Carbon Fiber Wall Repair – Is This the Best Solution for Foundation Repair?

Advances in technology have also meant great advances and changes in many other fields. This includes construction. The construction industry has experienced changes in methods as well as the materials used for construction. Changes in materials used in the construction industry include the introduction of asphalt shingles which have overtaken wood shakes; the widespread use of drywall and the use of vinyl siding as a replacement for wooden clapboards.

Carbon fiber for foundations

The repair of foundation walls requires a strong material. Foundation walls are always under high pressure. The pressure on walls that are bowed, rotated or bulged is even greater because of the lateral pressure exerted on them by the expanding soil that surrounds it.

In the past, the standard way to repair foundation walls was to use steel I-beams. These were set vertically against the inside surface of the wall. The top and bottom of the I-beams were anchored to prevent any movement. This method of foundation repair is still being used even today. However, the use of carbon fiber strips is quickly becoming the most common method of foundation repair.

Carbon fiber wall repair

Carbon fiber is called thus because it consists of thin strips of carbon. These thin strips are woven into a fabric to form strips. When in this form, carbon fiber becomes virtually unbreakable. It does not stretch and is very strong. Despite its incredible strength, carbon fiber maintains a light weight. In fact, it is considered to weigh two thirds less than steel but is five times stronger.

Why professionals prefer carbon fiber wall repair

Many professionals are shifting to the use of carbon fiber for foundation wall repair. There are many benefits to using this material. These include:

1. Installation of carbon fiber strips is quick and easy

The installation of carbon fiber is quite simple. It doesn’t take a high level of skill to do it. The installation process also doesn’t require many tools or materials. Installation of carbon fiber strips can be done within a few hours depending on the extent of damage to the foundation walls. You therefore won’t have to put up with many days of contractors trudging all over your home.

2. Carbon fiber is incredibly strong

The construction industry has benefited a great deal from the introduction of carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is five times as strong as steel. It is however less than a third the weight of the same volume of steel. It is for this reason it is used widely in the construction of commercial aircrafts. This strength makes carbon fiber the best material to use in the repair of a foundation.

3. There is no need for maintenance

Once the carbon fiber strip has been applied to the wall, there is no need for further maintenance. You therefore don’t have to worry about the extra costs that come with the maintenance and repair over time. Carbon fiber is durable too. You therefore won’t have to keep checking to ensure that the fiber is still in working condition.

4. Low costs

If you want to save money on the repair of your foundation, then you should invest in carbon fiber strips. These strips are a cost efficient. They cost about half as much as you would spend if you were to invest in steel beams.

5. Low visibility

If you want a solution that doesn’t stand out grotesquely, then carbon fiber strips are right for you. Once they have been installed they will appear as a small bump in the wall. You can paint over them if you want them to disappear completely.