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3 Types of Foundation Wall Braces: Which Do Contractors Think Is Best?

IntelliBraceâ„¢ foundation wall braces installed on a basement wall

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:

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

wall braces improperly installed on a cracking basement wall

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

closeup of IntelliBraceâ„¢ foundation wall brace installed in a basement

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:

crew installing IntelliBraceâ„¢ beams
  • 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. 

Holly Richards-Purpura

Holly Richards-Purpura

Content Writer

Holly is a Content Writer for Groundworks who has written and edited web content for the foundation services industry for almost 10 years. With a background in journalism, her passion for the written word runs deep. Holly lives in Columbus, OH, with her husband. Along with educating homeowners, she also has a big heart for the Big Apple.

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Ohio Basement Authority Service area

Our Locations

Akron Office

429 Portage Blvd
Kent, OH 44240

Cincinnati Office

1270 Hillsmith Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45215

Cleveland Office

7950 Bavaria Rd.
Twinsburg, OH 44087

Columbus Office

2421 McGaw Rd.
Obetz, OH 43207

Dayton Office

70 Birch Alley, Suite 240
Beavercreek, OH, 45440

Dublin Office

5650 Blazer Memorial Pkwy, #124
Dublin, OH 43017