Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Basement From Cracks and Leaking

1. Wall Anchors

Wall anchors are one of the best solutions for when cracked basement walls. Especially when the issues is caused by hydrostatic pressure, an issue arising from excess water in the soil around your basement. Generally made of steel, wall anchors are installed outside your house in stable, hard-packed soil, away from the zone of pressure. They are connected via a steel rod to a wall plate on the interior side of the compromised basement wall, forming a sturdy brace against the exerted pressure.

What sets wall anchors apart is their dual functionality – not only do they arrest the progression of wall damage, but they can also reverse it. By making controlled tension adjustments over time, your basement walls can be progressively restored to their original position, thus reclaiming the structural integrity of your home. The wall anchor system offered by Foundation Repair of Western Colorado provides a comprehensive, long-term solution to hydrostatic pressure-related basement problems.

2. Carbon Fiber Reinforcement

When it comes to combating bowing walls, carbon fiber reinforcement is an effective, minimally invasive solution. It utilizes carbon fiber, a material celebrated for its impressive strength-to-weight ratio (even surpassing steel in certain aspects). Carbon fiber straps are directly adhered to your basement walls, creating a powerful reinforcement layer that effectively halts any further bowing or movement due to external pressures.

But the true beauty of carbon fiber reinforcement lies in its subtle and sleek application. Unlike bulky braces or beams, carbon fiber straps are thin and almost invisible once installed, causing minimal disruption to the aesthetics of your living or storage spaces. Plus, they require no exterior excavation, which makes the installation process even less intrusive. For a solution that blends strength with subtlety, our carbon fiber reinforcement system is a proven and effective choice.

3. Pier Systems

When addressing foundation settlement issues leading to cracks in your basement, pier systems provide an optimal solution. Foundation settlement often occurs due to soil conditions beneath your home. Whether it’s loose, compressible soil or expansive clay, these conditions cause the soil to shift, leading to unsettling and cracking of your home’s foundation.

Pier systems, like the push piers and helical piers used by Foundation Repair of Western Colorado, are designed to rectify this problem. Installed deep beneath your home until they reach stable soil or bedrock, these piers act as sturdy supports, transferring your home’s weight away from the unstable soil. The load of your home is thus borne by the piers, and the foundation settlement is halted.

The result is a long-term solution that not only stops further damage to your foundation but can also lift your home back to its original level, improving the overall stability and integrity of your home. For homeowners grappling with foundation settlement issues, our reliable pier systems offers a proven, efficient solution.

4. I-Beams

I-beams are a sturdy solution for walls buckling because of expansive soils or hydrostatic pressure. Much like carbon fiber reinforcement, I-beams provide strength and stability, but they do so using a different approach. Composed of steel, I-beams are vertical structures that are installed alongside your basement walls to provide the much-needed support they need to resist bowing and buckling.

Each I-beam works by acting as a robust brace, with one end secured firmly against the basement floor and the other against the floor joists above. This setup allows the I-beam to evenly distribute the pressure exerted on the wall, effectively counteracting the forces that cause your basement walls to bow or crack.

Foundation Repair of Western Colorado uses the IntelliBrace™ system, a steel I-beam that keeps basement walls stiff and bolstered against damage.

5. Basement Sump Pumps

Rounding out our list, but no less important, are basement sump pumps – a crucial line of defense against water-related damages to your basement. Water can find its way into your basement through a variety of ways, be it minor leaks, seepage through cracks, or even major floods. Over time, these water issues can lead to a myriad of problems, such as mold growth, structural damages, and deteriorated air quality.

A sump pump serves as your basement’s personal sentinel against these water problems. Installed in the lowest part of your basement, it works by collecting water into a sump basin and then pumping it out and away from your home before it can cause any damage. Regardless of the source or extent of the water problem, the sump pump works tirelessly to maintain a dry and safe environment in your basement.

Whether you’re dealing with recurring leaks or you’re simply looking to take preventative measures, a basement sump pump is an excellent investment for protecting your home. With Foundation Repair of Western Colorado, you can be assured of top-notch sump pump solutions tailored to keep your basement dry and your home’s structural integrity intact.