Foundation Wall Issues and How Mid-State Basement Systems Can Fix Them
As we finally seem to be emerging from winter here in Central Ohio, it’s important to keep an eye on our foundations.
During the winter, the constant cold weather freezes the water in the ground causes the soil to expand and when it begins to warm up again, the soil contracts.
When this happens to the soil around your foundation, it can cause the walls to push inward, bowing your foundation. Increased rainfall, like we’ve had recently, can complicate these issues.
But there are ways to protect your foundation walls.
Be aware of your basement or crawl space walls
If you don’t spend much time in your basement or crawl space, still make sure your checking the condition of the walls regularly. If there are visible signs of water leakage, cracking, or mortar displacement then there may be a problem in the making. Also look for turning blocks or bowing walls, as these indicate a major issue.
If you notice any of these issues in your walls, then it’s time to call Mid-State Basement Systems for a free inspection. We offer a variety of wall stabilization options.
CarbonArmor Wall Reinforcing System
The CarbonArmor Wall Reinforcing System is an excellent solution for bowing and cracking foundation walls. Using the same technology the Army Corps of Engineers developed to reinforce bomb shelters, skyscrapers, and bridges, we use CarbonArmor to stabilize your basement walls.
The CarbonArmor System includes flexible carbon fiber fabric straps that are up to 10 times stronger in tension than steel. Using high strength epoxy resin, the carbon fiber straps are bonded to the interior face of the wall. The straps will stabilize the wall. This system requires no exterior excavation, installs quickly, and won't impact future basement finishing.
PowerBrace Foundation Wall Repair System
The PowerBrace Wall Repair System is the ideal way to stabilize failing foundation walls. If you have walls that are bowing, buckling, or tilting inwards, installing a PowerBrace system can stop any further damage and potentially straighten the wall.
The PowerBrace consists of steel I-beams that are secured to the joists above the wall with steel brackets. This system is easily adjustable, allowing for tightening of the brace to attempt to raise the wall back to its original position. This system doesn't involve any exterior excavation and installs quickly with minimal disruption to your basement space.
GeoLock Wall Anchor System
GeoLock Wall Anchors are designed to repair walls that are sliding inwards, tilting at the top, bowing, and buckling. These wall anchors are made of galvanized steel for a long-lasting solution that will prevent any further inward movement of your walls.
Wall anchors work by extending from your wall to the stable, hard packed soil beyond your home. They anchor into these stronger soils and brace the foundation wall, preventing further movement. Wall anchors are installed with minimal disruption to your lawn, and they won't damage the interior of your basement or take up usable space. In fact, GeoLock Wall Anchors can easily be concealed by our Hide-A-Way covers for a clean finished appearance.
GeoLock Channel Anchor System
GeoLock Channel Anchors are a versatile and effective method of stabilizing walls that are pushing in at the top or bottom, bowing, or tipping. With corrosion-resistant galvanized steel and floor mounts for extra strength, our channel anchors provide an incredible durable solution that will halt all inward movement of your walls.
To install channel anchors, we begin by boring holes in the yard for earth anchors and drilling corresponding holes in the foundation. Galvanized steel earth anchors are installed, and steel rods are joined to them through the wall. The channel anchor is then mounted on the other end of the rod inside your foundation wall, secured to the floor, and tightened into place. This will permanently stabilize your wall and could return it to its original condition. After this, we restore your landscaping and basement to the state we found them in.
We have helped many homeowners with their foundation walls. If you believe your basement or crawl space wall needs attention, we provide free inspections to assess what solution is best your home.