Wall Cracks | Nashville, TN | StablWall

If You See Wall Cracks Your Roof Could Also Be Impacted Nashville, TN

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

If You See Wall Cracks Your Roof Could Also Be Impacted Nashville, TN

House repairs are part and parcel of owning a home. While they may seem cumbersome and sometimes expensive, they are a necessity if you want to ensure that your home is comfortable and safe. This doesn’t mean that repairs are an obvious choice for homeowners. Many homeowners would prefer to ignore repairs on their homes for as long as they can. Many only attend to repairs when they are urgent.

It is therefore not surprising that homeowners put off the repair of foundation wall cracks. However, they are more willing to spring into action when they notice their roof sagging. They fail to realize one thing: the sagging of the roof may have been caused by problems in the foundation.Wall Cracks | Nashville, TN | StablWall

Wall cracks and shifting roofs

Cracks in the walls of your foundation are one of the first signs you’ll notice when your foundation has an issue. It is important to have your foundation inspected by a foundation repair contractor to determine the underlying cause of the damage to your foundation. Ignoring the cracks won’t make them go away. If anything, it will only make the problem worse.

Foundation wall cracks may be a sign of shifting in your foundation. Shifting of the foundation can take various forms including bowing of the foundation walls, upheaval or lifting of the foundation as well as for settling or sinking of the foundation. A foundation repair contractor will inspect your foundation and tell you what type of damage you’re cracks resulted from. They will also recommend solutions for repair.

The foundation of your home is the structure upon which everything else is built. Therefore, when your foundation shifts the entire building will shift along with it. This also includes your roof. Slight shifts in a home’s foundation are normal. In fact, roofs are designed to accommodate these shifts. However, shifts of more than a few inches can result in structural damage throughout the home including in the roof.Wall Cracks | Nashville, TN | StablWall

Should you repair the wall cracks or your roof first?

Many homeowners are eager to repair their roofs first as these seem to be the more urgent problem. The problem with this is that the foundation will continue to shift. This will result in damage to your roof even after repairs. Another problem is that if you repair your roof first, it could become damaged when you invest in foundation repair. This is especially the case where repair involves restoring the foundation to its original position and stabilizing the walls.

The answer to the question, therefore, is that you should invest in repairing your foundation first then repair your roof.

Contact the Professionals at StablWall Today! (866) 782-5955

Cleveland, OH | Cracked House Foundation-Foundation Repair

Do You Have a Structural Problem? | Cleveland, OH

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

House Foundation Cracks

Are you dealing with house foundation cracks? These cracks can be caused either by structural or water problems. Determining the underlying cause of the cracks will help you apply the best possible solution when it comes to repair.

Structural vs. Water Cracks

If you have a poured concrete foundation, house foundation cracks will usually occur as a result of structural problems or water pressure acting on the foundation. You can determine what the cause of the cracks is by examining the cracks to determine their width and location on the foundation wall.

Non-structural cracks are no wider than an eighth of an inch. They are caused by lateral pressure acting on the foundation walls. They therefore occur mostly on the lower part of the foundation wall. These cracks may be dry when they are first observed. However, like most cracks in foundation walls, they will eventually begin to seep water when the level of ground water is high.

Structural cracks are usually wider than an eighth of an inch. They usually occur as a result of wall movement. Therefore, they are almost always on the upper corners of the wall or in the middle section and have a symmetrical pattern.

Cleveland, OH | Foundation Crack on basement floor | StablWall

Repairing foundation cracks

Repairing non-structural cracks is usually easy. However, it still requires the services of a waterproofing professional to determine the underlying cause of the cracking. This has to be solved before the actual cracks are repaired.

Non-structural cracks can be repaired using epoxy or polyurethane injections. The sealing of the cracks with epoxy is great only if you want to hold the cracks in place. This is not advisable where there is minor foundation movement. Polyurethane would be a better sealer to use in these situations as it is more flexible when it settles.

Structural crack repair is a major job especially if movement of the wall is significant. Modern repair of these walls involves the use of carbon fiber strips. These can be placed to prevent further movement of the walls. In some cases, steel braces may be required. This will stabilize the wall and prevent further movement. They can be adjusted with time to help to eventually straighten the wall.

In cases where the wall has rotated more than two inches, only steel beams can be used. It is therefore important to discuss your needs with a contractor. This will help you identify the best solution for your wall.

Columbus, OH | StablWall

Are Your Foundation Walls Starting to Crack? Here are Solutions | Columbus, OH

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Foundation crack repair can be expensive. Whenever you’re dealing with something as important as the foundations of your house, you need to act fast, and it’s going to cost money.

