Why Carbon Fiber Is The Best Choice For Foundation Repair | Louisville, KY

Carbon Fiber is an excellent choice for foundation repair on your home or project. StablWall uses carbon fiber technology to strengthen basement walls and concrete structures. For the first time, homeowners and residential contractors can benefit from carbon fiber’s strength – until recently, carbon fiber was only available to commercial or government contractors.

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.

Contact StablWall Today!  866.782.5955

Cleveland, OH | StablWall | Carbon Fiber

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

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.

 

Ensure Your Foundation Repair Contractor Has Workers’ Compensation Insurance | Houston, TX

Foundation repair, no matter how straightforward it seems, is never risk-free. There’s always a risk of someone getting injured during the project. For this reason, it is important to ensure that the contractor you hire has workers’ compensation insurance before you sign anything.

Why workers’ compensation insurance is important

If you choose to do business with a contractor that does not carry workers compensation coverage, you will be exposing yourself to the risk of being held liable in case an accident occurs on your property during the project. In case an accident occurs on your property during the project and an employee of the contractor is injured, you could be sued for compensation to cover the medical bills of the injured party.

Ensuring that the contractor you hire has adequate insurance coverage is your first line of defense against such claims. You can rest easy that you won’t be held liable for any accidents or injuries that may occur on your property while your foundation is being repaired.

Houston, TX | Workers Compensation

Confirming coverage

Many people will tell you to ask the contractor if they carry the right insurance coverage. Don’t take their word for it. They are business people trying to make a profit. Some of them will tell you what you want to hear in order to close the deal. You should take this a step further and ask for copies of the certificate.

Check to ensure that the insurance will still be valid while your foundation is being repaired. The insurance certificate will have the name of the insurance carrier, their contact information as well as the dates through which the insurance is valid. You may want to get in touch with the insurance carrier to verify the coverage.

Is your contractor exempt?

Some contractors may try to evade the insurance issue by telling you that they’re exempt. They therefore don’t have to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This is only true if the contractor has not employed anyone and is working on the job alone. This is almost impossible for a foundation repair contractor. Most jobs require at least two people. You should therefore be weary of a contractor that tells you they are exempt.

Checking to determine that your contractor carries workers’ compensation insurance is an important step in the hiring process. It will help to protect you from the risk of a lawsuit.

 

Cleveland, OH | Foundation Repair | Foundation Repair Issues

Possible Foundation Repair Issues when Buying a Flipped House | Cleveland, OH

Foundation Repair Issues

Have you always dreamed of purchasing an old house and turning it into your dream home? Buying a new house isn’t an option for many people. They’re just too costly. Some people just like the character that can be found only in old houses.

However, old houses present many problems to house flippers. While the prospect of turning an old house into a modern living space may seem exciting, there are various problems that require attention in these houses.

One of the most common problems old houses present is with the foundation. If you want to be on the safe side and ensure that your house is on a good foundation, look out for the following:

  1. Documentation of foundation repair

Find out if any repair work has ever been done on the foundation by asking for permits. If previous owners carried out any extensive repair on the foundation, permits would have been required. However, it is possible that previous owners may have used subpar contractors who would avoid taking permits. 

Cleveland, OH | STABLWALL | Foundation Repair

 

  1. Exterior signs of structural issues

Look for signs of structural issues such as leaning foundation walls, bowing windows, excessive gaps between the foundation wall and the siding and cracks. Check to see if doors and windows in the house are sticking or do not fit well into their frames too.

  1. Interior signs of structural issues

Examine the interior of the basement for signs of structural issues. Look for signs, such as inward leaning walls, bowing or bulging walls, cracks in the walls or floor, cracked drywall and dropped ceilings. You should also check to see if the floors are level and if doors don’t close or stay open.

  1. Seepage

It is easier to spot seepage during heavy rains. You’ll be able to witness the problem first hand. If you’re inspecting the basement in the dry season, you may want to look for signs of seepage, such as discoloration on walls or floors, rotten wood or the growth of mold. A musty smell and high humidity are also signs of seepage.

It is vital to get your foundation inspected by a licensed contractor. Doing this ensures that you are able to identify problems early and attend to them. Foundation repair may seem like a daunting task especially with an old house. However, it need not be if you have a professional contractor assisting you. 

Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair | Columbus,OH | StablWall

How Do StablWall Applications Work? | Louisville, KY

StablWall Carbon Fiber

Are you considering foundation repair? Your foundation contractor may have suggested various solutions for the repair of your foundation. One of the many solutions suggested by contractors today is the use of StablWall carbon fiber. This is a patented technology that makes use of carbon fiber sheets for the repair of foundation cracks.

How it works

There are various companies that manufacture carbon fiber products for the repair of basements. These products come in different shapes and sizes. StablWall Carbon Fiber comes in the form of sheets. Sheets are much stronger than straps that are unidirectional. Straps have proven in the past to be ineffective under sheer loads.

The carbon fiber sheets consist of layers of fiber sheets that are run horizontally, vertically and diagonally to each other. This ensures that the carbon fiber sheets have maximum tensile strength. They are therefore better able to bear loads in just about any direction.

Louisville, KY | StablWall Carbon Fiber

Installation of the carbon fiber sheets is simple. It involves the use of a special epoxy that is provided by the manufacturer. The epoxy is used to bond the sheets to the damaged wall. The wall is therefore held together by the sheet and unable to move any further. The wall therefore does not undergo any further damage.

Are they effective?

One of the questions you may be asking at this point is just how effective these carbon fiber sheets are in preventing further damage to the foundation walls. There is a good reason why many foundation contractors are turning to StablWall Carbon Fiber for the repair of cracked foundation walls. It is because the technology has proven to be so effective in preventing further damage to foundation walls.

Carbon fiber is very strong and light. It has been used in the aerospace industry for over 25 years. It has also been applied to the construction of tunnels, retaining walls and bridges. The military also makes use of carbon fiber for its strength and light weight.

Strong and attractive

When it comes to providing extra support to foundation walls, you’ll have the choice of either using unsightly steel beams or using carbon fiber. Carbon fiber is not only easy to install but also occupies minimal space. It is also easy to paint over and therefore hide. Steel beams aren’t so easy to hide.

If your contractor has suggested the use of carbon fiber sheets for the repair of your basement, you should consider this option above all others.

Contact StablWall today! 866.782.5955

Why StablWall Can Provide Better Support Than Steel Beams | New York, NY

New York, NY | StablWall

 

StablWall vs. Steel Beams

Repairing a failing foundation is something every homeowner dreads. The fact that this is the structure that supports your precious investment means any damage to the same portends danger. Luckily, advances in construction technology now provide more effective solutions to foundation damage.

While steel beams have been the most commonly used stabilization system, StablWall carbon fiber technology is set to revolutionize how foundation walls are repaired in future. The StablWall vs. Steel Beams argument has been ranging in the construction industry and it is good to get some insight before calling in a foundation contractor.

Steel Beams for Foundation Support

If you have talked to a foundation contractor, they might have suggested steel beams to repair your foundation. Steel piers have been used for decades to stabilize bowing and bulging foundations. Of course, steel has been hailed for its strength and the fact that it is not prone to rust. Steel beams are drilled into the walls and the walls are held in position using a wooden plate. The plate can be tightened regularly in case there is soil movement around the basement walls.

New York, NY | StablWall

Stablwall Carbon Fiber Technology

This is an advanced wall repair technology that capitalizes on the strength of carbon fiber to bring back the strength of your walls. StablWall carbon fiber technology involves carbon fiber strips that are bonded to the damaged wall to prevent any further movements.

The fiber strands are parallel to each other and when interwoven, they have 10 times more strength than steel beams. This means the wall is not only repaired but its strength is also enhanced. Carbon fiber can either be in strips or sheets depending on the size of the damaged wall and once it bonds to the wall, the impact is permanent.

StablWall vs. Steel Beams: Which is Better?

When comparing StablWall vs. steel beams, it becomes apparent that carbon fiber technology is superior. Take a look at some of the reasons contractors are opting for StablWall technology as opposed to steel beams:

  1. More strength
  2. Less visibility on the walls
  3. Quick and easier installation as no excavation is required
  4. Low-maintenance repair system
  5. Affordability

Carbon fiber has been used in the aerospace industry for decades and it has taken the construction industry by storm. When talking to different contractors about foundation repair at your home, make sure you mention StablWall technology and if they have no clue, keep looking.

