Columbus, OH | StablWall

Are Your Foundation Walls Starting to Crack? Here are Solutions | Columbus, OH

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Foundation crack repair can be expensive. Whenever you’re dealing with something as important as the foundations of your house, you need to act fast, and it’s going to cost money.

But what a lot of people don’t realize is that a simple crack in say, the outer plaster, isn’t a cause for concern. So when should a foundation crack should worry you?

How wide?

The first test is to measure how wide the crack is; measure from the widest point of a crack with a simple tape measure.

If it’s any wider than 1/16 inch, you have to act. This is too wide and can let in both water and termites. If it’s smaller than this, simply monitor it over the course of a few months.

Even if it doesn’t reach this 1/16 inch limit, you should opt for repair if there’s any change in the width. It’s worrying even if a 1/32 inch crack turns into a 1/20 crack.

Columbus, OH | StablWall

Is it wet?

If a crack admits water, foundation crack repair is a necessity before it causes too much damage. It won’t take long for moisture to cause permanent damage to your home.

Moisture damage is one of the most common causes of serious foundation problems. You often can’t spot the extent of the internal damage. The only way to see it is to notice the wetness on the outside, where it admits water.

Grinding

Sometimes a crack’s faces can begin to grind against each other based on changes in the environment. Here are the two primary environmental changes that might influence this:

  • Temperature
  • Humidity

Check for these changes over a couple of seasons when you notice the first signs of a crack. If there’s no impact, the crack probably isn’t as serious as you think.

Should you repair minor cracks?

As you can see, it isn’t always necessary to act immediately. Minor cracks can be monitored to see how they change over time.

We still recommend taking care of cracks as soon as possible, though. The reason for this is it’s always cheaper to solve the problem as soon as you notice it. The cost of repair goes up every time the crack grows in severity.

Furthermore, solving the problem early ensures that the damage to your home’s foundations is minimal. Too many people have waited and the problem has cost them thousands in repairs. Don’t be one of them. Get help from a foundation repair expert today!

Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

Are Your Walls Cracking? Here’s What Can Help | Philadelphia, PA

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Foundation walls whether constructed from brick, masonry block or poured concrete are built to withstand a lot of pressure. However, just like with anything else man-made, they have a limit to the abuse they can take.

Foundation walls are designed to withstand vertical pressure from the buildings placed above them. They can withstand a horizontal pressure to a certain degree. Soil pressure works horizontally against the external surface of the foundation wall. When the soil pressure exceeds the limits of resistance of the foundation wall, the wall can be severely damaged.

Pressure from the surrounding soil causes horizontal movement of the foundation walls. The movement is manifested as cracking walls. The cracks can lead to water seepage as well as above grade damage if not attended to.

Repairing Cracking Walls

Often times, cracking is a sign of a much deeper problem. Although many DIY kits are now available in the market to help repair cracks, foundation experts advise against using these kits. This is because the kits do not address the underlying cause of the cracks.

The method used to repair a cracked foundation will depend on the amount of movement the wall has experienced. Repair for minimal movement often involves the use of a restraint system such as steel braces or carbon fiber strips. Significant movement calls for the straightening of the wall.

Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

When wall straightening is called for

Foundation experts will examine your walls to determine whether straightening is required. The signs they look for will depend on the type of foundation wall you have.

  1. Concrete block and brick foundations

These walls may require straightening much sooner than poured concrete walls. This is because they are built from pieces that are joined together. This presents several points of weakness. Cracks on these walls appear stair-like. Foundation experts will opt to straighten these walls if they move more than 1 inch laterally or 2 and a half inches inward.

  1. Poured concrete foundations

These foundations are much stronger than most. However, they can still be damaged by lateral pressure from the soil. Foundation experts often opt to straighten these walls when they have moved inward more than 30% of the thickness of the wall e.g. a 10-inch thick wall would be considered for straightening if it had moved 3 inches inward.

If you notice cracking on your foundation wall, get in touch with a professional foundation repair contractor. This will ensure that you’re provided with a lasting solution.

Cleveland, OH | StablWall | Carbon Fiber

Will the Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair Be Visible? | Cleveland, OH

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Will the Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair Be Visible?

When homeowners are seeking foundation repair solutions, one of the questions on their minds is whether the foundation repair will be visible afterward. Carbon fiber foundation repair has grown in popularity over the years for various reasons. Primary amongst this is that the repair is not obvious when completed.

