Bowing Cinder Block | Atlanta, GA | StablWall

Are Your Walls Bowing? | Philadelphia, PA

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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

Wall Cracks | Atlanta, GA | StablWall

Common Misconceptions about Foundation Cracks – Toledo, OH

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If you’ve spotted some foundation cracks, you’re probably searching the internet for more information about them and what you should do. It is not uncommon to come across misleading information.

As a homeowner, you’re not expected to know or understand all the information about foundation cracks that you come across. However, it is important to verify this information. Taking action on misleading information can result in damage that could be even more expensive to repair.

The following are common misconceptions that you should avoid when it comes to the repair of cracks in foundations:

  • Cracks originate from problems that occurred when laying the foundation

Although some cracks are caused by problems that originated during the construction phase, some cracks are caused by problems that occur underneath the foundation. The condition of the soil that surrounds the foundation plays a major role in determining the health of the foundation. It is therefore important to ensure that this soil is healthy and able to support your foundation.

  • You can use hi-tech sealants to permanently fix cracks in foundations

Modern sealants made of polyurethane or epoxy are quite effective in sealing foundation cracks. They are strong and flexible. They do a great job for patchwork but aren’t a permanent solution for foundation cracks.

Cracks in the foundation are often a sign of a deeper problem. If the issue that caused the cracks in the first place is not addressed, then further damage to your foundation will occur. In some cases, the damage may be worse than the cracks you fixed with the sealant.

  • It’s better to replace a damaged foundation than to repair it

Unsuspecting homeowners may be tricked by unscrupulous contractors into replacing their foundations instead of repairing them. They are under the misguided notion that replacing, although more expensive, is a long lasting solution.

A truly experienced contractor will tell you that this isn’t always the best solution. As mentioned previously, it is important to determine the underlying cause of foundation damage before determining what solution to apply.

Replacing the damaged foundation may not always solve the problem. You’re just placing a new foundation that will likely suffer the same fate as the old one.

  • You can ignore small cracks in a concrete foundation

It is true that concrete cracks as it settles. However, small cracks in foundations can result in more serious problems as they allow water to seep through. Any and all foundation cracks ought to be inspected by a professional to ensure that the underlying cause is identified.

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.

Bowed Basement Walls | Col, OH | StablWall

Techniques for Bowing Foundation Wall Repair

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Bowing Foundation Wall Repair

When you see cracks forming on your foundation wall, the first thing you should do is to call the experts. Foundation cracks are often a sign of the need for foundation repair. This isn’t a unique problem. Foundations, like any other part of the home, need maintenance.

Why You Need a Pro

You may be wondering why you should spend money and time calling a professional for only a few cracks on the wall. You’re not alone. Many homeowners will either ignore or seek do-it-yourself solutions to the cracks in an attempt to avoid what they think would be an unnecessary expense.

The problem with this is that foundation cracks often indicate a problem with the foundation, which if not properly repaired is likely to become a structural problem for the entire home. There’s also the problem of water seepage. Even cracks that aren’t allowing water through at the moment are likely to start leaking over time. You’ll end up with a wet basement that will result in further problems including damage of property as well as the growth of mold.

Repairing a Bowing Foundation Wall

Foundation cracks are often the first thing you’ll notice when your foundation is in danger. They are one of the first signs of a bowing foundation wall. In this situation, even the strongest sealants will not protect your wall from further damage.

The bowing occurs as a result of high pressure from the soils surrounding the foundation wall. It is important to not only relieve this pressure but also to provide more support for the wall. The following are two popular ways of providing support for foundation walls.

  1. Re-bracing walls

This is one of the most popular methods of repairing bowing walls. Re-bracing the walls involves reinforcing the walls. The reinforcement may be in the form of carbon fiber strips or steel beams. This provides long term support to the wall ensuring that it will not shift under pressure from the outside.

  1. Anchors

Foundation anchors are installed in a bowing foundation wall to counteract the pressure that is exerted against the foundation wall. The anchors can be installed either on the inside or the outside of the foundation wall. They are installed under the foundation wall. Modern anchors can be installed in the earth without the need for excavation.

If you have bowing foundation walls, have a chat with a professional contractor about the different options available to you.

Bowing Cinder Block | Philidelphia, PA | StablWall

Invest in Professional Bowing Foundation Wall Systems

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

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:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

bowing walls

How to Measure Bowing Walls

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Bowing Walls

Have you noticed bowing walls in your basement? Are they leaning forward or inward? Bowing walls are often a sign of a serious foundation problem. It is important to have the basement inspected by a professional to determine the underlying cause of the bowing.

Understanding just how far your walls are bowing is important in determining the level of damage and the type of repair that will be applied. It will also determine the cost of repairs associated with your walls. It is therefore always a good idea to take some of your own measurements before you approach a professional for their assessment of the problem.

