Carbon Fiber Reinforcement - Foundation Repair Atlanta, GA

Carbon Fiber has been used since the early 1800’s (Thomas Edison and the light bulb filament). But it really began gaining traction in the 1960-1980 time period when carbon fiber polymers were used in cars, planes and structures. At the turn of the century – carbon fiber was being used for structural reinforcement and repairs. In foundation repair we first began hearing about carbon fiber back in the mid 2000s.

Foundation Worx installs carbon fiber reinforcement for two major structural repair and foundation repair issues.

Bowing basement block walls. When a basement wall has a horizontal crack – carbon fiber can be used to reinforce these walls from further failure.
Floor Cracks. In some residential and more commercial applications a concrete floor can have a significant crack. Without reinforcement this crack can continue to enlarge. With floor stitching we can bond these two sides of the crack back together much like you would a install stitches on a person.

Carbon fiber repair (for residential applications) primarily comes in two forms

Pre Laminated Strips. This is the most common of carbon fiber repair methods, although in my opinion the least effective. The advantage of this system is the carbon fiber is already in a laminate strip and can easily be placed on the wall. The major disadvantage is these strips have a greater tendency to “pop” off a wall because they are laminated flat and you are applying to a curved or bowed wall.
Fabric. With a fabric application the strips are typically wider (usually twice as wide) and therefore have a greater surface area to bond to the wall. If there are imperfections in the wall the fabric can easily go over these and “fit” to the application. The disadvantage is these strip can be a little harder to install. In our opinion fabric is the only way to go for a carbon fiber basement wall repair.

We are trained and certified to install the RHINO Carbon Fiber reinforcing materials.

Some frequently asked questions of this product are covered here:

FAQ – RHINO CARBON FIBER REINFORCEMENT

What makes Rhino Carbon Fiber® Wall Supports better than the competition?

Patented Rhino Carbon Fiber® Wall Supports link the foundation base with the house framing, making it the strongest system on the market. The carbon fiber is fastened to the sill plate with a galvanized bracket and secured to the foundation floor with a carbon fiber pin. Deterioration does not occur because the carbon fiber system is secured to the foundation wall allowing for an even distribution of outside pressure.

Rhino VS Competitors

Why is the Rhino Carbon Fiber® system the only system that attaches to both the foundation base and house framing?

Most carbon fiber systems were designed years ago and never factored in the problems they have encountered. These problems include necktie attachment failure to the framing and foundation walls moving below the bottom of the carbon fiber. Instead of fixing their products, the competition has adjusted the warranties to exclude movement at the top or bottom. Now that the Rhino Carbon Fiber® system has a patent on this attachment, it looks like the competition will have to continue on the same path.

How does the Rhino Carbon Fiber® system compare in cost with the competition?

Even though our patented system is far superior and faster to install than the competition, we are still very comparable in cost. In most cases Rhino® Carbon Fiber is a much better value.

HOW MUCH OF A BOW CAN A WALL HAVE AND STILL BE ABLE TO INSTALL THE RHINO CARBON FIBER® SYSTEM?

Two inches is a good rule of thumb. Our product will hold more than this but any more and it would be hard to sell or refinance your home. Our product is warranted up to a two-inch bow.

I have a small crack in my wall. Should I still install the Rhino Carbon Fiber® system?

Yes, if your wall is cracked it will continue to worsen over the next few years. It is better to fix when the wall is not bowing rather than after a large bow occurs. The price is the same, but a much better fix.

My wall is moving at the top and/or bottom and not the middle of the wall, will the Rhino Carbon Fiber® system work?

Yes, Rhino Carbon Fiber® is the only carbon fiber on the market to fix this problem. Because the system attaches to the top sill plate and at the bottom of the wall, it will fix what is known as sheering.

Will the Rhino Carbon Fiber® System fix a sinking or settling foundation?

No, unfortunately no carbon fiber system will be able to stop this. You need to consult with a piering or underpinning contractor for a solution.

Is there a warranty available?

Yes, Rhino Carbon Fiber® Wall Supports are warranted for the life of the structure. Rhino Carbon Fiber® covers the foundation walls against any further inward movement in areas the Carbon Fiber is installed. If Rhino Carbon Fiber® fails, materials and labor will be replaced at no charge. Terms and conditions apply.

What is the spacing needed for Rhino Carbon Fiber® Walls supports?

No matter what the height is of the wall or the bow, the spacing needs not to exceed 4′ on center. The spacing has nothing to do with the strength of the Rhino it is all based upon the strength of the concrete masonry wall itself.

Is the warranty transferable?

Yes, the warranty is fully transferable to the next homeowner.

Can carbon fiber be used if there is no sill plate or if sill plate recessed from the block?

In the event there is no sill plate, you would install the bracket to the rim joist. For a recessed sill plates, make sure the carbon fiber is fully saturated and install as normal. Pull Carbon fiber tight when installing over the face of the block. Note: we recommend if you have a recessed sill plate that you order the next length up.