Q. Why is carbon fiber spaced at 4ft on foundation walls?
A. This is an industry and engineering standard for foundation wall support even for steel beams, not brand-dependent.
Q. If I apply the straps at less than 4ft spacing is that better?
A. It can provide more support especially if the concrete is weak, small area or there is extensive cracking.
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. For most block walls there are better solutions to this. Top sill plate anchors can split the sill under load.
Q. I am concerned that this will be difficult to apply the straps.
A. This kit or product can be successfully applied by a contractor or homeowner without difficulty. The basics are that 1. Do not exceed the 4ft spacing. 2. That the wall be ground to exposed to fresh clean concrete. 3 Apply enough Epoxy to saturate the carbon strap. 4 Not sure on anything call our technical support team.
Q. What is the purpose of bottom wall anchors?
A. In most installations they are not required. For block CMU, 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 blocks sheer is unlikely. Only if the block begins on top of the basement floor.
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. 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 or
Q. Why is Uni-Directional Carbon Fiber better than Bi-directional carbon fiber for concrete wall support?
A. Uni-directional carbon fiber has the least amount of movement. Therefore, if applied after crack repair, this will protect that process. However, bi-directional carbon may allow enough movement to cause the crack repair process to fail.
Q. How Long do carbon Fiber Staps last?
A. Carbon fiber straps will last the life of the structure if applied correctly.
Q. How do I apply the carbon if I need support in two different directions?
A. Uni-directional carbon fiber can be applied in both directions, with one overlapping the other but still providing the least amount of movement.
Q. How can I use Carbon Fiber Straps of a failed foundation corner?
A. Corner reinforcement is accomplished by exposing the exterior corner of the foundation and applying the straps horizontally wrapped around the corner minimum of 8 ft long with 2-4 ft spacing between the straps. The carbon fiber strap epoxy exposed to sunlight above grade must be protected with paint or cement parging.