Foundation Maintenance Tips Houston, Texas

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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.

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  • 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.

Carbon Fiber Strips | Chicago, IL | StablWall

Finding a Foundation Repair Contractor for Carbon Fiber Repairs New York, NY

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Finding a Foundation Repair Contractor for Carbon Fiber Repairs

Do you have cracked foundation walls? With so much information available online, you’ve probably done your research and found that carbon fiber is your best option if you plan to finish your basement. You may have also learned that this is not a DIY job. It is best to have a professional install the carbon fiber sheets or straps for long term benefits.

Finding a professional contractor 

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Are you ready to have your wall repaired? It’s important to note that not all foundation repair contractors are the same. It’s important to carefully evaluate the options available and make an informed choice.

The following are some factors to consider when making your selection.

  1. How long they’ve been in business

It’s important to hire a contractor that not only has experience but has also been active for several years. The fact that they have continued to get business shows that they can do a good job.

  1. Consider their warranty

It’s important to ensure that the contractor can provide a warranty especially when installing a system such as carbon fiber. The warranty should provide for the replacement of the system in case of any failures as well as for rework. Check the conditions of the warranty to ensure that you avoid any actions that may render it void.

  1. The systems they use

Not all carbon fiber systems are the same. Do you research and read reviews to find out which system works best. You should choose a contractor that has been trained and is experienced in the use of the particular system you’re interested in.

  1. Their insurance cover

No one wishes for accidents to occur while work is being carried out in their homes, but they do. It’s important to check that the contractor has insurance cover. This will cater for any expenses resulting from accidents that occur while the contractor is working on your property. You will avoid having to pay for these expenses by taking this simple precaution.

  1. The value of what they offer

Many homeowners will only consider the price at the bottom of the quotation when hiring a foundation repair contractor. However, this can be quite deceiving. There are many contractors who have hidden fees. Others will cut back on some areas in order to provide you with a low price.

Go for a contractor that offers a good value for the money. They should be experienced and use a high quality system.

 

Bowing Foundation | Columbus, Ohio | StablWall

Alternative Roof Drainage to Prevent Bowed Basement Walls Philadelphia, PA

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Alternative Roof Drainage to Prevent Bowed Basement Walls

Your roof drainage system is an important part of the foundation waterproofing system. Good drainage ensures that runoff from the roof is deposited far away from the foundation. This ensures that the soil around your foundation is not soaked with water and therefore prevents the development of bowed basement walls.

Homeowners are advised to keep their gutter systems in the best possible condition in order to protect their foundations from damage. They are required to inspect and clean their gutters regularly for best results.

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However, if you live in an area that has the occasional rainstorm, you may want to include some additional protection from the rain. This is because roof gutters may not always be able to handle the volume of runoff, especially during a rainstorm. One great option is to include ground gutters.

An introduction to ground gutters

Ground gutters are a simple and effective solution to handling excess water when the capacity of the gutters is exceeded during a rain storm. They are essentially trenches that are dug into the ground around the home. They help to divert water away from the foundation.

They are dug along the foundation wall and lined with waterproof material. This may include rubber or some similar liner. Pipes are laid on the bottom of the trench. These pipes help to direct runoff away from the home

Ground gutters are designed to drain water several yards away from the home to ensure that it does not collect at the foundation and cause damage. The actual location of draining depends on the design and available facilities such as storm water drains.

Benefits of ground gutters

There are many benefits of having ground gutters. These include:

  1. Preventing foundation damage

The gutters help to guide water away from the foundation. This ensures that the soil near the foundation does not expand and exert pressure on the foundation walls. Ground gutters are an effective way of preventing bowed basement walls from occurring.

  1. Ensure protection during rainstorms

Roof gutters help to capture runoff from the roof and protect the foundation walls. However, when there is a rainstorm, the gutters may be overwhelmed. The ground gutters help to ensure the protection of the foundation by capturing any overflow.

  1. Act as a backup in case of failure of roof gutters

Roof drainage systems can fail for many reasons. This includes when they are full of debris or are damaged. Having a backup system ensures that your foundation remains safe even as you find a solution for the problem with your roof gutters.

 

 

Bowing Walls: What Do I Do? Columbus, OH

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Bowed basement walls result from too much pressure pushing up against basement walls. The pressure can build up from any number of factors including heavy rain, poor drainage in the soils surrounding the basement walls, buildup of underground water or inadequate grading of the basement walls.

