and inexperienced contractors install carbon fiber strips without paying attention to tuck points. When the wall moves as the conditions of the soil on the exterior change, the piece may form a bubble or even pop off. Professional and experienced contractors pay attention to tuck points to avoid this problem. It’s, therefore, a good idea to hire a certified, trained, and qualified contractor to install carbon fiber for the best results.

  1. It won’t straighten your walls

If your wall has bowed or moved excessively (more than two inches), carbon fiber on its own isn’t the right solution for your wall. You should consider a system that will help to straighten the walls installed, such as wall anchors. Carbon fiber can get used in conjunction with other strengthening and straightening systems for the best results.

If you’re planning to have carbon fiber installed in your walls, take note of the considerations above and make informed decisions.

Contact the Professionals at StablWall Today! (866) 782-5955

Bowing Cinder Block | Atlanta, GA | StablWall

Are Your Walls Bowing? | Philadelphia, PA

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Do you have a bowing cinder block foundation wall? You may be wondering whether you should have the wall replaced or repaired.

Without a doubt, the foundation is the most important part of the home. It is vital to the overall value of the home. A home with considerable damage to its foundation will be difficult to sell even if it is in the best location. A poor foundation makes the home a hazard to live in.

Foundation issues vary in their severity. There are some with slight bowing that can be repaired when caught in time. There are those in which the bowing is so severe that the entire foundation will require replacement.

Philadelphia, PA | Bowed Walls | StablWall

Replacing a bowing cinder block foundation isn’t cheap. It’s therefore always a good idea to seek foundation repair as soon as you notice a problem with your foundation. Catching the problem in its early stages of development will help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

However, there are times when we miss the early signs of foundation damage and only notice when it’s too late. If you have a cinder block foundation, you’ll have to replace it if:

  • The mortar in between the blocks is eroding. Check to see if the mortar has become flaky or chalky. The wall should be replaced if the mortar is chipping away from the joints.
  • In some cases, the mortar may have weakened but is not flaking off the joints on its own. In these instances, you may find that pieces of the mortar fall away when you pull at them. This is also a sign that the wall needs to be replaced.
  • The blocks in the wall have been displaced to the point that the blocks in the bowing cinder block wall are no longer flush. You may notice a few blocks sticking out or some pushing inward.
  • The wall is bowing or tipping to the point that it cannot be straightened or strengthened by any of the available foundation repair systems including anchors and braces.
  • You notice spaces in the foundation wall that you can see through. There are some cases where you can even see the exterior of the home through these spaces.
  • Pieces of the blocks in the wall have begun to fall away.
  • There are large separation cracks resulting from the twisting of the block.

Many of these issues build up over time. Keep a close eye on your foundation to avoid having to replace your walls. Contact the professionals at StablWall today ! 866.782.5955

Bowed Basement Walls | Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

5 Causes of Bowing Basement Walls and How to Fix the Problem in Macedonia, OH

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Your house’s structural integrity is critical for your family’s safety and for the protection of your property. Given that the basement forms part of a building’s foundation, signs of bowing basement walls should be a major cause of concern. If left unrepaired, bowing basement walls can develop serious cracks and cause the basement to become a major safety risk.

Basement wall bowing is largely caused by lateral and hydrostatic pressure that is exerted on the basement wall. Five causes of the lateral and hydrostatic pressure that leads to basement wall bowing and the solutions to this problem are discussed below.

Causes of bowing basement walls Bowing Basement Walls | Macedonia, OH | StablWall

  1. Heavy rains

Heavy rains cause the soil to swell as it absorbs water. The excess water in the soil increases the hydrostatic pressure that the soil exerts on the walls of the basement. If the pressure being exerted on the walls is too much, it can cause the walls to start curving inwards.

  1. Leaks in the plumbing system

Water leakages in the plumbing system can look harmless. But if the leaks are not fixed immediately, they can lead to significant accumulation of moisture in the basement and in the soil that surrounds the basement wall. This can cause the basement walls to bulge and start bowing as a result of increased hydrostatic pressure.

