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

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

Carbon fiber for foundations

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

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

Carbon fiber wall repair

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

Why professionals prefer carbon fiber wall repair

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

  1. Installation of carbon fiber strips is quick and easy

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

  1. Carbon fiber is incredibly strong

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

  1. There is no need for maintenance

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

  1. Low costs

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

  1. Low visibility

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

Cracked Wall Repair: What to Do

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Spotted a crack in the walls of your foundation? Don’t panic. Your home isn’t going to collapse around your ears. You simply need some cracked wall repair.

This is not a guide to providing you with quick and ineffective fixes for your wall cracks. This guide will help you get rid of the problems in your foundation for the long run. Quick fixes may seem affordable and convenient at the time but will result in long term problems that will be a nightmare to repair.

Step one

The first step is to contact an expert. This is important. It will enable you to get to find out the underlying problem that has caused the crack in the wall. If you already have a contractor in mind, then give him a call to have a look at your foundation. If not, now is a good time to start looking.

Step two

It is important to get your foundation thoroughly inspected. The foundation repair expert should be ready to inspect the structural integrity of the foundation. This is because cracks in the foundation are often a sign of a much more serious problem with the foundation. This is why it is not advisable to take the shortcut and simply fill in the cracks. It is important to determine the underlying cause of the crack.

Step three

The foundation repair expert will provide you with different solutions for the problem. If you’re not sure about the solutions offered by the contractor, you can have a second contractor come in to assess the foundation and give you their opinion. This may sound time consuming, but it will be worth it to ensure that you get the best solution for the problem.

Step four

Ask for a quotation for the repair. This is something that the foundation repair contractor can provide you having assessed the damage and determined what ought to be done to repair the foundation.

It would do you good to have at least three quotations from three different contractors. This will give you something to compare. Be sure to choose a contractor whose services you can afford. You should also ensure that you choose the contractor that offers you the best services.

It is important not to give into the temptation for quick DIY fixes for foundation wall cracks. These cracks are often a sign of a serious problem. They can also result in more serious problems if not properly fixed.

What You Should Know About Carbon Fiber Wall Repair

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carbon-fiber-wall-repairIf asked to describe carbon fiber in one sentence, it would be that it is a thin, lightweight yet strong material. The material is actually stronger than steel but very light in weight making it the perfect choice for applications that require strong and lightweight materials such as in the repair of residential foundations.

The following are some great facts about carbon fiber wall repair:

It can be used as an alternative to using heavy steel beams

Before the introduction of carbon fiber to the residential construction and repair industry, bowed walls were repaired using steel beams. The beams brace the walls from the inside. However, these beams can be an eye sore. Carbon fiber is suitable suit for the same application. Unlike steel beams, you can apply paint over carbon fiber to make it look like the rest of the wall. Concealing steel beams is much harder.

The most common application for carbon fiber in construction repair is for bowing block walls

You can use carbon fiber on the inside of the bowing wall of a basement. In this way, it acts as a brace to the wall and prevents it from bowing any further. This is as a result of the incredible strength of carbon fiber.

It needs to be linked to the house framing

For the structure of the house to be sound, contractors must fix the carbon fiber into the house framing. This will ensure that the carbon fiber system is stable and the wall will not cause it to move.

It has limits

Like any other material, carbon fiber has its limits. Contractors should therefore not treat it as the magical cure to all foundational problems. They can use it to repair walls that have moved up to two inches. Basement walls that have moved more than two inches may require more specialized repair.

Don’t attempt to DIY

Carbon fiber is a great and simple material to use for repairing your walls. However, its design was not for do-it-yourself projects. It requires the knowledge of an expert trained in foundation repair to understand how best to apply it. The professional can determine the integrity of the house structure and determine if carbon fiber is the best option for the situation.

Carbon fiber straps

These straps are applicable for repairing minor cracks in walls. They however are best for repair of block foundation walls or concrete walls.