But what a lot of people don’t realize is that a simple crack in say, the outer plaster, isn’t a cause for concern. So when should a foundation crack should worry you?

How wide?

The first test is to measure how wide the crack is; measure from the widest point of a crack with a simple tape measure.

If it’s any wider than 1/16 inch, you have to act. This is too wide and can let in both water and termites. If it’s smaller than this, simply monitor it over the course of a few months.

Even if it doesn’t reach this 1/16 inch limit, you should opt for repair if there’s any change in the width. It’s worrying even if a 1/32 inch crack turns into a 1/20 crack.

Columbus, OH | StablWall

Is it wet?

If a crack admits water, foundation crack repair is a necessity before it causes too much damage. It won’t take long for moisture to cause permanent damage to your home.

Moisture damage is one of the most common causes of serious foundation problems. You often can’t spot the extent of the internal damage. The only way to see it is to notice the wetness on the outside, where it admits water.

Grinding

Sometimes a crack’s faces can begin to grind against each other based on changes in the environment. Here are the two primary environmental changes that might influence this:

  • Temperature
  • Humidity

Check for these changes over a couple of seasons when you notice the first signs of a crack. If there’s no impact, the crack probably isn’t as serious as you think.

Should you repair minor cracks?

As you can see, it isn’t always necessary to act immediately. Minor cracks can be monitored to see how they change over time.

We still recommend taking care of cracks as soon as possible, though. The reason for this is it’s always cheaper to solve the problem as soon as you notice it. The cost of repair goes up every time the crack grows in severity.

Furthermore, solving the problem early ensures that the damage to your home’s foundations is minimal. Too many people have waited and the problem has cost them thousands in repairs. Don’t be one of them. Get help from a foundation repair expert today!

Bowed Basement Walls | Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

4 Important Facts about Bowed Basement Walls Philadelphia, PA

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

One thing that can strike fear in the heart of a homeowner is the bowed basement walls. One day they appear okay, the next time you go into your basement, you have bowed basement walls. While this can be a severe structural concern, it is something that can usually get fixed. The trick is not to let it go for too long. Bowed basement walls are weak basement walls. They’ve become weakened because of too much pressure from the exterior of your home. It is almost always due to the soil and the weather. Soil becomes saturated with water from the rain, and it begins to push against your home’s foundation. As the pressure continues, the walls become weaker, and they bow.Bowed Basement Walls | Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

  1. Don’t Ignore the Problem.

One thing that you never want to do with any structural problem is to ignore it.

  • The problem won’t go away.
  • The bowed basement walls will not fix themselves.
  • Your wall’s issues will only continue to get worse, as the pressure will continue.
  • Eventually, the walls will crack more, crumble, or even fall.
  1. Some Causes of Wall Bowing Can Get Rectified

While most of the time, excessive water is the cause of bowing walls, there are some other reasons that this happens, and you can prevent it.

  • Have a drain put in to draw the water away from the foundation.
  • Have leaky pipes repaired
  • Keep your gutters clean.
  1. Think Ahead

Avoid having your driveway installed right up to the house’s foundation. A massive concrete driveway can put pressure on the foundation and cause bowing. You should plant trees as far away from the foundation as possible so that roots do not grow and press against the foundation.

  1. Bowing Can Get Repaired

Don’t let bowing walls make you feel defeated. Your professional foundation specialists can inspect, diagnose, and repair your walls. They have several different methods to reinforce your walls and help them become structurally sound and sturdy. Your walls will be as new and won’t give you another problem. These systems often come with warranties to help ease your mind.

The most important fact to know about bowing walls is to call for help as soon as possible. It’s up to you to take care of your foundation and see that it remains stable. When you take care of your foundation, it takes care of the rest of your home.

Contact the Professionals at StablWall Today! (866) 782-5955

 

Carbon Fiber Foundation Crack Repair | New York | StablWall

Carbon Fiber Foundation Crack Repair: Why Carbon Fiber is the Perfect Solution in Macedonia, OH

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Did you know that carbon fiber can be used to repair those troublesome foundation cracks? Yes, the carbon fiber system one of the best alternatives to materials such as steel when it comes to fixing foundation cracks. Therefore, when you see cracks on the foundation of your house, you should not panic because you can do a carbon fiber foundation crack repair. Carbon fiber foundation crack repair | Macedonia, OH | StablWall

Before delving into the reasons why carbon fiber is the perfect solution for cracks, it is important to provide some details about foundation cracks.