When soil absorbs water, it expands. The same applies to the soil surrounding your basement walls. The expanding soil therefore presses against the foundation walls resulting in the buildup of pressure on the walls.

If the pressure continues unchecked, the walls will begin to cave in. Damage on the walls may begin as a horizontal crack or a leak in the foundation joints. If the problem is left unaddressed, the walls will begin to bow inward. These walls will eventually collapse causing your home to become unstable.

What You Shouldn’t Do

First of all, it is important to remember that fixing bowed walls is not a ’Do-It-Yourself’ job. It is something that you ought to leave to a professional foundation repair contractor. A professional will have the right training, skills, experience and equipment to repair bowing walls.

Trying to fix your own walls is dangerous and may end in a catastrophe for you and your home. Professionals are trained and understand the safety measures to take to ensure that there are no accidents.

It is also important to remember that quick fixes will not address the underlying problem with your foundation. So ensure that you have a long-term solution to save your foundation and your home. Applying quick fixes will only result in a more expensive problem as the damage continues to get worse.

What You Should Do

If you notice that you have bowing walls, contact a professional foundation repair contractor in your area as soon as possible. The contractor will come to your home and inspect the foundation walls. Then he will provide you with an estimate of how much it would cost to repair the wall.

Avoid using a contractor who gives you a quotation for the job without examining your foundation. A thorough examination of the foundation is the only way to identify the underlying problem and determine the best solution for the basement wall repair.

It is important to begin your search for foundation repair contractors as early as possible. This will ensure that you can shop around and compare prices and services. You will find a reliable contractor when you have enough time to look for one.

StablWall carbon fiber

What is Carbon Fiber and Why Should You Care? Houston, TX

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Carbon Fiber is a man-made, super strong, lightweight material. Mass production of it has made it more affordable and more widely used across multiple industries.

In recent years, foundation repair contractors are using it in residential foundation repair applications.

Carbon fiber is super lightweight and comes in a woven fiber sheet. If you don’t know what carbon fiber is, at first glance it seems like a hoax. It doesn’t seem like this material would be able to repair your basement wall. But if you understand it is the same material used in airplanes and bullet proof vests it makes more sense.

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Carbon fiber can also be melted down into a liquid and formed into liquid metal. So, instead of a sheet it can be molded into all sorts of items. If you hear about Kevlar helmets, vests or other safety equipment it is actually melted down and formed carbon fiber.

In a foundation repair application, carbon fiber is used in multiple ways. It can be used as staples to repair a structural crack. Carbon fiber staples are used with epoxy to create a rigid hold on a moving crack.

The other application is to use a carbon fiber sheet to fix a bowed concrete block wall. The carbon fiber needs to be tied to the framing of the house to secure the foundation to the newly stabilized foundation. Carbon fiber foundation repair is an alternative method to steel I-beams and wall anchors that are commonly used to fix a bowed block wall.

If you are getting a quote from a foundation repair contractor and they say they are going to use carbon fiber repair or carbon fiber staples to repair a crack, don’t be scared or skeptical. They are using a high-tech material that is stronger than steel.

StablWall | Cleveland, OH

Carbon Fiber Stiching To Repair Basement Wall Cracks – Cleveland, OH

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Have you come across the term ‘carbon fiber stitching’? This method of repairing basement wall cracks has been in the industry for some time.

In the past, repairing cracks that occurred on the exterior of foundation walls was done by excavating the foundation. Steel beams were then installed to reinforce the foundation walls. These beams were placed on both the outside and the inside of the foundation. They provided support for the bowing wall and stabilized it enough to prevent further movement.

Carbon fiber stitching removes the need for excavation. All the repairs are done from the inside of the foundation. Carbon fiber staples, straps, or sheets are installed in the area of cracking to prevent further movement. The carbon fiber prevents further movements from occurring. It is a long term solution for stability.

Why you should consider carbon fiber stitching

  • No need for exterior excavation

All repairs are done from the interior of the foundation. Your plants, shrubs, and landscape will remain safe the entire time.

  • One repair for all cracks

You don’t have to deal with every type of crack individually with carbon fiber stitching. The same repair will be effective for all the cracks whether they are vertical, horizontal, or corner basement wall cracks. All the cracks are addressed with just one repair.