Are you having problems with your foundation? Be sure to talk to a professional and discuss your needs. Carbon fiber wall repair could be the answer to your problem.

5 Things You Should Know About Carbon Fiber Wall Repair

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carbon-fiber-wall-repairCarbon fiber is a man-made material that is ultra-light weight, thin, and stronger than steel . For years it has been used in many different industries and for various applications. In the past decade, it has made its way into residential foundation repair and become a popular choice. Here are the top five things you need to know about Carbon Fiber Wall Repair. 

Carbon fiber is best used for bowing block walls

Because of the nature of carbon fiber one of the most common applications in foundation repair is repairing a bulged or bowing block wall due to lateral pressure on the outside of a foundation wall. Carbon Fiber is installed on the inside wall of the basement to brace the wall and prevent it from moving anymore.

Carbon fiber is an alternative to steel I-beams

The old way to fix a bowing wall is with steel I-beams. Carbon fiber wall repair ultimately does the same thing as the Steel I-Beam system bracing the wall from the inside. The main difference is the final visual appeal. Carbon fiber can be painted over and made to look just like a regular wall. Although it can be done, the steel I-beams are a little harder to conceal.

Carbon fiber must be tied into the house framing

The Carbon Fiber system should be tied to the house framing to make the system complete. The bracing needs to stabilize the foundation and link it to the house framing to the structure is sound.

Carbon fiber does have its limits

Carbon fiber is not a cure-all system and doesn’t work with every foundation problem. Carbon fiber is best used for bowing walls. However, carbon fiber wall repair systems can only be used on walls that have moved two-inches or less. In the world of foundation repair, two inches is a lot and most homeowners notice the foundation damage well before that.

Not intended for the DIY

Even though carbon fiber wall repair is a fairly simple process it is not intended for the do-it-yourself homeowner. It requires the expertise and knowledge of a trained professional. Foundation repair specialists are licensed and insured to work with foundations. Working with the structural integrity of a house or building there isn’t much room for error. It is better left to the professionals.

Why We Love Carbon Fiber Wall Repair (And You Should, Too!)

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carbon fiberCarbon fiber is awesome. Foundation waterproofing contractors really do love carbon fiber because it gives us another option to fix moving cracks and bowed walls.

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Carbon fiber is stronger than steel and ultra lightweight. To help you get an idea, carbon fiber is the same material used to build space shuttles and airplane wings (super strong and super lightweight.) It can’t break and the fibers don’t stretch. 

Before carbon fiber, foundation repair contractors used anchors or steel beams to repair bowing walls. That process was hard and intrusive and the end product wasn’t very pretty. Homeowner’s like carbon fiber because when it is done it doesn’t look like a 1980s middle school kid with headgear. You can actually just paint over the carbon fiber sheets and it looks like your basement again. It is a good option of foundation repair for people looking to convert the basement into living space. It is a lot easier to hide than steel I-beams and actually costs less (commonly half the cost of steel beams).

Carbon fiber is a man-made material. It is heated carbon resins to extreme temperatures and woven into a fabric sheet. The process used to be extremely expensive; however, in recent years manufacturers have developed more reasonable production costs and opened the door for many different everyday applications to bring carbon fiber to the masses.

Installing carbon fiber for a foundation wall repair is fairly simple. Applications depend on the specific problem; however, basically, contractors prep the area first making it completely flat and add a bed of high-strength epoxy. Then the carbon fiber is embedded into the epoxy under pressure and then bolted to the top. The carbon fiber needs to be bolted into the framing of the house to ensure that is tied to the structure.

It can also be used with Kevlar staples to secure concrete cracks. Kevlar is like carbon fiber but instead of a sheet it is turned into a liquid and formed into different shapes creating a rigid, extremely strong product. (Think Kevlar motorcycle helmets and bullet-proof vests.) The crack is filled with epoxy. The Kevlar staples are installed to further secure the crack and prevent it from moving. Then the carbon fiber strip is attached on top of that. This makes the structural cracks stop moving.

