Foundation Repair Case Studies: Block Foundation Needs Support, Lakefield, ON
Challenge
In Lakefield, Ontario, these new home buyers had water problems in their basements. During wet days and spring thawing, their sump pump would go off non-stop. They investigated the issue and realized that their block foundation had cracks, which raised concerns about the home's structural integrity. The homeowners had the luxury of having their property sit higher in the backyard and slope to the front of the house. Unfortunately, the previous homeowners reformed the dirt near the same side of the cracks and during wet months, pressure was added to the foundation wall, which caused cracking. After contacting our team at Clarke Basement Systems, our Project Manager for that region, Ryan Hanlon, came into the home for a further inspection.
Solution
Based on the situation, he planned to prevent the wall from caving in and seal off any water that may enter through the cracks. The system he recommended was our Carbon Armour. This solution is a malleable roll of carbon fibre, but when put on the wall with a chemically bound resin solution, it cures harder than steel. Compared to a steel plate, Carbon Armour sits flush with the wall, is manipulatable, and doesn't require drilling. The homeowners found the solution fascinating, and with Ryan's explanation, they knew it was the best solution for their home. On a later scheduled date, our installation team, with Foreman Alan Murphy and Specialist Andrew Latour, arrived on the scene. There was prep needed before the Carbon Armour was put up, and that was sanding the painted block foundation. There was a white paint coating along the targeted walls, and with a bit of sanding, they reached the bare wall to apply the carbon. The targeted areas where the wall facing the front of the home and some of the block foundation in the furnace room. The walls were prepped, and Alan began sealing minor cracks with FlexiSpan® caulking. Now, it was time to apply the CarbonArmor. Measured and rolled with resin, the carbon made its way perfectly into the main room and into the tight-squeezed sections in the furnace room. Before the homeowner knew it, the job was complete. Alan explained how the system works and the aftercare/curing process. The husband of the home was impressed by how flush the system was against the wall. One less worry for these new homeowners.