To accurately measure the bowing walls, you’ll need a tape measure, chalk, pencil or pen, a nail or screw and a piece of string.

How to take measurements of bowing walls

The most effective way to get measurements for bowing walls is to measure the distance between the bottom of the floor and the tip part of the bulge i.e. the part that has bulged further out. You will therefore need to construct a plumb bob if you don’t have one. You can do this by tying one end of your string around the nail or screw and the other end around a pencil or pen. The pen or pencil will act as a weight.

Nail the string into the closest joist to the section that you’re measuring and allow the string to hang over the area of the bulge. Ensure that the string is not touching the wall. Hold the string firmly against the furthest part of the bulge and allow the ‘weight’ to gradually rest vertically. The weight shouldn’t touch the floor. Mark the spot on the floor above which the weight is hovering.

Measure the distance between the mark and the wall. This distance shouldn’t be over one inch. You’re facing a serious problem if you discover a measurement more than an inch. You should contact a professional to inspect your basement immediately.

What to do about bowing walls

It is advisable to contact more than one basement contractor in the beginning. This will allow you to compare estimates and services. This ensures that you make an informed choice and are able to get the best deal possible. Be sure not to compare the rates only but also to pay attention to the services and systems included in the quotation. Be sure to learn more about the systems that the contractors present to ensure that you make the best choice.

What Sets StablWall Apart From Everyone Else

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StablWall is designed to strengthen the foundations of any building it is installed in. Through using strands of carbon fiber bound together and running in the same direction, the walls are strengthened and become more durable than ever before.

The reason why it’s so powerful is because it differs from other carbon fiber products in a number of ways.

Flexibility over Solidity

Steel plates and other carbon fiber products are rigid. They’re simply attached to the wall and provide no give. This makes the wall weaker and is likely to crack the material. StablWall is flexible and conforms to whatever surface it happens to be working with. This has the benefits of:

  • Providing more give.
  • Allows it to work with multiple surfaces.
  • Increase overall wall strength.

Customizable Direction

Most clients prefer to use this new wall system to solve already existing cracks. Each sheet can be installed over any crack in any direction. In terms of installation, this allows it to cover a greater range of scenarios. Other systems can only be installed vertically.

What about Price?

Other types of carbon fiber are more expensive. If you decide to use StablWall with a bigger building, you’ll make greater savings than expected. When rated against all types of wall strengthening systems, it’s one of the more affordable options.

Impregnation

The strips are impregnated directly onto the desired area of the wall. Other systems will use pre-prepared straps. This only leads to weaker bonding. It’s due to the belief that mixing on-site is a messy business, which is a common misconception.

All Types of Construction

There are no restrictions when it comes to the type of wall you can use this system with. Some of the walls you can use it with include poured concrete, brick, stone, block, and clay tile.

But we always recommend calling in the help of a professional to decide on the right solution for you. Every building has its own set of unique needs and requirements.

Conclusion

Whilst this is a relatively new option for owners of property, it’s also one of the most successful ones. It’s already gained critical acclaim and has successfully demonstrated its qualities through results-based tests.

However, it’s important to mention that it’s not always the best option for every building. You may have a unique scenario that calls for an alternative solution. Paying for a professional inspection will ultimately give you better results and more peace of mind.

Utilizing StablWall in Houston TX 77001 For A Hassle-Free Fix In Your Basement Or Crawlspace

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Let’s say you’re downstairs in your basement doing laundry, watching the kids play, or working in your home office. Suddenly, you notice a glaring crack in one or more of the walls either running horizontally or stair-stepping down to the foundation. Every home owner dreads this as it is typically a prelude to future problems with your walls, foundation, and more. However, you don’t have to start mentally preparing yourself for a full-scale basement wall remodel because there is now an alternative fix for your bowing, cracking, or shifting wall- StablWall!

The StablWall system utilizes super strong sheets of carbon to brace the wall, successfully preventing it from deteriorating further. “How is this possible?” you may ask. It’s because of the innate and unmatched strength of pure carbon. In fact, when carbon fibers are woven to run parallel of each other, they have been found to be stronger than steel! This is why carbon is a go-to material for building;

  • Aircrafts
  • Motorcycles
  • Boat Hulls
  • Racing Bikes
  • Car Parts
  • Space Shuttles
  • Helicopters
  • Even Bullet-Proof Vests

Carbon is also extensively used in construction to reinforce concrete bridges, parking structures, roads, high-rise buildings, and tunnels.

The StablWall system works by securing the bowing or cracked wall with 2′ x 5′ sheets of woven carbon fiber sandwiched between two layers of super strong epoxy. The result is a discrete yet highly effective repair to the effected wall at a fraction of the cost of removing the wall or using traditional repair methods. StablWall is also so easy to install, a homeowner can DIY this project in less than a day. StablWall in Houston TX 77001 isn’t just for making repairs; it’s also excellent for bracing basement walls prior to renovations.

