How Do Wall Cracks Impact My Home’s Foundation? Columbus, OH

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on January 25, 2022

How Do Wall Cracks Impact My Home’s Foundation? Columbus, OH

Wall cracks, particularly in the basement, are a homeowners’ worst nightmare. Many homeowners imagine that these cracks are a sign of a serious structural problem that will cost them an arm and leg to repair.

The good news is that wall cracks aren’t always a sign of a problem with the foundation. In fact, many times these cracks are a result of settling. House settling is a natural process. Soon after a home is constructed, it begins to sink into the ground. This process is gradual and can barely be noticed. It also often doesn’t result in structural damage. It is therefore nothing to worry about.

However, there are instances when settling can become a source of concern. This is when settling occurs to fast or is uneven. This depends on weather changes as well as the geographical properties of the location in which the house is built.

If the cracks in your home are large and are accompanied by damage such as uneven floors, sticking of windows or doors, and cracks in the upper levels of the home, you may have good reason to be concerned. These are all signs of structural damage that should be addressed as soon as possible.

How long does it take for a house to settle?

One of the most common questions homeowners have regarding settling is how long it will take for their home to settle. After all, who wants to embark on repairs only to find that their homes are damaged once again as a result of settling?

The answer is, it depends. If your home has been built on a solid foundation, then it won’t take a long time to settle. In fact, movement will be limited as there is little room to settle. This is the ideal situation. In such cases, it takes about a year before the building can be said to have stabilized. Some buildings take up to two years to settle.

The weather and the geography of the location affect the settling time. Humidity, cold weather, freezing, wet weather, and drought all affect the rate at which a house settles.

Repairing wall cracks resulting from settling

Repairing cracks is about much more than patching them up or sealing them to prevent water seepage. It is best to have an expert inspect your foundation before you invest in repairs. The inspection will reveal whether the settling is normal and if there is anything you should worry about. You may have to wait it out and repair the cracks when your home is more stable. You may need to invest in repairs such as installing helical piers to provide the home with support.

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Carbon Fiber Is Useful For A Variety Of Foundation Repair Solutions Atlanta, GA

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on April 28, 2021

Carbon Fiber Is Useful For A Variety Of Foundation Repair Solutions Atlanta, GA

Wall cracks are a common occurrence in basements with poured concrete walls. The cracks can occur as a result of a wide variety of reasons. However, they are often a sign of movement of the walls. One of the best ways to stop this movement from damaging the basement walls any further is by installing carbon fiber straps or staples depending on the nature and location of the cracks.

However, wall cracks aren’t the only cracks that are caused by shifting of the foundation. Cracks may also occur in the ceiling. Ceiling cracks are especially common in homes that have concrete slab ceilings. Like cracks in foundation walls, cracks in the ceiling of a basement are often an indication of foundation shifting. While not all ceiling cracks should be a cause for concern, some are an indication of structural damage and instability. It is important to get these cracks repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and ensure the safety of your household.

Like with wall cracks,carbon fiber straps can also be used to repair basement ceiling cracks. The carbon fiber straps will provide the floor with the reinforcement it needs to avoid sagging further and eventually collapsing. This repair solution can be applied in a matter of hours by a professional repair contractor.

Not a DIY job

While carbon fiber straps are an easy solution to apply, it is important to note that there are various factors that need to be considered in their installation in the ceiling. These straps must be installed in the right configuration to provide adequate support for the ceiling. Without proper support, the floor is still likely to collapse.

It is also important to identify the root cause of the ceiling cracks. This should be attended to. If you fail to correct the problem, the shifting will continue and may cause even more severe damage. You will end up with a problem that requires more extensive repairs to resolve.

What to do when you notice cracks

If you notice cracks in the ceiling of your basement, be sure to contact a foundation repair contractor. The contractor will inspect your foundation and provide you with the best solution for your problem. If carbon fiber straps are amongst the options presented to you, consider them seriously. It is a great solution that will provide you with long-term benefits.

