Holmdel, NJ | Basement Waterproofing - Foundation Repair

Wall Anchors or Carbon Fiber for Repairing House Foundation Cracks | Holmdel, NJ

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.

foundation cracks 1024x768 300x225 Wall Anchors or Carbon Fiber for Repairing House Foundation Cracks | Holmdel, NJ

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 the 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.

Rhino carbon fiber

5 Advantages of the Rhino Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair

Rhino Carbon Fiber Foundation Repair

One of the most common structural problems occurring in newly constructed houses is foundation damage. This problem is also evident in older homes where soil movement is common. Once a house begins settling, issues such as bulging and bowing walls will appear.

While there are many approaches to foundation repair, the innovative Rhino carbon fiber technology has proven to be the most effective and affordable system for any type of structure.

Risk of Delayed Foundation Repair

As a homeowner, you have to appreciate the important of immediate foundation repair using modern technology to avoid further deterioration. Foundation failure can result from seemingly harmless problems such as a hairline cracks that will enlarge with time due to water pressure.

If wall damage is not immediately repaired, there is a likelihood of other parts of the house including floors, doors, windows ceilings and chimneys suffering further damage.

Rhino Carbon Fiber in Details

The patented Rhino carbon fiber is now popular with foundation contractors for many reasons. This product comprises carbon fiber strips made with a custom bi-directional weave and double stitching pattern. These strips boast tensile strength of 52,000 pounds per square inch, which guarantees your foundation wall will not move anymore once the carbon fiber strip has been fixed.

The carbon fiber strip is fastened to the wall using a sill plate and it is connected to the foundation base for equal distribution of pressure. To appreciate why this carbon fiber system is so effective, consider these factors:

  1. Durability: Unlike other foundation repair solutions such as epoxy injection, there is no deterioration of the carbon fiber strip once it is in place. It does not stretch or suffer from exposure to weather elements.
  2. Less intrusive technology: There is no need to excavate extensively compared to other structural foundation repairs. Minimal intrusiveness translates to faster and more affordable repair.
  3. Lightweight installation: This is a project that can be done by one qualified contractor within a few hours. There are no disruptions on your property when the work is in progress.
  4. Aesthetic appeal: This foundation repair technology will not devalue the aesthetic appeal of your property. You can even paint over the Rhino carbon fiber to ensure the wall is uniform.
  5. Cost-effective: This is now the most affordable foundation repair solution for different forms of foundation damage including cracks and bowing.

A damaged foundation can ruin your precious investment. It is thus important to call in a qualified contractor to inspect the extent of damage before deploying Rhino carbon fiber technology.