  1. Tree roots

Trees planted close to a house, especially those with dense roots, can cause notable basement wall damage. The damage occurs as the roots expand and increase the lateral pressure that the soil exerts on the foundation and basement walls. Combined with hydrostatic pressure as a result of soil moisture, this can lead to bowing or buckling of the basement walls.

  1. Poor landscape grading

A poorly graded landscape can cause surface runoff to flow towards the foundation, resulting in damages such as basement wall bowing.

  1. Heavy patiosor driveways

Patios and driveways that have been constructed using heavy materials can increase the amount of pressure that is exerted on a nearby building’s foundation. Consequently, the building’s basement walls will start to bend over time.

How to fix bowing basement walls

Various methods can be used to fix bowing basement walls, as explained below.

  • Wall anchors: Wall anchors help in balancing the weight of a bowing wall to prevent further bending.
  • Use of carbon fiber: Carbon fiber has high tensile strength and can, therefore, be used to reinforce a bowing wall.
  • Wall bracing: This involves the use of steel structures to reinforce the wall.

Contact the Professionals at StablWall Today! (866) 782-5955

Carbon Fiber Foundation Crack Repair | New York | StablWall

Carbon Fiber Foundation Crack Repair: Why Carbon Fiber is the Perfect Solution in Macedonia, OH

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Did you know that carbon fiber can be used to repair those troublesome foundation cracks? Yes, the carbon fiber system one of the best alternatives to materials such as steel when it comes to fixing foundation cracks. Therefore, when you see cracks on the foundation of your house, you should not panic because you can do a carbon fiber foundation crack repair. Carbon fiber foundation crack repair | Macedonia, OH | StablWall

Before delving into the reasons why carbon fiber is the perfect solution for cracks, it is important to provide some details about foundation cracks.

Types of Foundation Cracks

  • Vertical Cracks: Vertical cracks are common types of cracks that occur in foundations and walls because of tension in concrete. These cracks do not imply that a building has some structural damage, but they need repair because they can cause water damage issues by allowing water to seep through the foundation.
  • Diagonal Cracks: Diagonal cracks indicate that a building’s foundation has settled unevenly. When one side of the foundation sinks more than the others, this will lead to diagonal cracks because of forces acting in different directions. Diagonal cracks will keep on expanding if not repaired.
  • Horizontal Cracks: These indicate considerable structural damage to a building. Horizontal cracks result from foundation bowing due to factors such as too much hydrostatic pressure, the presence of tree roots near a building, and frost. Continued foundation bowing and cracking can lead to wall collapse.

What Makes Carbon Fiber the Best Solution for Foundation Cracks?

Carbon fiber foundation crack repair is one of the methods relied upon for effective crack repair. This is because carbon fiber can make exceptionally strong bonds, and this quality makes it ideal for repairing cracks and straightening walls. Carbon fiber systems like StablWall are made up of carbon strands that are arranged in a unidirectional manner to increase the strength of the fibers.

Some of the factors that make carbon fiber a perfect solution for cracks are outlined below.

  • Exceptionally High Stiffness and Tensile Strength: This property makes it possible for the carbon fiber to withstand loads without getting deformed. It means when used to repair cracks, carbon strips or strands will not stretch, thus keeping the foundation intact.
  • Ability to Withstand Wide Temperature Variations: Carbon fiber has low thermal expansion properties and is also able to withstand high temperatures. Hence, it can be used to repair cracks that develop due to frequent expansion and contraction as a result of temperature changes.
  • Low Weight: The low weight of carbon fiber makes it possible to use it in fixing different types of cracks.

Contact the professionals at StablWall today! (866) 782-5955

Bowed Basement Walls | Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

Selling a Home with Bowing Basement Walls Houston, TX

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Are you planning to sell your home? Many homeowners have their properties appraised to determine their market value. It can be very disappointing to discover that an issue such as the bowing basement walls is keeping you from getting the best value for your home.