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Bowed Basement Walls | Columbus, Ohio | StablWall

Important Facts about Bowed Basement Walls Columbus, Ohio

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on March 28, 2021

Important Facts about Bowed Basement Walls Columbus, Ohio

Bowed basement walls may be an indication of serious foundation and basement problems, but can in some cases be difficult to detect. Basement walls often curve inwards due to hydrostatic pressure and expansive soils, both of which exert sustained pressure on your foundation or basement and crawlspace walls. The pressure causes walls to buckle, curve, or swell inwards.

How to determine if you need repair for bowed basement walls

As noted above, detecting bowed basement walls is not always easy, but you should be concerned if you see any of the following signs:

Stair step or horizontal cracks in the foundation and basement walls – These types of cracks indicate that the structural integrity of the basement or foundation walls has been significantly compromised. This can be due to foundation settlement or other issues.
Signs of basement and foundation walls not being straight, curving inwards, or bulging
Presence of expansive clay soil around your building
Evidence of hydrostatic pressure, especially during the rainy season

If you see any of the above signs, you should let a professional basement repair company assess the damage and carry out the repair that may be required.

What are the causes of bowed basement walls?

Even as you work with an expert to repair your bowed basement walls, you need to understand the reasons why the walls are bowing. When you identify the cause of the damage to the basement, you will be able to find a lasting repair solution.

In most cases, basement wall bowing is caused by unstable soil. Soils that absorb too much water or expand significantly are likely to put notable pressure on the basement walls and cause them to bow. Some of the soil conditions that can lead to basement wall bowing include:

Over saturation or excess moisture: Poor drainage or defective gutters and downspouts can cause water to accumulate in the soil that surrounds the basement walls.
Expansive clay soils: Such soils expand when wet and shrink during the dry season. Poor drainage around the basement walls will cause such soils to exert a lot of pressure on the walls during the rainy season.
Frost heaving: During winter, very low temperature can cause ice structures to form on the soil. These structures cause the soil to move, and this results in foundation shifting.

How to repair bowed basement walls

Your basement repair technician will use methods such as steel bracing and basement waterproofing to straighten bowing walls and prevent further damage by water or moisture.

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

Repairing Cracked Foundations – Should You Repair Before Putting Your Home on the Market? Nashville, TN

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on February 15, 2021

Repairing Cracked Foundations – Should You Repair Before Putting Your Home on the Market? Nashville, TN

Are you considering selling your home? Real estate increases in value over time. However, this doesn’t automatically mean that you will get market value or better for your home. There are several factors that affect the value of your home. Many of these factors are within your control. You should therefore do all that you can to ensure you get the best price for your home when you do decide to sell.

Cracked foundations and your home’s value

One of the factors that affect the value of your home is the condition of its foundation. Foundation cracks are often one of the first signs of foundation problems. A damaged foundation can result in issues in various other parts of the home. For example, doors and windows may not close properly or may stick and floors may be uneven. Cracks may also develop in the walls in the upper levels.

Potential buyers will consider the cost of repairing cracked foundations as they determine whether to purchase a home with a cracked foundation. The cracks could be an indication of serious structural problems that could cost thousands of dollars to repair. This is a cost that the future buyer would have to bear. Any buyer that makes an offer on your house will factor in this cost. You can therefore expect offers that are far below your asking price.

Is repairing cracked foundations before selling better for homeowners?

It is important to note that serious buyers often have properties inspected before they make an offer. It will therefore be in your best interests to disclose that the foundation is damaged. However, if you invest in the repair of the foundation prior to putting the house on the market, you won’t have to disclose the damage as you will have already dealt with the problem.

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Repairing cracked foundations before placing homes on the market is the best way to get great value for your home. Repairing the cracks sooner rather than later will save you a lot of money. This is money you will recoup in the sale of your property. Repairing the foundation will also help you to sell your property faster and at a higher value than if you didn’t do anything about the cracked foundation.

If you’re planning to sell your home and notice cracks in your foundation, be sure to get in touch with a professional contractor to have your foundation repaired.

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

Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair | Columbus,OH | StablWall

3 Important Items About Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair Columbus, OH

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on December 28, 2020

Do you panic when you see cracks of a building? If your answer is ‘yes,’ you are among the many people who get worried at the sight of foundation cracks and other types of cracks on a building. If you are a homeowner, your house is probably one of the most important investments that you have made. Hence, the panic that is associated with cracks is always justified.

