Basement Wall Bracing In North Carolina
Builders understand the bar is set extremely high for them. Their clients expect and deserve a near-flawless outcome when they purchase new construction. Although builders have ultimate responsibility for the quality of the finished project, they may not have as much control over it as they would like.
When something goes wrong, they may need expert help to regain the trust of their customers. That’s why, when it comes to fixing cracks in a basement wall in new construction, many builders turn to Foundation Repair Services. We’re the Southeast leader in providing basement wall bracing in North Carolina.
If you’re experiencing trouble with basement walls, get in touch with our experts today. We’ve helped countless builders deal with these issues. Call or contact us online to receive an estimate.
When Should You Call for Help?
Any signs of cracking or crumbling in a home’s foundation, especially when it is new, should be viewed with concern. The first indication of trouble typically is the appearance of cracks in the slab wall, block or mortar. Cracks can run vertical, diagonal, horizontal or stair step. Cracks running horizontal along the basement wall at about mid-height with bowing indicate the most stress from the earth pushing against it . Cracks such as these are almost never simply a cosmetic issue — they’re usually an indicator that serious problems exist. This is when you should call us for basement wall bracing in North Carolina.
What Causes Such Damage?
Even in new construction, foundation cracks can appear. They have almost nothing to do with the age of the concrete and practically everything to do with the conditions surrounding it. For example, some of the most common reasons for basement walls to fail include:
- Lateral pressure — If there is too much pressure from the soil surrounding the structure, even the strongest concrete may begin to buckle or crumble.
- Excess water — If there is improper drainage around a basement, the moisture can cause the earth to expand, creating intense force against the walls. Even leaky plumbing can contribute to this if left unfixed for too long.
- Wall construction — Occasionally, the design of the structure may not withstand the lateral pressure of the outside earth. Having a builder that understands the region’s soil is important.
- Soil composition — Foundations built on expansive clay or fill soils that were not properly compacted can experience issues.
- Tree roots — If the roots of nearby trees come too close to your foundation, they can start to exert pressure on the walls that lead to cracking and shifting.
Why Do Cracks Appear in New Construction
It’s normal to see some small, hairline cracks forming in a new home’s foundation. This is because the concrete can settle and shrink during the curing process. These can either be patched for aesthetic reasons with basement crack sealer or left alone. However, if cracks appear larger or have water seeping through them, it’s time to call a professional.
Options and Solutions for Builders
These types of repairs call for specialized experience and expertise. We have over 20 years experience and know exactly what it takes to deliver the best results in many situations. We not only can fix cracks in basement walls, but also address the conditions that led to the failure in the first place.
Two of the most common solutions are:
- Carbon fiber reinforcement — This involves attaching carbon fiber straps from top to bottom along the walls, using epoxy to hold them in place. This is a relatively fast, cost-effective method that creates minimal disturbance to the structure.
- Tiebacks — Typically used for shoring failing walls, these are installed through the walls and into the ground behind them to create a secure anchor. A plate installed on the face of the wall prevents it from buckling any further.
Contact Us for Expert Help
When a home you’ve built or are building, already shows signs of foundation trouble, don’t wait a single moment. Foundation Repair Services can provide complete, expert basement wall bracing in North Carolina To learn more about what we can do for you or to request an appointment, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to have cracks in your basement walls?
Concrete shrinks and shifts over time due to settling, so you may notice some tiny cracks appearing in your basement walls. These usually aren’t cause for concern and can be fixed with basement crack sealer unless they become wider than a hairline crack or allow water into your basement.
How can you tell if a crack is structural?
If you notice cracks that have a stair-step pattern, cracks that are more than 1/8” in width or vertical cracks that are wider at the bottom or top, these are most likely signs of structural issues that should be addressed as soon as possible.
Does carbon fiber straighten a basement wall?
Installing carbon fiber straps are a commonly used method of straightening basement walls that are bowing inward. They stabilize and reinforce the wall so they will resist lateral pressure more effectively than before.