Bowing Foundation Wall
Have you spotted cracks on your foundation walls? Do your walls seem to be bulging inward? You may be dealing with a bowing foundation wall. While you may be tempted to ignore these signs, they are only bound to get worse. You’re not only endangering your family but also reducing the value of your home. According to the National Realtors Association (NRA), bowing foundation walls result in a 50% loss in home value at the least.
If it’s any consolation, this type of foundation problem is not uncommon. The Concrete Foundations Association’s (CFA) data shows that 59% of foundation repairs have to do with bowing walls. One of the major causes is unstable soils. Other causes include hydrostatic pressure and poor construction.
Professional Systems
The good news is that there are various contemporary solutions that professionals can provide you with. A professional inspection of your foundation must be carried out first. This ensures that the underlying cause of the bowing is determined. The contractor is therefore able to apply the right solution.
Some common contemporary solutions for a bowing foundation wall include:
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Installation of carbon fiber sheets or strips
This is one of the most effective and easiest ways to repair bowing foundation walls. The carbon fiber offers 10 times the strength and resistance of steel beams. Installing these steel beams is easy and noninvasive. Work can be completed in a matter of hours.
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Helical anchors
Helical anchors are used where damage is the result of instability. The anchors provide stability to foundation. These anchors are installed beneath the foundation where they offer the same stability as if the foundation was set on bedrock.
The installation process is minimally invasive. The anchors are sunk into the ground without causing a lot of disturbance to the surface of the soil. They are easy to conceal and offer a long term solution to bowing and instability.
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Steel wall braces
These are designed to provide support to walls that are bowing inward. They consist of steel beams that are fitted onto walls. They can be tightened as time goes and are therefore a great choice for walls that have bowed extensively. They can be used to restore a bowing foundation wall back to its original position over time.
It is important to talk to your contractor and determine the best solution for your bowing foundation wall. Choose a solution that will provide you with long term benefits.
StablWall is an innovative solution designed to reinforce walls and structures, making them incredibly strong and durable. It is crafted using cutting-edge technology, combining carbon fiber sheets with specially engineered bonding adhesives. When applied to a wall or structure, these materials undergo an intense chemical reaction, transforming them into a unified and solid entity. The result is astounding – a finished product that boasts a strength ten times greater than steel!
One of the standout features of the StablWall system is its adaptability. No matter the architectural challenge, StablWall rises to the occasion with ease. Its versatility allows for various application methods, ensuring a seamless fit for any project. Whether it’s horizontal reinforcement, vertical support, stair-step stability, or a corner wrap, StablWall can handle it all with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness.