Practically invisible

Carbon fiber foundation repair is a great choice for foundation stabilization for many reasons.

  • Carbon fiber straps lay flat to the wall

StablWall | Cleveland, OH

The straps are fixed onto the wall. They are practically part of the wall. This ensures that you can finish the wall in any way you like, including installing wall panels or drywall over the wall.

  • This repair is non-obtrusive

One of the main disadvantages of stabilizing the wall using steel I-beams is that these beams are installed into the floor to provide support for the wall. You will therefore have to sacrifice some of your floor space for the steel beams.

Carbon fiber on the other hand is installed onto the wall. The straps or strips won’t take up any of your floor space. You can therefore enjoy the benefit of having the entire basement floor available for any plan you may have.

  • The surface is ready for bonding

You won’t have to carry out any special preparation for the carbon fiber straps in order to bond your finish of choice to it. Carbon fiber straps offer ready surfaces for whatever finish you prefer. This reduces the time and cost for finishing your basement.

  • They can be installed on curved walls

Carbon fiber foundation repair is especially beneficial if you have curved walls in your basement. These straps and strips can conform to curved surfaces. You can therefore have them installed to any curved wall without compromising the aesthetic value of the architectural design.

  • They can be painted over

If you need to paint over the carbon fiber straps to achieve a smooth clean look, you can do so without any worries. The straps and strips provide a surface that can be treated just as your walls. No special preparation is required. The result will be a smooth finish that ensures that no one will suspect that you invested in foundation repair at any point in time.

Carbon fiber repair certainly is superior to other foundation repair options. However, it is important to talk to a professional contractor to ensure that it is the right option for you.

 

Everyday Items Made of Carbon Fiber | Columbus, OH

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Carbon fiber is super lightweight and strong. It is actually the strongest man-made material in the world and can be woven into fabric sheets or melted down into a mold to make all sorts of products. It has become more common with the mass production at large manufacturing plants making it more affordable to use.

Airplanes

The aerospace industry has been using carbon fiber for years in airplane manufacturing, including on wings. It is perfect for airplanes considering its strength, durability and light weight. For people who don’t know anything about carbon fiber, imagining a material that is used to make airplane wings helps them understand just how strong and light it is.

 Columbus, OH | StablWall

Sports and Safety Equipment

Because of its indestructible qualities and lightweight it is used to make helmets and other sports equipment. There are even carbon fiber running shoes and hardhats now. Kevlar is molded carbon fiber. It is the same components just melted down added to a resin and molded into different products. Bullet proof vests, face masks, and other serious safety equipment is often made of Kevlar carbon fiber.

Novelty Items

Manufacturers are coming out with an array of novelty products using carbon fiber. Carbon fiber novelty items include everything from iPhone covers to toilet seats. The novelty items are frivolous because most of the items like jewelry, goggles and mouse pads don’t need to be ultra-lightweight and indestructible. Just the fact that they are made of carbon fiber makes them more expensive and a new kind of luxurious.

New Cars

Car manufacturers are designing new cars with carbon fiber composites to make the cars and trucks lighter and more crash resistant. The lightweight will actually increase fuel efficiency on cars and trucks with carbon fiber parts.

Foundation Repair Products

The basement waterproofing and foundation repair industry actually uses carbon fiber to repair foundation walls, bowing or bulging block walls and foundation cracks. Carbon fiber in the basement actually is an alternative to steel I-beams systems and other heavy repair techniques. It reduces labor costs because carbon fiber is so lightweight and reduces the maintenance because it is so strong. Once they repair the foundation with carbon fiber it is done.

Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

How Foundations Change During Winter Weather | Philadelphia, PA

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Freezing weather may be taking a toll on your foundation. Concrete poured foundations and block wall foundations are affected by freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete expands as it freezes and contracts as it thaws. Same goes for the ground around the foundation changing the pressure in the soil. As the concrete expands and contracts it tends to crack. This is why expansion joints and control joint were created. Control joints give the concrete a place to crack and expansion joints give the concrete some space to expand.

Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

Even though concrete is still one of the strongest and most versatile building materials it is still not perfect. The weather can also impact concrete during the construction process. Pouring concrete in extreme weather can affect how it cures and therefore the concrete’s overall strength in the end. Concrete is made with water. So, if concrete is poured in freezing weather that water in the mix can freeze. If it freezes it produces pressure in the pours of the concrete and can ultimately cause cracking, spilling, and the cured concrete to crumb off. The Portland Cement Association has developed deicers and recommends techniques for pouring concrete in cold temperatures but it is still not the best practice.

Masonry walls are not immune to the negative affects cold weather has on a poured foundation. Even though they don’t have to cure out in the elements they still expand and contract with freeze-thaw cycles. Cinder blocks are porous by nature and if they get wet and stay wet for too long freeze-thaw damage can occur. This issue is more common in retrofits and basement remodels. Commonly modern energy efficient remodels typically add interior insulation causing the exterior masonry to stay colder and wetter. The water staying in the block wall can cause potentially more freeze-thaw damage. For more information see the Portland Cement Association research on cold weather concrete. Also take a look at how StablWall products can help prevent and treat damage to walls and more here!

Potential Causes of a Failing Foundation | Cleveland, OH

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Foundation wall repair  becomes more and more of an issue the older your foundation becomes, and with so many aging foundations in many areas throughout the U.S., it’s no surprise many homeowners are turning to more and more solutions for their failing foundations.

But what causes a foundation’s structure to fail over time? Water is actually an important piece in the puzzle when it comes to structural foundation damage. Below we will go over some scenarios in which the structural integrity of your home may be affected over time.

Cleveland, OH | StablWall

1. Addition of water to the surrounding soil. Soil expansion can be attributed many foundation problems, including cracking along the mortar joints, horizontal cracking, and walls bowing inward. These are considered potential serious structural risks, and should be addressed immediately.

2. Subtraction of water form the surrounding soil. In some cases, a home’s foundation can be damaged by over-settling due to water leaving the soil around the home. This over-settling can large cracks in the concrete floor slab, as well as large diagonal cracks near the corners of your foundation.

3. Poor construction. Sometimes, a home is built upon soil that was poorly compacted, setting the home up for continued foundation troubles for decades to come.   Poor wall construction methods and materials can also contribute to ongoing structural damage.

The earlier you can identify and resolve a structural foundation issue, the better. For the most part, the problem will only become worse, forcing you to pay for more expensive repair solutions or worse–a total wall rebuild. If you have any questions about your foundation wall repair options, feel free to contact us! (866.782.5955)

Foundation Cracks | Columbus, OH | StablWall

Are Cracked Bricks A Sign You Need Foundation Repair? Atlanta, GA

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Cracked Bricks

One of the most common signs that you need foundation repair is cracking in the foundation. When you notice a crack in the foundation bricks, it’s important to have your foundation evaluated.

Why the bricks are cracking

Bricks are made from clay. The bricks are placed in kilns where they are fired. This process ensures that all the water in the bricks evaporates. The bricks that emerge from the kiln are strong and nonporous to water.

Bricks are usually used for construction within weeks or months of being fired in a kiln. They can be used to construct any length of wall. This is not a problem in itself. The problem arises when moisture within the bricks expands. This can result in cracks in the bricks. These cracks can be vertical or horizontal.

These cracks can be prevented in the construction process. An experienced contractor will know to lay the bricks with a small space in between to allow for the expansion of the bricks. This expansion continues for several months and can even go up to several years.

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When to call for foundation repair

Apart from expansion, cracks in brick walls can also occur as a result of pressure on the walls. This may be due to hydrostatic pressure or structural pressure. Hydrostatic pressure results in cracks along the joints in the wall. You will observe cracks that are step like in shape.

It is also important to observe any other types of cracks that may appear in your foundation walls. You should be concerned if the cracks continue to grow longer and wider.

What to do when you notice a crack

If you notice a crack in your foundation, take some time to observe it. Contrary to what many homeowners believe, the crack won’t result in the immediate collapse of your home. Observe the crack for moisture around it. Also watch to see if the crack grows longer and wider.

If the crack continues to grow or you notice moisture around the crack, contact a professional contractor. You may be in need of foundation repair services. A professional contractor will inspect your foundation and determine whether there is a problem that requires repair. They will provide you with an estimate for the cost of their services.

You’re under no obligation to accept the quote. Be sure to compare at least three quotations from reputable contractors in your area before deciding on which contractor to work with.

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 

Call Us Today! StablWall Can Help! (866) 782-5955

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.

 

 

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.