Foundation Wall Stabilization 101 in Michigan

 

If you have bowing, leaning, or cracked walls in your basement, you’ve probably browsed our wall repair products page (if not, go - we’ll wait). And you’ve probably wondered why there are so many options, and how to pick one.

 

Luckily, you can count on us to choose the correct option for your needs, but it’s still good to know the features of each system, and the differences between them.

 

Geo-Lock Wall Anchors:

 

Wall anchors are made from galvanized steel and a great choice to stop and potentially correct inward wall movement. The cable that connects the two sides of the anchor is drilled through the wall and the soil and anchored at a point in the yard where soil is determined to be stable. A plate inside the basement and at the anchor point provides stability. Wall anchors can be tightened each year to hopefully straighten the wall over time.

 

One drawback to wall anchors is that they do require some external excavation, so if you have a very small yard with tight property lines, they may not be the best solution for your home.

 

PowerBraces:

 

PowerBraces are steel I-beams that are secured to the joists with steel brackets. They are adjustable, meaning like Wall Anchors, they can also be tightened over time to return the wall to its original position. They also don’t require any exterior excavation and install quickly with little disruption to your basement.

 

PowerBraces do stick out from the walls a little, so there is a slight loss of space and also the visual of steel beams in your basement, but that’s better than a collapsed wall, right?

 

CarbonArmor System:

 

CarbonArmor straps are made from a fiber reinforced polymer that’s ten times stronger than steel and attached with a special epoxy resin, then secured with steel brackets. Like PowerBraces, CarbonArmor doesn’t require any external excavation, and its low profile design means it won’t impact basement finishing projects in the future.

 

Unlike PowerBraces and Wall Anchors, CarbonArmor straps can’t be “tightened” in the same way and thus will stabilize bowing walls but don’t offer the same straightening amount of straightening potential.

 

Regardless of your home’s needs - and your own - we have a wall stabilization system for you. Call today to schedule your free inspection and estimate.