The weight, ease and simplicity of carbon fiber make it a breeze to work with and a breath of fresh air for homeowners. Once the carbon fiber is installed there is virtually no maintenance. With the nature of carbon fiber and its strength and durability, when the repairs are completed they are permanent. When it is done, it is done. Now, that is why we love carbon fiber and you should, too.

10 Quick Tips About Basement Wall Repair

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basement wall repairIf you find a crack in your basement wall it needs to be repaired. Here are 10 quick tips about basement wall repair to help you know what you may be dealing with and how to handle it.

1.) No foundation crack is OK to ignore. 

Foundation cracks let in water, soil gases, insects, rodents, and (it is worth repeating) water. Water even in the form of moisture, vapor, humidity or an active leak can cause serious damage in the way of mold, mildew, and rot. Even a hairline crack can let in water that can cause these problems.

2.) Some cracks are structural some are not. 

Not every foundation crack means that your house is ready to collapse. Some cracks are not structural, meaning they weren’t caused by a moving foundation. Nonstructural cracks can be caused by hydrostatic pressure, tree roots or another outside force pushing on the foundation.

3.) If you see a vertical crack…

Vertical foundation cracks are often the least threat to the building. They are usually caused by the natural expansion and contraction of concrete. Through the years’ freeze-thaw cycles, the concrete expands and contracts causing the concrete to crack. When these vertical cracks are straight or slightly wandering and generally even in thickness, the risk is fairly low as far as affecting the structural integrity of the house.

4.) If you see a horizontal crack…

Generally, horizontal cracks are structural cracks usually caused from pressure building up on the opposite side of the wall from either an improper backfill or hydrostatic pressure.

5.) Surface treatments (like caulking) don’t work on basement walls.

Caulking or other surface treatments that you can find in the hardware store don’t work on basement walls. Professional grade crack injection materials are designed to withstand the pressure either of a moving foundation or outside pressure that is heavy enough to crack concrete.

6.) Some cracks need polyurethanes

The cracks that are nonstructural and just leaking will need a polyurethane crack injection material. Most polyurethanes are flexible and move with the crack if it happens to move with a freeze-thaw cycle of the concrete.

7.) Some cracks need epoxy

If a crack is moving, expanding and contracting with the concrete or widening you will most likely need an epoxy. Epoxy hardens to a rigid material that actually chemically bonds to the concrete so the cracks stops moving.

8.) If the crack is moving you may need a crack stabilizer like carbon fiber staples 

Sometimes a crack needs more of a stabilizer than just merely epoxy and a contractor will recommend pairing it with carbon fiber staples or ties. Carbon fiber is a proven method to strengthen a foundation wall. Carbon fiber is an incredibly strong, lightweight manmade material that found its place in the foundation repair industry about 20 years ago. Some carbon fiber systems actually are used for more than crack repair and are used to stabilize a bowing block wall.

9.) Sometimes foundation cracks mean serious damage

If you multiple foundation cracks on adjacent walls or if the problems are moving upstairs—such as sticking doors and windows, cracks in the walls and sheetrock upstairs, or damage to the chimney it may be a sign of foundation settlement. If your house is indeed on loose or unstable soil, then you may need to look into underpinning or piers that will set your house on solid footings again.

10.) Call a professional 

Do not, we repeat, DO NOT DO foundation repair work yourself. The average homeowner does not have the know-how to pull it off safely. Unless you have experience as a structural engineer, you could cause damage to yourself and your house if you try to do foundation wall repair work yourself. Call a professional basement waterproofer or structural repair contractor to assess your situation. Most contractors offer free inspections and estimates. It is important to understand the seriousness of your situation and see the best options to fix it.

5 Reasons You Should Invest in Foundation Wall Repair

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foundation wall repairPeople understand the metaphors about the necessity of a sure foundation; however, when the literal foundation of a house may be compromised they question if it is worth fixing. There is a reason the metaphors make sense. Your foundation is literally the most important part of the house. Without a strong foundation, the whole structural integrity of the house could be compromised. While investing in foundation repair may not be a fun remodel, it is definitely necessary. Here are five reasons why you should invest in foundation wall repair.