Types of Foundation Cracks

  • Vertical Cracks: Vertical cracks are common types of cracks that occur in foundations and walls because of tension in concrete. These cracks do not imply that a building has some structural damage, but they need repair because they can cause water damage issues by allowing water to seep through the foundation.
  • Diagonal Cracks: Diagonal cracks indicate that a building’s foundation has settled unevenly. When one side of the foundation sinks more than the others, this will lead to diagonal cracks because of forces acting in different directions. Diagonal cracks will keep on expanding if not repaired.
  • Horizontal Cracks: These indicate considerable structural damage to a building. Horizontal cracks result from foundation bowing due to factors such as too much hydrostatic pressure, the presence of tree roots near a building, and frost. Continued foundation bowing and cracking can lead to wall collapse.

What Makes Carbon Fiber the Best Solution for Foundation Cracks?

Carbon fiber foundation crack repair is one of the methods relied upon for effective crack repair. This is because carbon fiber can make exceptionally strong bonds, and this quality makes it ideal for repairing cracks and straightening walls. Carbon fiber systems like StablWall are made up of carbon strands that are arranged in a unidirectional manner to increase the strength of the fibers.

Some of the factors that make carbon fiber a perfect solution for cracks are outlined below.

  • Exceptionally High Stiffness and Tensile Strength: This property makes it possible for the carbon fiber to withstand loads without getting deformed. It means when used to repair cracks, carbon strips or strands will not stretch, thus keeping the foundation intact.
  • Ability to Withstand Wide Temperature Variations: Carbon fiber has low thermal expansion properties and is also able to withstand high temperatures. Hence, it can be used to repair cracks that develop due to frequent expansion and contraction as a result of temperature changes.
  • Low Weight: The low weight of carbon fiber makes it possible to use it in fixing different types of cracks.

Contact the professionals at StablWall today! (866) 782-5955

3 Important Reasons to Get Your Foundation Wall Cracks Fixed ASAP Columbus, OH

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Foundation Cracks | Columbus, OHFoundation wall cracks are a common occurrence in homes with basements. However, many homeowners would rather ignore them than have them attended to as soon as possible. Many are discouraged from having the cracks repaired by the belief that crack repair is expensive. Others simply can’t be bothered.

Whatever your reasons for putting off the repair of those wall cracks, you may want to consider the following reasons to have them fixed as soon as possible.

  1. Cracks eventually leak

Even if the cracks in your foundation show no signs of leaking at the moment, there’s a good chance that they’ll eventually begin to leak. Your foundation is constantly moving. This is not only as a result of the natural settling of the home but also because of the lateral pressure acting against the wall from the surrounding soil. This movement will result in the cracks becoming larger over time. The cracks will eventually begin to leak. You may one day wake up to a flooded basement and destroyed property. This can be expensive to recover from.

  1. You’ll have a mold problem

Black Mold | Columbus, OH

Mold is not only a nuisance but can be highly toxic. Black mold spores produce mycotoxins that can cause a number of health problems. If you have cracks in your basement, there’s a good chance that a mold infestation will follow soon. This is because the moisture entering the basement through the cracks will make the basement the ideal environment for the establishment of mold colonies. When the spores from these colonies are dispersed in the air in the basement, they will be carried through the vents and floorboards into the home above, where they will cause various health concerns for your household. You can avoid a mold problem by having your cracks repaired ASAP.

  1. The cracks will only get worse

Ignoring the wall cracks won’t make them go away. If anything, they will only become worse. They may even cause a structural issue in the future. These cracks can result in bowing or sloping of the wall. They may even result in the complete collapse of the foundation wall. Fixing structural problems can be very costly. Addressing the cracks in the early stages of their formation will help to reduce the risks of developing structural problems.

Be sure to get in touch with a foundation repair contractor as soon as you spot cracks in your foundation. Take the steps to protect your property and household.

 

4 Types of Basement Wall Cracks and What They Mean | Indianapolis, IN

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Basement walls, just like other types of constructions, may develop cracks. Some cracks may develop soon after the construction work has been completed while others will occur after several years.

Some cracks arise as a result of the settling or sinking of the concrete in the ground and are therefore nothing to worry about. However, some types of cracks may be severe in that they indicate serious flaws in the foundation of the basement or any other type of structure. Such cracks need to be attended to as quickly as possible.

Cracks vary in terms of their orientation and the location in which they appear. In this piece, you will learn about 4 types of basement wall cracks and what they mean for your basement.

  1. Vertical cracks

Vertical cracks are likely to develop as the concrete of the basement walls shrinks in the process of curing. Such cracking generally doesn’t impact the structural integrity of the basement wall. However, the cracks can cause moisture to enter the basement if the basement’s walls are not waterproofed. Thus, even though you don’t have to worry about vertical cracks affecting the structural integrity of your basement walls, you still have to repair these cracks to address moisture issues.

