BOWED BASEMENT WALLS
If your basement walls are cracking or bowing, it is important to determine the cause of those cracks. All basement walls will crack due to normal settling and mortar shrinkage. However, these cracks are always very small "hairline" cracks.
Larger cracks are signs of intense settling, frost pressure, hydrostatic pressure, or shifting. Once these types of cracks start, they will only get worse if the problem that caused them is not corrected. Correcting the problem requires a two-fold strategy. First, you must find and eliminate the source of the problem. Second, you must repair the weakened wall so that it does not move any further. Simply tuck-pointing or painting the wall with a waterproofing paint will not produce lasting results.
Larger cracks are signs of intense settling, frost pressure, hydrostatic pressure, or shifting. Once these types of cracks start, they will only get worse if the problem that caused them is not corrected. Correcting the problem requires a two-fold strategy. First, you must find and eliminate the source of the problem. Second, you must repair the weakened wall so that it does not move any further. Simply tuck-pointing or painting the wall with a waterproofing paint will not produce lasting results.
HOW WE DO IT
To straighten and stabilize your basement walls, we can use either our carbon-FRP straps, our structural steel I-beams, or by concrete injection. The steel I-beams can be used for straightening or stabilization. The carbon-FRP straps can be used for stabilization to prevent any further movement. Severely damaged walls, such as the one pictured above, often require excavation along the outside of the home.
CARBON-FRP STRAPS
Ultra thin and super strong, carbon-FRP reinforcements offer the strength and durability of steel without the size. Stabilization of your basement walls can be done at any time to prevent cracks from worsening or just to prevent any problems with your already structurally sound walls. These straps are 4" wide, about as thin as a dime and run vertically from top to bottom of your wall at approximatly 5 foot intervals.
4" STEEL I-BEAMS
Our 4" I-beams are custom build for your home. They are coated with a layer of primer and ready to paint if you desire. These beams are placed vertically at approximately 5 foot intervals. The bottom of the beams are anchored into the existing concrete floor using steel pins. The top of the beam is anchored to the structure of the home after being hydraulically maneuvered into position. These beams then become a permanent part of the home's structure. Some walls may require excavation. Please read here for more details.
CONCRETE INJECTION
Concrete injection involves using a pressurized system to fill the cavities within your block walls. Filling these cavities exponentially increases the strength of your walls. To get the concrete into your wall, small injection holes are drilled in the top course of block along the outside of your home. If needed, re-bar can also be added to your basement wall cavities before the filling process is started.