1.) It is dangerous to ignore it

Foundation problems can lead to foundation failure. Yes, while some cracks and foundation issues are slow moving, if you never solve the issues they will get worse. As the problem gets worse, it will cost more money to fix. If the damage is extensive enough it may need to be completely rebuilt. Ignoring foundation damage will become increasingly more dangerous and could completely collapse resulting in major repairs to your entire home.

2.) It impacts the resale value of your home

You may have a great house but if you have foundation problems, it is going to be hard to sell. If you ever want to sell your house, you will have to either take a major loss on the house or fix the foundation. Most of the time the buyer will force the seller to repair the foundation before a deal is finalized. While the laws vary state to state, most places have strict laws about sales disclosures and the condition of the foundation is definitely an item on the disclosure form. If you don’t disclose a problem it can turn into a costly lawsuit or at least blow the sale.

3.) The problems will not go away on their own

Foundation problems will not fix themselves and it isn’t safe for a homeowner to do it themselves. They don’t have the right tools or the right experience to have a foundation repair job. Homeowners need to call a professional. A professional’s repairs will be certified. A home inspector will know the difference between a professional job and a DIY foundation repair and it will impact the value of your home.

4.) The issues don’t stop with the foundation

If you have need foundation repair then you probably have cracks in the foundation. If you have foundation cracks, you most likely have water issues, too. If you have water issues, you most likely have mold and mildew issues. If you have mold then you probably have indoor air quality issues. Foundation cracks could also be letting in radon and other dangerous soil gases. Basically, you need to understand that foundation cracks are actually causing your families health and breathing problems or even worse, lung cancer if you have a radon problem that you don’t know about.

5.) Fixing the foundation will fix your house

If you are in need of foundation repairs, you have probably been living with windows and doors that stick, unsightly cracks in your walls upstairs, or gaps around doors and windows letting in serious drafts or even rodents and insects. Your chimney could be leaning, tilting or even cracked. The bricks on your house could be cracked or with cracks in the mortar joints. These are just symptoms of foundation and settlement issues. You need to fix the foundation to permanently fix these issues. If you try to fix these issues before you fix the real cause you will end up refixing the same problems over and over again.

Overall, the health of your foundation impacts your whole house and the health of the home environment. The foundation should be treated and maintained as the important part of the home that it is. Don’t ignore foundation repairs. Don’t wait for it to turn into an emergency. Invest in the foundation repairs your home needs sooner than later.

Concrete Cracks

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DEALING WITH CONCRETE CRACKS

Sooner or later, concrete cracks.  Sadly, there is not a lot of ways around it. There is technology to control where concrete cracks and fix them when they happen but there is not a lot of tactics for preventing cracks. However, when it comes to your foundation it is important to understand what causes foundation cracks. That way you may be able to control some of the elements to prevent cracks before they happen. Here are some of the common causes of foundation cracks:

Tree Roots

Trees and bushes that are planted too close to the foundation wall can cause foundation cracks.  Basically, the roots keep growing naturally and when they hit the concrete wall they keep pushing against the foundation causing it to crack.  To prevent this scenario, avoid planting trees and deep root bushes too close to the foundation wall.  It is easier to remove the tree than it is to move your house.

Hydrostatic Pressure

Hydrostatic pressure happens when water builds up in the soil. As water saturates the ground, the soil expands and increases the pressure that is pushing up against the foundation wall.  This pressure can crack the foundation wall which typically manifests itself in horizontal cracks.   To prevent this, don’t let excess water build up along the foundation wall.  Make sure the gutters and downspouts are working together to channel the water away from the house.  The soil grade should angle away from the house to let any water fall away from the foundation not toward it. French drains can also help relieve hydrostatic pressure by channeling water away from the house.

