Some homes rely on the basement for structural support, and homeowners rely on this area for extra storage or living space. Carbon fiber wall reinforcement keeps your basement walls protected from outside forces like the area’s weak Monongahela soil or draining groundwater. With this foundation solution, Basement Authority of West Virginia helps keep basements in Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Wheeling, and surrounding areas safe from collapse.
How Carbon Fiber Wall Reinforcement Works
While every basement wall is different, Basement Authority of West Virginia uses the same basic process during installation. Here’s what you can expect from our team.
- Wall Preparation: For the carbon fiber supports to work, basement walls need to be prepped. First, our team will make sure the wall is completely dry and clean of any debris or grime. Next, we’ll have to grind and roughen small sections of the wall where the reinforcements will eventually be placed.
- Placing the Reinforcements: Epoxy resin is applied to the roughened section of the basement wall to provide adhesion for the reinforcements. After the resin is placed, our team inserts the carbon reinforcements into the specified sections of your basement wall.
- Anchoring the Reinforcements: Once the reinforcements are properly positioned, we provide extra measures to ensure they stay firmly in place. We attach steel brackets at the top of the wall which then run through the entire reinforcement system. After these brackets are in place, the carbon wall reinforcements are providing sturdy support to the wall.
- Last Coat of Resin: Last, we apply another coat of epoxy resin to the surface of the reinforcements to seal them against the wall. Additionally, dried resin provides your basement wall with even more protection against cracking or bowing. Once this final process is complete, your basement wall is protected from hazardous elements outside.
What Makes Our Carbon Fiber Wall Reinforcements Stand Out?
- Advanced Strength: Did you know that carbon fiber is actually 10 times stronger than steel? That means this solution is guaranteed to provide more protection than standard steel wall support beams. Plus, the epoxy resin doubles the strength of the reinforcements for the ultimate durability.
- Slick Design: Another benefit of our reinforcements is their unobtrusive design. Traditional wall supports are often clunky and may take up valuable floor and wall space in your basement. Our low-profile carbon fiber reinforcements lay flat on your basement wall to save you space and stay out of the way while still providing exceptional support.
- Fast Installation: Since our carbon fiber reinforcements are lighter and take up less space than traditional wall supports, our team can get them installed much quicker. We don’t have to transport large metal beams below your home, and we don’t have to drill a ton of brackets into the wall. Even better, you can get back to using your basement without disruption to your daily routine.
Signs Your Home Needs Carbon Fiber Wall Reinforcement
Cracks in Basement Walls
Cracks are more visible signs of basement and foundation issues, and they can play a big role in basement flooding. If your basement walls continue to bend due to outside factors, it’ll only be a matter of time before new cracks appear or old ones reopen. Horizontal cracks, in particular, are a telltale sign that the basement walls are being affected by hydrostatic pressure.
Basement Walls That Are Slightly Bowing
Bowing basement walls are another visible sign of hydrostatic pressure at work. The walls will begin to buckle and inwardly move. Basement walls that are bowing less than 2″ are ideal for carbon fiber wall reinforcements. These straps keep the walls in place and prevent them from splitting or moving further. However, walls that bow more than 2″ require solutions such as wall anchors or specialized beams to repair and return them to their previous places.
Basement Walls That Leak
Hydrostatic pressure causes not just cracking and bowing basement walls, but also leaking walls. Any moisture from the outside should be unable to pass through your basement walls. However, if you notice pools of water collecting in your basement, you should be concerned. Leaks of any type should never be ignored or discounted. They have the ability to flood your basement and cause significant water damage.
FAQs
We don’t advise it. While filling in a crack with caulk or another DIY solution may offer a visual fix, it isn’t addressing the actual issue – problematic soil and settlement. Carbon fiber wall reinforcements make it so soil cannot cause your basement wall to crack. DIY solutions can’t provide the same level of protection.
Cracks in your basement wall may allow water to leak into the area below your home. As moisture levels rise, this can lead to mold, efflorescence, and musty odors. Some of these can put your health at risk, while other simply make your home feel or look unpleasant. Carbon wall reinforcements keep your home and basement secure from these symptoms.
That all depends on the size of your basement wall and how extensive the damage is. Basement Authority of West Virginia offers free inspections to homeowners so you can have an idea of price points and the exact situation before you commit. Remember, no foundation or situation is the same for any home, so taking advantage of our free inspection can only benefit you!
Call Basement Authority of West Virginia for a Free Inspection
Your basement can serve any number of functions including storage space, living space, and somewhere to keep important appliances. For that reason, protecting your basement walls is key to keeping your home safe. Our team is here to provide carbon fiber wall reinforcement to homeowners in Charleston, Huntington, Morgantown, Wheeling, and surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn even more about foundation repair and to schedule a free inspection with one of our specialists!