How do I know I have bowing basement walls?

The easiest way to find out if you have a foundation issue is to take a walk around the home. Search for signs of cracking or crumbling. These are often the first signs of bowing. If you spot cracks in your foundation, you should get in touch with a foundation repair professional. They can inspect the foundation for you and determine whether the walls are indeed bowing and the cause.

Don’t take the word of just one repair contractor. Have your foundation inspected by at least 3 different contractors. Many contractors offer free inspection, so you won’t have to worry about the costs. Different opinions will enable you to make an informed decision.
Bowing Basement Walls | Houston, TX

How much does it cost to repair bowing basement walls?

The cost of foundation repair will depend on the severity of the damage. It also depends on the type of solution you choose and the contractor you hire. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost of foundation repair is $4,033.

Many homeowners are discouraged by the high costs associated with foundation repair. However, putting off repairs does not help resolve the issue. The problems will in fact become worse. While you may have only had to deal with a bowing wall and minor cracks, you may have to deal with a flooded basement in addition to other issues if you put the repair off.

Talk to your contractor about the different options for repairing the walls. Seek a solution that is affordable such as the application of carbon fiber straps.

Should I repair the walls before selling the house?

This depends on your goals when selling the house. If you’re looking to sell your home as quickly as possible, you may not mind the loss in value. However, if you want to get the best price point, you will want your home in the best condition possible. This would mean investing in repairs before selling the house. This will be an investment in your home. You will get a significant profit on this investment.

Educate yourself on the repair of bowing foundation walls. Talk to a reliable contractor and seek a solution that will add value to your property.

 

3 Important Reasons to Get Your Foundation Wall Cracks Fixed ASAP Columbus, OH

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Foundation Cracks | Columbus, OHFoundation wall cracks are a common occurrence in homes with basements. However, many homeowners would rather ignore them than have them attended to as soon as possible. Many are discouraged from having the cracks repaired by the belief that crack repair is expensive. Others simply can’t be bothered.

Whatever your reasons for putting off the repair of those wall cracks, you may want to consider the following reasons to have them fixed as soon as possible.

  1. Cracks eventually leak

Even if the cracks in your foundation show no signs of leaking at the moment, there’s a good chance that they’ll eventually begin to leak. Your foundation is constantly moving. This is not only as a result of the natural settling of the home but also because of the lateral pressure acting against the wall from the surrounding soil. This movement will result in the cracks becoming larger over time. The cracks will eventually begin to leak. You may one day wake up to a flooded basement and destroyed property. This can be expensive to recover from.

  1. You’ll have a mold problem

Black Mold | Columbus, OH

Mold is not only a nuisance but can be highly toxic. Black mold spores produce mycotoxins that can cause a number of health problems. If you have cracks in your basement, there’s a good chance that a mold infestation will follow soon. This is because the moisture entering the basement through the cracks will make the basement the ideal environment for the establishment of mold colonies. When the spores from these colonies are dispersed in the air in the basement, they will be carried through the vents and floorboards into the home above, where they will cause various health concerns for your household. You can avoid a mold problem by having your cracks repaired ASAP.

  1. The cracks will only get worse

Ignoring the wall cracks won’t make them go away. If anything, they will only become worse. They may even cause a structural issue in the future. These cracks can result in bowing or sloping of the wall. They may even result in the complete collapse of the foundation wall. Fixing structural problems can be very costly. Addressing the cracks in the early stages of their formation will help to reduce the risks of developing structural problems.

Be sure to get in touch with a foundation repair contractor as soon as you spot cracks in your foundation. Take the steps to protect your property and household.

 

Common Mistakes When Repairing Bowed Basement Walls Philadelphia, PA

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Foundation Repair | Philadelphia, PA

Common Mistakes When Repairing Bowed Basement Walls

There are various mistakes that are made when repairing bowed basement walls. Some of the most common mistakes include:

  1. Focusing on the visible damage

When it comes to repairing bowed basement walls, it is vital that you look beyond the walls and the visible damage. Your approach to repairing these walls should instead be comprehensive. You should not only repair the damaged walls but also look to prevent future failure of the foundation.

