Over the years our customers have requested a way to combat cracking, bowing and tilting foundation walls. In the old days, companies used a process called core filling in which the hollow blocks of the foundation are filled with concrete. This system was fine for stabilizing the foundation but made it even more difficult to solve your basement water problem. Others have installed steel I-beams to stabilize basement walls. I-beams take up an additional 6” of wall space that can be a challenge to finish and decorate around. Plus steel can corrode.
We use the most advanced foundation stabilization product on the market today–carbon fiber straps from Fortress Stabilization Systems–for the most elegant, least intrusive solution for foundation stabilization. Carbon fiber is stronger than steel. It doesn’t rust or mildew and is not susceptible to alkali deterioration. In the construction industry, carbon fiber technology has replaced old style methods of structural reinforcement for bridge construction, building rehabilitation, foundation reinforcement and more.
First, our crews make sure the block wall is free of paint and debris. Then we install a device called a “necktie” by bolting it to the rim joist. The necktie is attached over the block so it can be bound to the wall with the carbon fiber strap. Epoxy is applied to the wall and the carbon fiber strap is installed and encased in epoxy. Blocking is added between floor joists to further stiffen the installation. Once the Fortress Stabilization System is installed that wall won’t move again.
Fortress is the only foundation wall stabilization system with ICC building code certification. Why does ICC certification matter? An ICC-ES approved product can be immediately identified by any code official, home inspector, or bank appraiser as building code approved. The ICC ESR report number identifies the Fortress system as approved by every local building code agency in the United States. This means a Fortress certified product will pass every building code inspection so you can have peace of mind that it’s safe for your home.
Fortress Stabilization Systems transferable lifetime warranty together with ICC-ES certification will show potential buyers and lending institutions that you installed the best system available if you ever decide to sell your home.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any additional questions or to request a free, no obligation estimate.