Your foundation walls, as strong as they are, can move over time. These walls, particularly the ones made with concrete block, can bow inward due to pressure from the surrounding earth and from heaving during our unpredictable Chicagoland winters. Left alone and ignored, the shifted foundation walls can lead to serious structural problems. U.S. Waterproofing’s basement wall bracing system can reinforce foundation walls and prevent further inward movement.
Why would the walls in your house shift?
In a word, pressure. The freeze/thaw cycle that occurs during our winters results in ground water freezing and then expanding the soil, which then creates pressure against the foundation walls. Some foundation walls that are made of poured concrete or concrete block are unable to withstand this pressure, and when that happens, the walls tilt inward. Movement can also take place in non-winter months when the soil is highly saturated from excess rains, which causes the soil to expand greatly.
How do basement wall braces help?
The same way dental braces help — instead of working on teeth, they stop your walls from shifting. U.S. Waterproofing installs the Superior™ Wall Bracing System, which uses the weight of the house and the strength of the floor to support the foundation wall and prevent further tilting. Powerful steel channels are secured to the footing at the base of the wall. Brackets are then attached to the joists of the home and tightened to apply pressure to the wall brace. The complete basement wall bracing unit stabilizes the wall and can even return it to a straighter or original position if needed in extreme situations.
Why choose the U.S. Waterproofing’s Superior™ Wall Bracing System?
There are other ways to reinforce foundation walls, but they are unnecessarily complex and expensive. Steel rods can be anchored in the soil, but that is as disruptive as it sounds. A sizable steel structure can be built to support the foundation from the interior, but that’ll cost you. Our maintenance free solution allows the wall to be finished with drywall or paneling (so your nice basement stays nice). Along with an outstanding warranty, you’ll have peace of mind knowing the structural integrity of your house will no longer be compromised. Schedule your free consultation today!