Foundation Cracks
Cracks in basement foundations can be found in almost every home. They are usually in corners or from corners of windows, as well as pour lines, in holes for service lines, or rod ties. Since the soil on which houses are built varies, not every foundation settles at the same point, which can cause foundation cracks in your basement. It is important to repair all cracks as soon as they are discovered to avoid more extensive damage.
Basement Crack
There are different types of basement cracks. Hairline cracks usually form within the first month. The biggest problem these can cause is water leakage. Other types include horizontal cracks, and cracks with misaligned edges or continuing movement. These basement cracks may require a professional.
Epoxy Injection Materials
When epoxy adheres to concrete, it creates a bond that is stronger than the foundation, providing for a completely sealed waterproof structure. Emecole manufacturers a complete line of multi-viscosity epoxy resins for the repair of poured concrete foundation cracks.
Structural cracks in concrete are caused by movement in the foundation, thus resulting in long-term creeping and fatiguing of concrete. Crack repair by injection alone may not be a permanent solution. Epoxy injection in structural repair is a suitable first phase, yet a second phase may be necessary. The repair process must be made permanent by addressing movement.
The use of Carbon Fiber Countersunk Staples provides the necessary reinforcement. By cross-stitching crack repair with Countersunk Staples, creep and fatigue is eliminated and improves long-term performance of repair material.
Carbon fiber has proven to be a safer and more effective product for structural reinforcement than steel. Countersunk Staples, when installed, lay flat against the wall, leaving the wall with no obstruction and ready to paint. Countersunk staples will not rust or deteriorate.
There are many reasons a concrete foundation wall will crack, some of the most common reasons are:
- Soil pressure on the wall
- Thermal changes in soil and concrete
- Settling of footing
- Uneven loading of structure
- Drying and shrinkage
- Soil shrinkage in the dry season
By applying Countersunk Staples across the face of the crack, the load is distributed away from the glue line to the portion of the concrete that is not cracked. This prevents fatigue and re-cracking at the injection glue line.
With Countersunk Staples installed, you can be confident the crack will not re-occur and the repair will last the life of your home. The wall is permanently stabilized in the area of the crack.
Soil pressure can fracture a block or concrete foundation wall, causing horizontal and vertical cracks and/or bowing. The foundation must be stabilized to assure that a homeowner retains the full value of his or her home. A fractured basement wall is serious trouble and a major hamper on the value and sale of the home.
The Carbon Fiber/Kevlar grid halts any further movement of a block or concrete wall. It will do it easily, safely and without any outside excavation. The grid lies flat against the wall and when painted over, are hardly noticeable. The wall will never bow or crack again.
Carbon fiber / Kevlar grid straps have an extremely low profile that virtually makes them invisible, while other systems like steel bracing can protrude 6” – 12” from the wall. Unlike steel bracing, carbon fiber does not rust! Carbon fiber straps can be covered over with paints or other coatings to further enhance the looks of the finished repair.
Advantages of using Carbon Fiber Grid Straps
- Straps conform to bowed walls
- No excavating
- Will not deteriorate
- Straps will not rust
- Most repairs finished in one day
- No drilling
- No lifting of heavy steel
- Consistent material properties
- Peel–ply self bonding
- Backed by the “Fortress Lifetime Warranty”
These hi-tech Carbon Fiber/Kevlar grid will permantely repair cracked or moving foundations without steel I-beams or tie-backs, leaving your walls with no unsightly obstructions and ready to paint. The repair is permanent and guaranteed for the life of the home. In most cases, certified installers can finish an installation in one day, leaving the wall ready to be painted.