  • It is completed in a short time

Carbon fiber stitching is completed within a few hours at most. The repair can be done by one or two people. It is one of the least disruptive methods of repair available today for basement wall cracks

  • It causes minimal pollution

The repair of your basement walls using carbon stitching will result in minimal air and noise pollution. The installation does not involve the use of power tools, excavation, or other activities that could result in noise or the formation of dust.

  • It’s affordable and effective

Carbon fiber stitching is one of the most effective and affordable solutions for dealing with foundation cracks. The labor is minimal and the materials are affordable. There is also no need for maintenance. No future adjustments are required once the installation is completed.

Don’t take chances when it comes to the safety of you and your loved ones. Cracks in your foundation are often a sign of lack of stability in the structure. You can’t afford to wait to have your foundation repaired. Carbon stitching offers you a long term solution that is effective, easy, and affordable.

Important Questions to Ask When Choosing a Foundation Repair Contractor – Cleveland, OH

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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.

Wall Cracks | Atlanta, GA | StablWall

4 Signs Your Foundation Needs Help – Louisville, KY

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You may have just begun to notice cracking and shifting along your foundation walls, or perhaps they’ve been there for a little while and you’ve simply let them go. Either way, your foundation is an incredibly important and purposeful part of your home.

Below is a short list of 4 signs your foundation needs some professional attention. Taking action early will ensure your foundation stays safe and sturdy, for good.

  1. Cracks in the Drywall Upstairs. Drywall cracks upstairs can be a good indicator that something is going on with your foundation. Foundation shifting can strain the upper structure of your home, causing visible damage on your walls upstairs.
  2. Water and Vertical Foundation Cracks. A cracking foundation can be a sign that external pressure and water buildup are taking a toll on your foundation walls. Before repairing, you may want to consider a comprehensive drainage system to help relieve some of the water pressure around your foundation.
  3. Windows and Doors Difficult to Open Upstairs. Similarly to cracking drywall, you may experience some additional issues upstairs. As your foundation shifts, you may notice it’s a bit more difficult to open windows and sliding glass doors. This is due to your foundation shifting and stressing the upper floors of your home.
  4. Horizontal Foundation Cracks and Bowing Walls. Due to strong external pressures pushing in against your foundation walls, you may notice a large horizontal crack in the middle of your wall. This occurs mainly in cinder block walls, and is generally accompanied by the wall bowing in toward the middle. Bowing walls are a critical juncture in the life of your foundation; either repair immediately, or risk a potential wall collapse.

House Foundation Cracks – Structural Problem or Water Problem

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House Foundation Cracks

Are you dealing with house foundation cracks? These cracks can be caused either by structural or water problems. Determining the underlying cause of the cracks will help you apply the best possible solution when it comes to repair.

Structural vs. Water Cracks

If you have a poured concrete foundation, house foundation cracks will usually occur as a result of structural problems or water pressure acting on the foundation. You can determine what the cause of the cracks is by examining the cracks to determine their width and location on the foundation wall.

Non-structural cracks are no wider than an eighth of an inch. They are caused by lateral pressure acting on the foundation walls. They therefore occur mostly on the lower part of the foundation wall. These cracks may be dry when they are first observed. However, like most cracks in foundation walls, they will eventually begin to seep water when the level of ground water is high.

Structural cracks are usually wider than an eighth of an inch. They usually occur as a result of wall movement. Therefore, they are almost always on the upper corners of the wall or in the middle section and have a symmetrical pattern.

Repairing foundation cracks

Repairing non-structural cracks is usually easy. However, it still requires the services of a waterproofing professional to determine the underlying cause of the cracking. This has to be solved before the actual cracks are repaired.

Non-structural cracks can be repaired using epoxy or polyurethane injections. The sealing of the cracks with epoxy is great only if you want to hold the cracks in place. This is not advisable where there is minor foundation movement. Polyurethane would be a better sealer to use in these situations as it is more flexible when it settles.

Structural crack repair is a major job especially if movement of the wall is significant. Modern repair of these walls involves the use of carbon fiber strips. These can be placed to prevent further movement of the walls. In some cases, steel braces may be required. This will stabilize the wall and prevent further movement. They can be adjusted with time to help to eventually straighten the wall.

In cases where the wall has rotated more than two inches, only steel beams can be used. It is therefore important to discuss your needs with a contractor. This will help you identify the best solution for your wall.

foundation repair

When You Should Replace Your Bowing Cinder Block Foundation Wall – Chicago, IL

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Bowing Cinder Block

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.

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.