Q. When Would I Use Different Sizes of Carbon Fiber Straps?
A. For MCU Block walls, 8inch and 12inch width provides the best support. For poured concrete is when 6in and 8in wide is used as the concrete itself is solid through the wall, unlike hollow block.
Q. What Causes a Bowed Wall to Bow?
A. This is caused by hydrostatic soil pressure from water-saturated soil, expansive soil, and when it freezes pushing against the foundation walls. This can take many years to develop but generally only gets worse over time.
Q. If I Apply the Straps at Less Than 4ft on Center Is That Better?
A. It can provide more support especially if the concrete is weak, small area, or there is extensive cracking.
Q. How is the carbon Fiber is supplied and how do I cut it into straps?
A. Unidirectional carbon fiber is supplied in uncut rolls and be cut with sharp scissors on any flat surface.
Q. How Are Stair Step Cracks Addressed?
A. A basement with this problem can apply two-strap layers, vertical and horizontal at the same location that will provide the least movement.
Q. Isn't the 12in 300GSM Carbon Weaker Vs a 6 in Wide Heaver 600 GSM Strap?
A. No, The concrete of a wall is the weak point. So using a wider strap spreads out the load to more surface area of the wall to reduce loading per given area. The concrete will fail long before the unidirectional carbon will. Having a small surface area will break the bond before a large area would.
Q. Some Kits Have a Metal Plate at the Top of Each Carbon Strap Is This Needed?
A. This depends, with block walls it allows the strap to attach to the sill plate. For a poured concrete wall this will not help. There are better solutions for most block walls. Top sill plate anchors can split the sill under load, Standard hurricane ties installed at every joist may help or and under-mounted plank would be better. This prevents the top of the foundation from slipping inward when the sill plate is missing or not attached.
Q. What Is the Purpose of Bottom Wall Anchors?
A. In most installations, they are not required. For block, bottom anchors can act as sheer pins stopping a block from sliding inward. However, if the basement floor is poured up against the bottom course of block sheer is unlikely. Should the block start from the surface of the basement floor, a simple rebar angle iron can act as sheer pins.
Q. Can I Place Two Straps Side by Side Will This Be the Same As a Strap That Is Twice the Width?
A. Yes placing two unidirectional carbon fiber straps side by side is the same as one wider strap.
Q. How Does a Unidirectional Strap Hold a Bowing the Wall Up?
A. Straps bonded to the inside walls transfer and load across any cracking to a larger area. This in turn will bring the wall back to its original strength.
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