Knowing that your house has cracks is one thing, and having the cracks repaired effectively is another. You can only have peace of mind if you know that the cracks on your building have been fixed by a professional and that the method or technology used guarantees lasting results.

Carbon fiber is one of the crack repair technologies that guarantee the best results. Below, you will learn some fundamental ideas about carbon fiber foundation repair.

Carbon Fiber Has Exceptional Strength

Carbon fiber has been proven to be one of the materials that guarantee exceptionally stable bonds. Carbon is known to form very strong bonds. Carbon fiber sheets or strips make extraordinarily strong bonds because the use of strands or fibers that are intertwined or arranged in a unidirectional manner combines the strength of the strands.

Carbon fiber is up to ten times stronger than steel. Carbon fiber sheets or strips are, therefore, an excellent substitute for materials such as steel beams when it comes to doing work such as straightening walls or repairing diagonal and horizontal cracks.

Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair is Associated with Significant Savings

Crack repair work that is done using carbon fiber requires no maintenance. Hence, once you have contracted a professional company or technician to fix the cracks on your foundation using carbon fiber, you will not spend any more time or money on maintenance. This way, you make notable savings.

Only Competent Professionals Should do carbon Fiber Installation

As pointed out above, it is essential to work with professionals if you would like to fix any foundation crack using carbon fiber. This is because carbon materials need installation in such a way that they meet the unique requirements of the foundation where it is taking place. This can only be achievable if the person doing the work has the requisite knowledge, skills, and experience.

If an inexperienced person does the work, the desired results may not be achievable, and you could even end up with more damages.

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

Carbon Fiber Straps | Atlanta, GA | StablWall

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Repairing Foundation Walls with Carbon Fiber Straps Atlanta, GA

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on September 28, 2020

Common Mistakes to Avoid when Repairing Foundation Walls with Carbon Fiber Straps Atlanta, GA

Steel I-beams were once the most popular way to brace foundation walls against external pressure. Now they are reserved only for extreme cases. More homeowners are using carbon fiber straps to brace their walls.

Carbon fiber is a revolutionary product that has completely changed the approach taken in the repair of foundation walls. It is more than ten times stronger than steel and yet has a small footprint. Straps are easy to install and require no maintenance after that. You will also have the freedom to finish your walls as you like. You can paint over the straps, install drywall, or even wallpaper over them. The possibilities are endless with carbon fiber.

While carbon fiber offers many advantages, it isn’t a magic bullet. Many people continue to make mistakes in the installation and application of carbon fiber straps. Some of the most common mistakes are listed below:

1. Not Hiring A Professional Carbon Fiber Installation Contractor

It’s not uncommon to come across homeowners that attempt to install carbon fiber on their own. Some may even call in a contractor. However, they fail to ensure that the contractor is trained, certified, and experienced in the installation of carbon fiber.

Carefully reading the instructions on carbon fiber kits isn’t enough to ensure that you install the straps correctly. Professional contractors have years of training and experience behind them. They understand the technicalities of installing carbon fiber and will ensure that it gets done right. Hiring a professional will ensure that you benefit fully from the straps.

2. Fixing Carbon Fiber Straps On A Wall That Has Bowed Too Far

While carbon fiber is useful for reinforcing foundation walls, it isn’t a magic bullet. It isn’t suitable for repairing every bowed wall. There are cases when the wall has gone too far for carbon fiber straps to be practical. In these instances, you may need to have steel I-beams or wall anchors installed.

Have a professional inspect the wall and determine the best way to repair it. You will put your home and your household at risk by installing carbon fiber on a wall that has moved too far.

3. Not Diagnosing The Root Cause Of The Lateral Movement Of Foundation Walls

While carbon fiber straps will reinforce your wall, they won’t resolve the underlying problem. It’s essential to understand why the wall is moving in the first place and find a solution to prevent movement in the future. It means having your property inspected by a foundation repair professional and applying solutions to ease pressure on your foundation wall. That may include repairing your gutters and downspouts or installing a French Drain.

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

Bowed Basement Walls | Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

4 Important Facts about Bowed Basement Walls Philadelphia, PA

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on July 28, 2020

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 June 28, 2020

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.

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.

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 May 28, 2020

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on March 28, 2020

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

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.

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.

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.

Poor landscape grading

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

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