Foundation Repair | Philadelphia, PA

 

It is important to have the damaged walls assessed by a professional foundation repair contractor. Proper diagnosis of the cause of foundation failure will help you determine the best solution for your foundation. It will ensure that no steps are missed in the repair.

  1. Focusing on sealing the cracks

Cracks are one of the most common signs of bowing walls. However, homeowners often miss this and focus on the cracks. They turn to DIY crack injection kits to fix the cracks and prevent water seepage.

Crack injections are an important tool for foundation repair. However, they are not effective when used in isolation. If you don’t deal with the cause of the cracks and bowing, you will essentially be building a dam that will burst when full. The forces acting against the wall will continue to increase. You may experience further cracking or even complete failure of the foundation wall in the future.

  1. Failing to address weak zones

Cracks are a sign of weakness in the wall caused by bowing. However, not all cracks are easily visible. Many homeowners focus on dealing with the visible cracks and forget that there could be hairline cracks in their walls pointing to other areas of weakness.

Ignoring other weak zones in the foundation can result in further damage even after the wall has been repaired. A thorough inspection of the foundation by a foundation repair contractor will reveal other areas of weakness that need to be addressed.

  1. Attempting to repair bowed basement walls on your own

There are many jobs that you can attempt to do yourself but repairing your basement walls isn’t one of them. This job calls for a professional. Basement walls bear the weight of the entire home. Mistakes made in repairing these walls will result in structural issues throughout the home.

If you want to safeguard the structural integrity of your property, contact a professional foundation repair contractor. Seek solutions that will deal with the root cause of the bowing as well as the bowing itself for long term benefits.

Contact the professionals at StablWall today! 866.782.5955

 

4 Types of Basement Wall Cracks and What They Mean | Indianapolis, IN

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Basement walls, just like other types of constructions, may develop cracks. Some cracks may develop soon after the construction work has been completed while others will occur after several years.

Some cracks arise as a result of the settling or sinking of the concrete in the ground and are therefore nothing to worry about. However, some types of cracks may be severe in that they indicate serious flaws in the foundation of the basement or any other type of structure. Such cracks need to be attended to as quickly as possible.

Cracks vary in terms of their orientation and the location in which they appear. In this piece, you will learn about 4 types of basement wall cracks and what they mean for your basement.

  1. Vertical cracks

Vertical cracks are likely to develop as the concrete of the basement walls shrinks in the process of curing. Such cracking generally doesn’t impact the structural integrity of the basement wall. However, the cracks can cause moisture to enter the basement if the basement’s walls are not waterproofed. Thus, even though you don’t have to worry about vertical cracks affecting the structural integrity of your basement walls, you still have to repair these cracks to address moisture issues.

Foundation Repair | Indianapolis, IN

  1. Diagonal cracks

There are numerous types of basement wall cracks that have a diagonal orientation. For instance, a crack may begin at the top of the basement and spread diagonally downwards. As well, a diagonal crack may appear at any spot on the basement wall, appearing wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Also, you may spot a diagonal crack at the corner of a window or a door.

Diagonal cracks are caused by various factors including uneven settling of the foundation concrete and concrete shrinkage.

  1. Stair-step shaped cracks

Stair-step shaped cracks are comparable in appearance to diagonal cracks save for the fact that the cracks occur in the mortar joints of block and brick walls. When these types of cracks occur in the wall of a basement, they indicate that there are problems in the foundation of the basement.

  1. Horizontal cracks

Horizontal cracks suggest serious structural flaws in the basement foundation. They indicate that the foundation is unable to sustain the pressure of the wall or may be caused by external forces such as the movement of heavy equipment.

What to do when you see basement wall cracks

It advisable to let a certified contractor inspect your basement in order to determine the cause as well as the possible impact of different types of basement wall cracks.