StablWall | Charlotte, NC

Wall Anchors or Carbon Fiber for Repairing House Foundation Cracks? | Charlotte, NC

Wall Anchors or Carbon Fiber for Repairing House Foundation Cracks?

The sight of house foundation cracks is enough to scare any homeowner. The good news is that not all foundation cracks are structural. In fact, many of the narrow cracks that appear on foundation walls won’t have any effect on the integrity of the foundation or your home. However, they can result in water seepage. These can be fixed by injecting the cracks with polyurethane.

Wider cracks (those that are more than an eighth of an inch) can often allow the foundation to move inward or rotate. They are often a result of bowing of the foundation wall. These cracks are therefore an indication of a serious problem that should be dealt with as soon as possible.

StablWall | Charlotte, NC

You will have two choices to deal with these house foundation cracks.

  1. Wall anchors

These are the more traditional foundation repair method. They involve the installation of a plate into the soil on the outside of the foundation. A threaded rod attached to this plate is passed through the foundation wall and attached to another plate on the inside of the wall. The rod is tightened to pull the wall back into position.

This method of crack repair will result in the straightening of the wall and the closing of the cracks. It can be used no matter how much movement has occurred. The stability provided by the anchor however is dependent on the stability of the soil. Movement, swelling or even desiccation of the soil will result in destabilization of the anchor and the wall.

These anchors also require regular maintenance which includes periodic tightening of the rod in order to maintain stability. The anchors are also obtrusive in their appearance and can be an eyesore.

  1. Carbon fiber

Carbon fiber is a repair solution that is taking over the construction industry. The repair method involves installing carbon fiber strips on the wall to prevent further movement. The placement of the strips depends on the direction of movement and the pattern of the cracks.

Carbon fiber strips provide stabilization to bowing walls. However, they cannot help to straighten the wall. There is also a limit to the degree of movement that these strips can be applied to.

The carbon fiber strips however, are great for basements that are finished or will be finished in future. They are unobtrusive and can be painted or finished in any other way. They also do not require maintenance once installed.

Having trouble deciding which method to use? Talk to a professional repair contractor to help you determine the best solution for your foundation.

 

Contact us today!  866.782.5955

 

Houston, TX | StablWall

Protecting Your Foundation Does Not Have to be Costly | Houston, TX

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.

 Houston, TX | StablWall

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.

Everyday Items Made of Carbon Fiber | Columbus, OH

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.

Bowing Cinder Block | Philidelphia, PA | StablWall

Repair a Bowing Wall | New York, NY

When you see cracks forming on your foundation wall, the first thing you should do is to call the experts. Foundation cracks are often a sign of the need for foundation repair. This isn’t a unique problem. Foundations, like any other part of the home, need maintenance.

Why You Need a Pro

You may be wondering why you should spend money and time calling a professional for only a few cracks on the wall. You’re not alone. Many homeowners will either ignore or seek do-it-yourself solutions to the cracks in an attempt to avoid what they think would be an unnecessary expense. 

The problem with this is that foundation cracks often indicate a problem with the foundation, which if not properly repaired is likely to become a structural problem for the entire home. There’s also the problem of water seepage. Even cracks that aren’t allowing water through at the moment are likely to start leaking over time. You’ll end up with a wet basement that will result in further problems including damage of property as well as the growth of mold.

New York, NY | StablWall

 

Repairing a Bowing Foundation Wall

Foundation cracks are often the first thing you’ll notice when your foundation is in danger. They are one of the first signs of a bowing foundation wall. In this situation, even the strongest sealants will not protect your wall from further damage.

The bowing occurs as a result of high pressure from the soils surrounding the foundation wall. It is important to not only relieve this pressure but also to provide more support for the wall. The following are two popular ways of providing support for foundation walls.

  1. Re-bracing walls

This is one of the most popular methods of repairing bowing walls. Re-bracing the walls involves reinforcing the walls. The reinforcement may be in the form of carbon fiber strips or steel beams. This provides long term support to the wall ensuring that it will not shift under pressure from the outside.

  1. Anchors

Foundation anchors are installed in a bowing foundation wall to counteract the pressure that is exerted against the foundation wall. The anchors can be installed either on the inside or the outside of the foundation wall. They are installed under the foundation wall. Modern anchors can be installed in the earth without the need for excavation.

If you have bowing foundation walls, have a chat with a professional contractor about the different options available to you.