Your foundation may become cracked, bowed or otherwise compromised for a number of reasons. Water pressure from outside of the wall is one common reason for a foundation problem. Pressure from soil, earth and tree roots is another common cause. If you have other construction near your home, such as a porch or outbuilding that is not properly supported by a foundation the same depth as the one for the rest of your home, this can lead to bowing and cracking. Finally, if heavy equipment is used too near the walls of your foundation during or after construction or if the builders who constructed your home filled in the area surrounding your foundation with large rocks or other unsuitable material, this too can lead to a foundation problem.
Regardless of the reason why your foundation is having problems, those problems are going to need to be fixed if you want to maintain the integrity of your home.
Ways to Fix Your Foundation
The appropriate way to fix your foundation is going to depend both on the cause of the bowing and cracking and on the extent of the foundation problems that are occurring. Your budget can also have an impact on what method of foundation repair you choose, although it is important to consider the effect of the decision over the long-term and not to skimp on foundation repairs.
Some of your options for repairing our foundation include:
• The use of a fortress stabilization system. This involves using carbon fiber or Kevlar straps in order to prevent the shifting of your walls. Along with special epoxy, these carbon fiber or Kevlar strips can help to repair your foundation in a cost-effective and simple way.
• Reinforcement with steel I beams. These beams help to provide added support that helps to keep your foundation strong. The beams are attached to your home’s floor joists as well as attached to the floors in the basement to bear the weight of the foundation walls that are bowing. Although this method is not as popular as the use of a fortress stabilization system since the beams create obstructions in your basement, it is still a good option in certain cases. » Read more: Different Means of Fixing Your Foundation