3 Types of Foundation Wall Braces: Which Do Contractors Think Is Best?
Working with a trusted local foundation wall brace contractor is the most effective way to repair failing foundation walls.
Wall braces are useful for permanently stabilizing and potentially straightening cracking and bowing basement walls. The key is installing them correctly.
That’s where professionals like Ohio Basement Authority come in. We take the guesswork out of foundation repair with wall braces and ensure your home’s longtime protection.
Learn about why you might need foundation wall braces and which method is the best approach to safeguard your home.
Signs Your Home Needs Foundation Wall Braces
Your home could benefit from repairs from a foundation wall brace contractor if you notice these problem signs:
Structural Damage
Moisture Damage
What Causes Foundation Wall Failure?
The interaction between water and your property’s soil causes most foundation problems like cracking and bowing walls.
When expansive clay soil—common throughout much of Central and Southern Ohio—is exposed to fluctuating precipitation, it expands and contracts. This constant movement stresses your basement walls.
The resulting force is known as hydrostatic pressure, which pushes on your walls, leading to cracks and bowing. Water easily leaks inside and leads to other issues like elevated humidity and mold.
Avoid dangerous and costly damage; regularly check your basement for these problems and reach out to local experts right away.
3 Foundation Wall Brace Options
Factors like the extent of damage and location impact what type of repair works best for your home.
Here are three common wall brace solutions.
1. Wooden Beams or Steel Pipes
Attaching boards directly to a wall will not stop foundation movement or shifting. Wood lacks the strength and structural integrity to bear the weight and pressures exerted by exterior soil.
Likewise, attempting to brace walls with wooden beams or metal pipes installed at angled positions is ineffective and obtrusive. These makeshift reinforcement methods simply do not possess the load-bearing capacity required to stabilize and support basement walls.
This is also a dangerous DIY endeavor that can result in further damage and more expensive repairs.
2. Standard I-Beams
Although structural steel I-beams are available at big-box stores and frequently used for foundation wall repair, improper installation can lead to severe damage to the floor joists.
Many I-beams are made of uncoated steel or painted steel, both of which are susceptible to corrosion over time. This corrosion can result in unsightly rust and compromise the stability and integrity of the support system. Rust and deterioration of the I-beam materials pose a significant risk, potentially rendering the foundation reinforcement unsafe and ineffective.
3. IntelliBrace™ Wall Braces
Ohio Basement Authority offers the IntelliBrace™ System, a superior alternative to conventional steel beams.
At first glance, the IntelliBrace™ wall braces resemble typical I-beams. However, our beams are treated to resist corrosion.
While permanently stabilizing the foundation walls in their current positions, the true strength of IntelliBrace™ beams lies in their adjustability for potential wall straightening over time.
Our team uses a special torque wrench to adjust the top of each beam, allowing for controlled tightening for potential wall realignment.
A Closer Look at the IntelliBrace™ System: How We Install It
Innovative design and customization sets the IntelliBrace™ system apart from other solutions. Here’s a step-by-step look at the installation process:
- Determine the number of necessary beams and their locations
- Cut each beam to the proper size
- Attach each beam to a floor joist
- Align each beam on the walls
- Bolt each beam to the basement floor
- Tighten beams as needed
Every home is different and requires its own unique set of repairs. Your installation may be different, but this is a high-level look at our specialized foundation wall braces and how they are installed. The process is straightforward for professionals, but you should not attempt to install them on your own.
Trust the Foundation Wall Brace Contractors at Ohio Basement Authority
Delaying basement repairs puts your home at risk for worsening structural damage, and DIY projects are temporary and potentially hazardous. At Ohio Basement Authority, safeguarding your home’s integrity is our top priority. From the initial inspection, we ensure a smooth, efficient process.
Protect your greatest investment and your family’s well-being by choosing Ohio Basement Authority’s proven basement repair solutions like foundation wall braces. Schedule a free inspection today and take that crucial first step towards securing your home’s structural health for years to come.
FAQs
We offer various methods to address cracking and bowing basement walls. Repairs are tailored to meet your home’s unique needs. Along with specialized wall braces, we install wall anchors, channel anchors, and carbon fiber reinforcements.
Foundation wall bracing systems like the IntelliBrace™ require professional installation by trained basement repair specialists. Do not attempt to install wall braces yourself, as improper placement or technique could worsen existing structural damage or create new safety hazards.
Periodic adjustments can be made based on the wall’s condition, typically annually. This is best left to the Ohio Basement Authority service team.
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