Freeze/Thaw Cycle

Concrete naturally expands and contracts with the elements.  As the ground around the foundation freezes and thaws the concrete expands and contracts often causing small vertical hairline cracks.  Most of the time, these cracks are not serious but should be fixed before they let in water, soil gases, or insects and pests.  Sometimes when a contractor pours a concrete foundation they include expansion joints to allow for the natural movement of the concrete to happen without causing the concrete to crack.  If your foundation cracks due to the freeze and thaw cycles, just get the fixed as soon as possible so they don’t get worse or cause other problems.

Settlement

Soil settlement can also cause foundation cracks.  This usually happens if the footing was not properly supported, backfilled, or if the soil under the foundation was not properly compacted.  Settlement cracks can also happen if there is excavation work going on in the area.   This sometimes will change the soil environment and cause the ground to shift under the footing.  You can know if the crack is from a settlement issue if the crack is actively moving.  It is hard to prevent this from happening but if it does foundation repair contractors have systems to stabilize the foundation and prevent the crack from moving anymore.

If you have a foundation crack, it is important to call a professional to repair the crack and assess the situation. If it is a structural crack that is affecting the integrity of the building or house, you may have to consider shoring up the foundation with anchors, underpinning, or carbon fiber systems.  A professional foundation repair contractor can help diagnose the problem and recommend the best systems for your situation.

Basement Cracks and Finished Basements

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basement cracksBasement wall cracks are the most common source of seepage problems.  If you have a foundation that is constructed of poured concrete, there’s a very high likelihood there is a crack somewhere in your foundation.  If your basement is finished, it can become a challenge to find them.

Before you start ripping down your drywall or paneling, take a walk outside.
Walk around the exterior of your home.  It’s best if there is still daylight.  Otherwise, grab a powerful flashlight.  And make sure to bring your eyeglasses with you.

The first thing you want to do is locate the top of your foundation wall.
Ideally, it should extend above your grading at least a few inches.  If not, grab a shovel and pull back the soil enough so you can expose the top of the foundation.

Once the foundation is exposed and identified, clean off the surface of the wall.
A wire brush will usually do the trick.  Now, slowly scan the exposed portion of the foundation and look for hairline cracks.  When I say hairline, some cracks are just 1/16 of an inch wide.  Now you know why I said grab your glasses!  Here’s a photo to give you a better idea:

Spend some extra time on the sections of the wall that correspond with basement seepage.
Say, for instance you noticed the carpeting was wet about ten feet to the left of your chimney inside your basement.  When you go back outside, measure ten feet to the right of the chimney.

Don’t expect to find cracks all over the place.
The average house has between two and eight foundation cracks.  Don’t be fooled by form lines in the foundation.  They are superficial and don’t leak because they don’t go all the way through the wall.  Form lines are left in the concrete when the wood forms are pulled.  They are found at fixed intervals.

Don’t Patch Your Cracks

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foundation crack patchThere are a lot of companies that do foundation wall cracks and repair them from the inside or outside with a patch method. If the basement is unfinished (no drywall or paneling) and the crack is exposed on the interior, companies typically recommend epoxy/urethane injection process. This is a two step process which involves sealing the crack on its inside face with an epoxy paste and injecting a urethane resin which fills the entire crack to the outside soil.

If the crack is obstructed by paneling or drywall, then companies address the problem from the exterior utilizing wall-clay process or using the epoxy/urethane injection process. This involves coring a small hole in the earth at the crack location and filling the hole with a granular clay to form an impermeable water barrier or injecting the urethane and using the epoxy paste.

Both foundation crack repair processes are minimally invasive and minimally effective. Most foundation wall cracks do not pose any structural concerns, but solving them correctly the first time will prevent any future needs or worries about the cracks. Certain crack pattern formations and those wider than 1/8”, however, can be a sign of a structural problem that should be further evaluated by companies who offer foundation crack repair and structural repairs.