If you have a concrete block foundation that appears to be bowing inward, then you should invest in a repair as soon as possible. This is necessary to prevent a major flooding issue and the need for extensive block replacement efforts. There are a few different ways that the bowing can be addressed. Keep reading to learn about a few of them.
Exterior Bracing
The most common method of repairing your block foundation involves setting up steel beams. These beams are placed in the soil outside your home and act as a brace to keep the blocks from shifting any further. In this way, the beams help to increase strength so that water pressure can no longer force the blocks to shift.
While larger beams were used in the past to build the bracing system, much lighter ones are now available. This allows the steel to sit closer to the blocks so they conform to the existing structure. The metal sits underneath the earth as well to retain your home's aesthetic value, and the beams are attached to the foundation footers to keep them secure.
You should understand that the bracing system will keep your foundation from bowing any further, but you should reduce the stress on the blocks by having a drainage system installed. Since water pressure is often the cause of the bowing issue, adding drainage tile around the perimeter of the foundation is best to draw fluid away from the soil.
Carbon Fiber
If you want to invest in a foundation repair in the winter or if you are opposed to having your yard ripped up to make the fix, then you can invest in a repair completed inside the home. This is possible with a carbon fiber repair process. This involves the adhesion of long carbon fiber strips that are adhered vertically to the concrete blocks. Like the steel braces, this provides structure, support, and strength to keep the foundation from bowing any further.
The carbon fiber repair requires the grinding of the concrete blocks to create a channel. Inside the channel, the carbon fiber strip is adhered. The strips are added to the foundation every foot or more until the entire foundation is reinforced. Afterward, the strips and the concrete blocks are coated or painted. This helps with retaining the beauty of your basement space.
If you want to know more about basement foundation repairs and the ways that bowing issues are addressed, speak with a professional near you.
