Aquaguard Basement Systems
Basement Wall stabilization..?
I would love some input from anyone here who has had to repair damage on a load-bearing basement wall…
Mine has developed a long horizontal crack in it and I fear that it is only a matter of time before that wall become too unstable to support the weight of the house above it. So now I am looking into having it repaired.
I have done my homework and it looks like I probably have 2 options in order to accomplish this, Fortess Stabilization from AquaGuard or a Wall Anchor System. Has anyone here had to have anything like that done?
If so what sort of costs did you accrue? Was it destructive to your basement or landscaping? Have you noticed any problems since having it done?
Thanks in advance!
I used to work for a waterproofing company, and this is a common problem, especially in the clay belt region where the ground swells and contracts. A good contractor (and I suggest you contact several before settling on one) will provide a solution that does not damage your landscaping when the work is done, is not ultimately destructive to your basement (beyond rearranging while the work is being done) and is able to provide a long-term guarantee on the work.
The work can be expensive, because it is intrusive and labor-intensive. However, without getting the work done, as you noted, the damage will only increase and can become dangerous as well as being detrimental to the value of your house.
My former employers used Helical Piers to provide foundation support for the load-bearing wall (check out the link below for more info). Deep stabilization techniques are the best solution for this situation, because the shifting of the land is what causes the problem to begin with. Usually, the work requires digging several holes around the foundation of the wall, and drilling the piers down until they hit solid, hard rock.
What the other poster is referring to, about digging a trench around the perimeter of the foundation (can be done inside or outside, depending on circumstances) is a real waterproofing/de-watering job. It is crucial that groundwater have a place to go when it is absorbed after the rain. If the water is not collected and drained away from the house, it swells the earth and causes the kind of shifting and foundation issues you are having now. So, although the cost may be significant, I suggest that you have your current drainage system appraised and possibly upgraded if necessary. The good news is that a GOOD system (not necessarily just built to code) will not break down or stop working over time. It will protect your house and be a valuable asset should you ever decide to sell.
Good luck!
Aqua Guard LLC – Waterproofing in La Rue, OH
