How Do You Fix A Bowing Concrete Wall?
How Do You Fix A Bowing Concrete Wall?
The fundamental approach to repairing a bent concrete block wall is to stabilize it, stopping any additional movement and increasing the wall’s strength to resist lateral pressure.
Steel and carbon fiber are two popular materials used to support these walls, and each has advantages.
Steel
The typical way of restoring bent block walls is to use steel bracing. Previously, the steel utilized was the typical I-beam, which, while extremely strong, did not fit the wall, resulting in a bulky and highly apparent fix.
This made finishing a basement difficult and generated an unwanted “red flag” for purchasers when the house was placed up for sale.
Because of the availability of stronger, lighter steel, it is now possible to utilize a considerably lower profile beam, known as channel steel that conforms to the wall.
This channel steel is joined to the floor joist above and is fastened to the foundation footing.
A screw jack tightens the steel channel against the wall, resulting in a permanent fix that requires no more adjustment or maintenance.
The channel steel enables the homeowner to complete the basement by erecting a standard 2×4 stud wall over it.
Channel steel is utilized for more severely damaged walls, those that have displaced more than 2 inches, or where the concrete blocks have slipped out of place.
Carbon fiber is the recommended repair material for minor damage due to its reduced cost and low visibility.
Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber is a super-strong, super-light material used in autos, bicycles, and commercial airplanes. It takes the shape of long narrow woven strips for the rehabilitation of bent concrete block walls.
To fix the wall, the concrete surface where the strip will be installed is smoothed down to produce a smooth surface for adhesion.
The strip is then vertically bonded to the wall with industrial-grade epoxy at intervals chosen by the size of the wall and the amount of damage.
This strip is indestructible when it cures and stabilizes the wall against additional movement or damage.
The final repair leaves just a minor change in the surface of the wall, which is practically invisible if the wall is painted. Stud walls can be built to complete the basement as though no repairs were ever made.
