WALL BRACING

What is wall bracing? Wall Bracing refers to the system or method used to resist lateral (sideways) forces acting on a structure, such as those caused by wind, earthquakes, or soil pressure. The primary goal of wall bracing is to prevent a building's walls from moving or collapsing under these forces. It involves the use of structural elements—such as diagonal braces, shear walls, or reinforced framing—that transfer the lateral loads safely to the foundation or other parts of the building.

In our area, wall bracing is especially useful for homes built on high plasticity soils. These soils change in pressure throughout the year, which can put significant stress on your foundation and lead to structural issues. Shifting soil and poor drainage near the exterior of your home can cause the foundation walls to lean inward. When the soil around and under your foundation gets wet, it can put pressure on the foundation walls, which causes them to start bowing inward.  Wall bracing will help maintain the integrity of the building's framework and prevents it from shifting or distorting. 

There is a common misconception that wall bracing only applies to basements but it can also be applied to above-grade walls. (The ones above ground level). Here are a few examples of how wall bracing can be applied to areas beyond basements and above-grade walls that require additional lateral support.

Crawl Spaces: For homes with crawl spaces, wall bracing helps keep foundation walls stable and prevents horizontal movement.

Retaining Walls: In certain situations, retaining walls that are part of a foundation system can also use bracing to prevent shifting or tilting, especially in areas with expansive soils or high lateral loads.

Sheds, Garages, or Outbuildings: Smaller structures, like sheds or detached garages, may also use wall bracing as part of the foundation system, especially in areas where wind or seismic forces are a concern.

However, today we will focus on methods for wall brace installations in basements. There are several methods for installing wall bracing in basements, and the method chosen will depend on factors like the type of foundation, the severity of the problem, and local building codes.

1. Steel I-Beam Bracing

A steel I-beam is installed vertically against the bowed or leaning basement wall. The I-beam is typically placed near the center of the affected wall or at key points of stress. It is secured to the floor slab (or concrete foundation) at the bottom and to the ceiling or upper part of the wall at the top using heavy-duty brackets. It is usually positioned along the wall and can be tightened over time to correct any wall bowing or leaning. Steel I-beams are durable and effective at resisting lateral movement.

2. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Strips

Carbon fiber strips or sheets are adhered directly to the interior surface of the basement wall, using a strong epoxy adhesive. These strips are tensioned to the point where they prevent further movement of the wall, effectively reinforcing it. A huge advantage is that this method is non-invasive and doesn't require major alterations to the basement space.

3. Wooden or Metal Braces (Angle Bracing)

Wooden or metal braces are installed diagonally between the foundation wall and the floor or ceiling, forming a triangle-like support structure. They are fastened with heavy-duty anchors or screws. The angle of the braces helps to distribute the lateral loads and stabilize the wall. It is a relatively simple and cost-effective method of wall bracing. However, it may require more space in the basement than other methods.

4. Wall Anchors

Wall anchors involve installing a series of anchor plates inside the basement. A small hole is drilled through the basement wall to insert a steel rod. The rod is then attached to an anchor plate outside the house (usually on the exterior of the foundation wall). The rod and anchor plate system work together to pull the wall back toward its original position and hold it in place. Wall anchors are effective in stabilizing walls that are bowing outward due to soil pressure or other external forces. The installation requires no invasive work inside the home and can correct significant damage.

5. Tiebacks

Tiebacks are similar to wall anchors but use a system of steel cables or rods to tie the wall back to a more stable part of the foundation. A hole is drilled through the foundation wall, and a steel cable or rod is anchored on the outside of the foundation. This is then tensioned to pull the wall back into alignment. Tiebacks are a highly effective way to pull and stabilize walls, especially in more severe cases of bowing or leaning.

6. Reinforced Concrete Walls

For more serious foundation issues, reinforced concrete walls may be poured or placed against the existing basement wall to act as a new structural element. This is a more extensive method, requiring the removal of the existing finish materials and a section of the foundation wall to allow for new concrete reinforcement. Steel rebar is typically incorporated into the new concrete for added strength. It is a highly effective method for stabilizing severely damaged walls but can be more costly and disruptive.

While the benefits of wall bracing are many, there are some key considerations to take beforehand:

Space: some of these methods, like angle bracing or steel I-beams, may require additional space in the basement, which might be a concern for finished basements.

Cost: The cost can vary greatly depending on the method, ranging from relatively affordable carbon fiber strips to more expensive solutions like wall anchors or reinforced concrete.

Time: Installation times can vary depending on the method chosen. Methods like carbon fiber strips can be installed quickly, while systems like tiebacks or wall anchors may take longer.

Effectiveness: The severity of the damage to the wall will dictate which method is most appropriate. For significant structural issues, a more invasive method like wall anchors or reinforced concrete may be necessary, while minor bowing may only require carbon fiber strips.

In conclusion, choosing the right method for wall bracing in basements depends on the specific issues with the walls, the severity of the damage, and the available space. Consulting a professional structural engineer or contractor is crucial to ensure the most appropriate and effective solution is implemented.

So, if you have any questions or concerns regarding wall bracing, don’t hesitate to contact us. We provided guidance and solutions tailored to your specific needs. With free inspections and a commitment to excellence we pride ourselves on our honesty and transparency. Call us now and let us help secure your foundation with confidence!

And don’t forget to join us next time as we explore wall bracing methods for above-grade walls and other areas!