Are carbon fiber straps a good idea for wall cracks? The answer may surprise you! Some contractors claim that carbon fiber straps are a cure-all for foundation problems. Here are the facts.
Timestamps: 00:01:28 - Skip the cartoon intro 00:02:48 - What is carbon fiber, & what are its uses? 00:04:22- How does it work? 00:05:50- How is it installed & can you DIY? 00:11:15- When you should & should not use it 00:15:44- Types of carbon fiber straps 00:17:30- Advantages of CarbonArmor 00:19:30- Carbon Fiber Strap Advantages (pros of carbon straps in general) 00:20:05- When to use WallDefense straps
The possible uses for carbon fiber are many and still being explored. In our industry, we agreed with the many who thought it was smart to apply the technology used for bridges, skyscrapers, and bomb shelters, to a cracked or bowing wall. Because of its very high tensile strength (doesnât stretch), it can be adhered to concrete walls to keep them from bowing inward. Today itâs a common method used to reinforce foundation walls. If installed properly- emphasis on properly- they can effectively hold the bowing wall in place but, be aware, that the wall will never be able to move back to its original position. There are three kinds of straps that are common: -Baked, rigid carbon fiber, which is almost a plate-like strap. - Baked, vertical carbon fiber strips intertwined with horizontal Kevlar to create a âgridâ strap. - And wet layup fabric straps such as CarbonArmor made by Supportworks If your basement wall is bowing in the middle and HASNâT started to slide in at the bottom, or lean in at the top, and if your wall crack DOESNâT have differential movement on either side of the crack, then carbon fiber straps may be a suitable option. Carbon fiber is also a good choice to consider when you have limited access in your basement, since no large equipment is needed and it doesnât take up space after installation. Pros: Itâs a low profile design that wonât take up your basement space and works in tight spaces. It presents minimal disruption to your home and wonât disturb your lawn or landscaping. If you want to finish your basement, you donât have to worry about ugly black strips on your walls. You can paint over these systems to conceal them. The installation and cure times are fast and everything is completed within one day. There is no maintenance involved after the project is finished. Carbon fiber straps are a good solution if your wall hasnât started bowing heavily yet and the cracks are no wider than the thickness of a dime. You should always consult an engineer before installing them, since the results are extremely dependent on a variety of factors that the average homeowner is unaware of. There are different types of carbon fiber straps, some better than others. The highest quality system is called CarbonArmor by Supportworks. Dry Guys has access to any system you choose, but we do recommend the leading system in the industry, a system that, only a certified dealer of Supportworks like us, is authorized to install. Whatever you go with, make sure you take into account tilt resistance as this can compromise the entire system, and adhesion to the wall is very important. This system is not the cure-all for wall cracks, so beware of any contractors that treat it as such. DIY is not recommended if you arenât an engineer or you donât want to put in the effort to pay close attention to detail. The cost of carbon fiber can be less than adjustable steel I-beams such as our PowerBraces, but unlike what many will tell you, it is NOT a substitute for steel. The two systems serve different purposes, and each has its place. Know the difference. Get the proper system for your specific problem. Sometimes PowerBraces are necessary. Sometimes you need our Geo-lock earth anchors. Sometimes your problem is not what you think it is.