If you’re a homeowner or a contractor and would like to know more about our StablWall repair system, we invite you to visit our website. You may also contact us directly with any questions we may not have covered on our webpage.

4 Essential Factors You Need to Know about Bowed Basement Walls

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A few years after moving into your new home, it is improbable to contemplate any danger to this precious investment. After so many sacrifices this feeling is understandable but unfortunately, professionals in the building sector have a different view.

They say knowledge is power and to protect your home remember these facts about dealing with bowed basement walls:

  1. Shocking Foundation Problem Figures

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development posits that over 56% of new homes experience foundation problems within the first ten years of construction. The Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) adds that over 60% of these problems involve bowed basement walls.

Yes, you must be shaking your head because this is an invisible problem which makes things even worse. Indeed, the National Association of Realtors ® reports that over 97% of homeowners are not aware of problems festering in their home’s foundations.

  1. Causes of Bowed Basement Walls

You can only deal with construction problems if you know the cause. One major culprit is lateral and hydrostatic pressure caused by moisture. After construction a lot of virgin soil is used around your foundation and when it floods water pressure pushes against the wall.

Natural settling of your house due to weight adds to this pressure and with time bowing of these walls occurs. Other problems include poor construction, soil fatigue, and structural damage to the foundation among others. Your professional foundation contractor will help identify the main cause of the bowing before remedying it.

  1. Leveraging Professional Expertise

Forget your DIY experience because only a certified contractor has prerequisite skills, resources, and equipment to work on your foundation. This is your most expensive investment and if you try tampering with its foundation you risk a cave-in which would be devastating. These experts also offer advice on caring for your foundation to avoid further damage.

  1. Effective Solutions to Bowing Foundation Walls

Once a contractor has examined the bowing walls, he will identify the main cause and formulate a way to deal with further foundation damage. Contemporary solutions include but are not limited to:

  1. CARBON FIBER: These strips are less costly than steel but provide unbreakable support for your walls.
  2. Helical anchors: These involve drilling of holes in the basement wall into the soil beyond before driving in anchors and holding the wall with metal plates.
  3. Steel beams reinforcement: This involves jack hammering the floor along the foundation walls where these beams will be laid.

There are many other wall anchorage systems available for bowed basement walls but you will not have to worry about the best. A professional contractor has it all covered for you.

4 Major Causes of Bowing Walls in Chicago IL 60290

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What is the one major aspiration that most people have in common? Most likely you have thought of owning a dream home and you are right. Having a roof over your head which you rightfully own is up there in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. For this reason anything that threatens your home has to be dealt with promptly.

Latent Foundation Damage Risk

Your home’s foundation is the underpinning of your whole structure and if there are any problems down there you risk losing your valuable investment over time. Bowing walls according to Foundation Repair Association Inc (FRA) constitute about 60% of foundation problems in U.S homes.

Unfortunately, it is not easy to detect problems with your foundation until it is too late. For this reason you need to be on the lookout for problems in locking and opening doors and windows, leaning wall hangings among other issues.

Major Culprits in Bowing Walls in Chicago IL 60290

To manage any problem you have to know the causes and this applies to bowing walls which is indicative of a much bigger problem. This will help you in determining the best repair method.

Some common causes of bowing walls in Chicago IL 60290 include:

  1. Soil Settling

During construction a lot of excavation is done and later most of this soil is used to fill the area around the foundation. If foundation footers are on loose soil, there will be an adverse effect when such soil settles due to weight. The immediate impact is of course a bowing wall which only an experienced foundation contractor can repair.

  1. Water Pressure

A report by International Association of Foundation Drilling (ISFD) in 2010 says that 89% of all foundation problems are caused by water issues. Water pressure can push upwards to cause hydrostatic pressure or laterally and this leads to cracking and eventually bowing of walls. Excessive moisture in the soil around the foundation leads to gradual pressure which if unchecked can damage your house’s foundation.

  1. Vegetation Roots

Trees and bushes around your foundation can cause devastating damage because roots extend a long way horizontally and downwards. Such pressure leads to bowing, bulging and eventually cracking and all these compromise the integrity of your foundation.

  1. Poor Construction

Rushed construction and inadequate checks during pouring of foundation concrete will definitely lead to debilitating effects on your foundation walls. With time, this will show in form of bowing walls.

A qualified foundation contractor will recommend solutions such as steel beam foundation reinforcement, carbon fiber beams and helical anchors among other innovative solutions.

It might be a hackneyed saying but remember a stitch in time saves nine; why jeopardize your home when you can hire a foundation contractor to start corrective structural solutions today?