Foundation Steel Beams: 4 Benefits of Basement Support Beams
Sooner or later, you may experience the effects of a failing foundation. When that day comes, you’ll notice that your floors look like they’re sagging, or you might see cracks forming in the corners where your walls meet.
Over time, foundations can experience problems due to soil settlement, hydrostatic pressure, or poor construction practices. Overlooking these issues or putting off foundational repair can have serious repercussions, leading to water intrusion, pest infestation, and further structural damage.
Luckily, you don’t have to stress if you’re starting to see signs of foundational damage. You can ensure the safety of your home with the help of a great foundation repair company! But how exactly does an expert go about strengthening your home?
Read on to learn about the benefits of steel support beams!
What Are Foundation Steel Beams?
Steel I Beams are installed vertically up against your foundation walls if there is a large horizontal crack and the wall is pushing inward. A carbon fiber reinforcement can be an alternative to typical steel beam basement wall supports, using a carbon fiber fabric made with high-strength strands. The material won’t stretch or break once applied to the basement wall with epoxy. Steel brackets hold the carbon fiber in place and provide additional support between the floor joists.
How Does Basement Support Beams Work?
A foundation repair company will use a steel replacement system to repair your foundation. The installation team will position the basement support beams flush against the wall. A small 6 X 6 section of the basement floor is broken, and the bottom of the beam is installed into the floor with new concrete poured around the beam. Then, the top of the beam is secured to the entire first-floor joist system. These components ensure the beams won’t shift or move.
4 Benefits of Foundation Steel Beams for Basement Walls
You have a wide range of options when considering foundation structural repairs. However, your contractor will choose the best option. If a wall can’t tolerate carbon fiber, then steel beam foundation reinforcements will be needed.
1. Structural Support and Stability
One of the best reasons to use foundation steel beams is their strength. That makes it ideal for basements where the expansion caused by soil moisture increases the pressure on the foundation. Adding steel beams for foundation support will offer excellent protection for years to come.
2. Longevity and Durability
Manufacturers using steel to make foundation support beams typically offer warranties of 35 years or longer. That’s because steel beams last for a minimum of 100 years. Once you install steel basement support beams, it’s unlikely that you’ll ever have to replace them for as long as you own your home.
3. Resistance to Warping and Splitting
Using steel beams in basement foundations provides a strong structure because steel is an inorganic material that won’t support mold growth. Unlike other common foundation materials, steel doesn’t absorb moisture, which prevents splitting and cracking. Even in the extreme heat of the summer months, steel won’t warp or bend — it retains its shape against all environmental threats. That’s why stabilizing basement walls with steel beams is the best option for regions prone to humidity, water exposure, or extreme weather conditions.
4. Design Flexibility and Aesthetics
Traditional foundation steel beams are more challenging to manage when designing a finished basement. When you choose carbon fiber or channel beams, it’s easy to conceal the support structure or include these supports in your design. Look for intumescent paint since this type of paint will add fire-resistant protection to the beams.
Expert Foundation Repair From Basement Waterproofing Solutions
When installed by professionals, steel beams provide unparalleled durability and strength. When you partner with the right foundation repair company, you’ll minimize the need for frequent repairs or adjustments. For homeowners, this means long-term cost savings and peace of mind.
It’s never too soon to schedule a foundation inspection. Basement Waterproofing Solutions can help you address moisture problems, foundation erosion, and other issues affecting your foundation to minimize the damage and repair cost.
With three generations of professional experience, Basement Waterproofing Solutions meets each job with our award-winning service and affordable pricing in New Jersey and Staten Island. We know your home is your haven, which is why we’re committed to ensuring the structural integrity of your house.
Our accreditation with the Better Business Bureau confirms that our services can provide peace of mind at prices you’ll love. Whether you need basement waterproofing in New Jersey, crawl space waterproofing, exterior drainage, or mold removal solutions, we’ve got you covered.
Contact us today to learn more about our foundation structural repair options.