Foundation Repair | Indianapolis, IN

  1. Diagonal cracks

There are numerous types of basement wall cracks that have a diagonal orientation. For instance, a crack may begin at the top of the basement and spread diagonally downwards. As well, a diagonal crack may appear at any spot on the basement wall, appearing wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. Also, you may spot a diagonal crack at the corner of a window or a door.

Diagonal cracks are caused by various factors including uneven settling of the foundation concrete and concrete shrinkage.

  1. Stair-step shaped cracks

Stair-step shaped cracks are comparable in appearance to diagonal cracks save for the fact that the cracks occur in the mortar joints of block and brick walls. When these types of cracks occur in the wall of a basement, they indicate that there are problems in the foundation of the basement.

  1. Horizontal cracks

Horizontal cracks suggest serious structural flaws in the basement foundation. They indicate that the foundation is unable to sustain the pressure of the wall or may be caused by external forces such as the movement of heavy equipment.

What to do when you see basement wall cracks

It advisable to let a certified contractor inspect your basement in order to determine the cause as well as the possible impact of different types of basement wall cracks.

 

Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair | Columbus,OH | StablWall

How Do StablWall Applications Work? | Louisville, KY

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

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

Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

How Foundations Change During Winter Weather | Philadelphia, PA

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

Freezing weather may be taking a toll on your foundation. Concrete poured foundations and block wall foundations are affected by freeze-thaw cycles. Concrete expands as it freezes and contracts as it thaws. Same goes for the ground around the foundation changing the pressure in the soil. As the concrete expands and contracts it tends to crack. This is why expansion joints and control joint were created. Control joints give the concrete a place to crack and expansion joints give the concrete some space to expand.

Philadelphia, PA | StablWall

Even though concrete is still one of the strongest and most versatile building materials it is still not perfect. The weather can also impact concrete during the construction process. Pouring concrete in extreme weather can affect how it cures and therefore the concrete’s overall strength in the end. Concrete is made with water. So, if concrete is poured in freezing weather that water in the mix can freeze. If it freezes it produces pressure in the pours of the concrete and can ultimately cause cracking, spilling, and the cured concrete to crumb off. The Portland Cement Association has developed deicers and recommends techniques for pouring concrete in cold temperatures but it is still not the best practice.

Masonry walls are not immune to the negative affects cold weather has on a poured foundation. Even though they don’t have to cure out in the elements they still expand and contract with freeze-thaw cycles. Cinder blocks are porous by nature and if they get wet and stay wet for too long freeze-thaw damage can occur. This issue is more common in retrofits and basement remodels. Commonly modern energy efficient remodels typically add interior insulation causing the exterior masonry to stay colder and wetter. The water staying in the block wall can cause potentially more freeze-thaw damage. For more information see the Portland Cement Association research on cold weather concrete. Also take a look at how StablWall products can help prevent and treat damage to walls and more here!

House Foundation Cracks – Structural Problem or Water Problem

Posted by StablWall Structural Strengthening System on

House Foundation Cracks

Are you dealing with house foundation cracks? These cracks can be caused either by structural or water problems. Determining the underlying cause of the cracks will help you apply the best possible solution when it comes to repair.

Structural vs. Water Cracks

If you have a poured concrete foundation, house foundation cracks will usually occur as a result of structural problems or water pressure acting on the foundation. You can determine what the cause of the cracks is by examining the cracks to determine their width and location on the foundation wall.

Non-structural cracks are no wider than an eighth of an inch. They are caused by lateral pressure acting on the foundation walls. They therefore occur mostly on the lower part of the foundation wall. These cracks may be dry when they are first observed. However, like most cracks in foundation walls, they will eventually begin to seep water when the level of ground water is high.

Structural cracks are usually wider than an eighth of an inch. They usually occur as a result of wall movement. Therefore, they are almost always on the upper corners of the wall or in the middle section and have a symmetrical pattern.

Repairing foundation cracks

Repairing non-structural cracks is usually easy. However, it still requires the services of a waterproofing professional to determine the underlying cause of the cracking. This has to be solved before the actual cracks are repaired.

Non-structural cracks can be repaired using epoxy or polyurethane injections. The sealing of the cracks with epoxy is great only if you want to hold the cracks in place. This is not advisable where there is minor foundation movement. Polyurethane would be a better sealer to use in these situations as it is more flexible when it settles.

Structural crack repair is a major job especially if movement of the wall is significant. Modern repair of these walls involves the use of carbon fiber strips. These can be placed to prevent further movement of the walls. In some cases, steel braces may be required. This will stabilize the wall and prevent further movement. They can be adjusted with time to help to eventually straighten the wall.

In cases where the wall has rotated more than two inches, only steel beams can be used. It is therefore important to discuss your needs with a contractor. This will help you identify the best solution for your wall.