Why Customers Choose Bluegrass
The South is home to beautiful and historic homes. Oftentimes, homes that are 50, 60, or even 100 years old are now beginning to show their age. Perhaps you’ve noticed your basement walls cracking, bowing, or water seeping in during heavy storms.
Attempting to repair the walls yourself is only a band-aid to a larger issue. Left unaddressed, compromised basement walls affect the stability of your home’s foundation. You need professional basement wall repair.
Professional basement wall repair will not only improve the stability of his home’s foundation but also increase the overall value of his property and provide safety for your family.
6 Signs Your Basement Walls Need Repairs
Several signs may indicate a need for basement wall repair. It’s important to regularly inspect your basement for any of the following signs and take prompt action if you notice them:
1. Bowed basement walls – If you notice that the basement walls are visibly bowing or leaning inward, it could be a sign of excessive soil pressure or foundation movement. This is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. This issue is more common in specific soil types.
2. Horizontal cracks in basement walls – Cracks in the basement walls are a common indicator of foundation issues. Pay attention to cracks that are widening or growing over time. It is crucial to have a professional examine even the smallest of cracks to determine the root cause of the issue and identify the appropriate corrective or stabilizing measures needed to address the problem.
3. Stair-step cracks in the basement walls – Stair-stepping cracks usually show up in the middle of a bowing wall. While the corners are supported by adjacent walls, a stair-step pattern of cracks develops. This is a clear indication of a serious problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
4. Sliding at the top of the basement walls – At this point, your home may have a serious structural issue. Sliding walls are those that have begun to tilt inward at the top. This generally suggests that the connection between your foundation wall and the house framing has been compromised.
5. Rotation of the basement walls – This occurs when a basement or foundation wall starts to tilt or rotate away from its original vertical position. It is a serious structural issue that can compromise the stability and safety of a building. In general, the rotation is subtle and shows up as misaligned doors, windows, or visible gaps in the corners of your wall.
6. Separated moldings – Sometimes, the symptoms of basement damage show up above the problem. If moldings or other fixtures on the ceiling become detached, it could indicate a problem with the basement walls requiring repair.
6 Repair Types for Basement Walls
Basement wall repair typically involves first identifying the underlying cause of the problem and implementing appropriate solutions to stabilize the walls and prevent further damage. The specific repair methods may vary depending on the severity and nature of the issue. Here are some common basement wall repair techniques:
1. Carbon Fiber Straps
Carbon fiber straps can be used to repair basement walls because they are a strong and durable material that can reinforce the wall. The process involves the installation of the straps onto the surface of the wall using a specialized epoxy adhesive. The straps are then tensioned to provide support to the wall, distributing the load of the structure evenly across the wall’s surface.
2. Wall Anchors
Basement wall anchors are a common solution for stabilizing and strengthening bowed or leaning basement walls. They work by providing a counteracting force against the external pressure of the soil outside the wall, which is often the cause of the bowing or leaning. The anchors consist of several components, including the anchor itself, a steel rod, and a plate.
3. Waler Beam Reinforcement
A waler beam is a horizontal beam that is used in construction to provide support and reinforcement to vertical. The beam is typically made of steel or wood and is placed perpendicular to the wall or structure being reinforced. The waler beam works by providing lateral support to the wall or structure, resisting the forces that cause it to lean or bow.
4. Helical Tiebacks
Helical tiebacks consist of a helix-shaped plate at one end, which is screwed into the soil or bedrock behind the wall, and a steel rod at the other end that is attached to the wall using specialized brackets. Helical tiebacks are a cost-effective and efficient solution for foundation reinforcement, and they can be used in a variety of soil conditions.
5. Excavation, Straightening, and Carbon Fiber Strap Install
This three-prong approach is an all-in-one solution for both repairing current damage and preventing future problems. This solution is effective for masonry or concrete walls and also provides a life of the structure warranty.
6. Complete Wall Rebuild
We have the ability to completely rebuild the walls of the basement, but it’s not generally the best solution. While it does fix the problem, it also comes with higher costs, more construction mess, and requires a full excavation of your property.
FAQs
Why Choose Us
- All-American-Made Products – We understand the importance of having a stable foundation, and that’s why we only use All-American-made products that are known for their durability and longevity.
- No Scare Tactics – We believe that the quality of our work is a reflection of who we are, which is why we don’t resort to scare tactics to convince our customers to take action. Our team of experienced professionals will work with you to find the best solution that fits your specific needs and budget.
- We Don’t Redo Jobs – It’s not that we won’t – it’s just that we never need to. Our commitment to quality work and customer satisfaction is evident in everything we do. When you choose us, you can have peace of mind knowing that your foundation is in good hands.
Opt for Reliable Wall Repairs for Your Basement
Basement wall cracks can be a sign of underlying structural issues that can lead to further damage, water damage, energy loss, and decreased home value if left unattended.
It is essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further damage and ensure the long-term stability and safety of your home.
Consulting with our qualified foundation repair company, contractors, or structural engineers can help identify the underlying cause and recommend appropriate repair solutions. Give us a call today for basement wall repair.
