Keeping your home structurally sound is imperative. The peace of mind that comes with stability is hard to overstate or put a price on. This is especially true of Greenville homes, right in the Mississippi Delta. Wall problems, like cracks are often symptomatic of foundation issues. Olshan’s experts are trained to assess the situation, identify the correct course of action, and tailor it to your exact needs.
Unique Location, Unique Needs
According to engineering blog The Short Sleeves And Tie Club, basements are less common in southern states due to higher water tables and higher moisture content in the soil. Both poured concrete walls and masonry block walls are susceptible to moisture issues. Washington County is in the heart of the Delta, with all of the pros and cons that come with living in such a unique area.
The Delta’s location between the Yazoo River and the Mississippi River has created some distinctive geographical circumstances over time, including very flat land, fertile soil, and a flood plain. Known as an “alluvial plain,” it’s great farmland with a long and rich history. However, the things that make the Delta soil so good for farmers can make life difficult for homeowners. The Delta is in a floodplain and soil is both more dense and more moist than in other parts of the state.
What Causes Wall Issues?
Walls require regular observation and checkups to ensure continued structural integrity. There are a few common factors that cause wall problems in a basement.
- Hydrostatic Pressure. Soil expands and contracts based on the amount of moisture present, which can lead to increased hydrostatic pressure, best explained as “he constant force of water pressure being excreted on the basement walls.
- Water Intrusion. Water is notorious for causing structural issues. When it’s allowed to pool around foundations unchecked it can cause destabilization and weaken your home’s structure.
- Wall Destabilization. Walls are subject to environmental changes from perched water tables and soil expansion and contraction. Over time, these factors put pressure on walls and take a toll on their strength. This can result in cracks and weakening.
The Right Fix For You
Since every home is different, Olshan offers a wide range of wall repair services designed to be customized to suit your needs and your budget. Some of those services include wall anchors, epoxy crack injections, root barriers, and the Crack Lock ™ crack repair system. Developed to handle cracks of all sizes, the Crack Lock system is highly adaptable and works by locking each side of a crack together. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that’s quickly completed: it can even be painted over or covered with flooring material, leaving no trace.
Olshan’s patented Wall Lock™ Anchoring System is the strongest wall anchoring solution on the market today. Each anchor is galvanized to prevent corrosion and has a pull-strength capacity of up to 40,000 pounds. The system is installed from inside your basement, so there’s no unsightly landscape disruption and most jobs take only one to two days to complete. The Wall Lock™ System is backed by an available warranty plan.
Stabilization Doesn’t Have To Mean Excavation
Thinking of excavating your home can be intimidating in terms of both labor and curb appeal. That’s why Olshan offers excavation-free wall stabilization solutions designed to shore up your walls’ structural integrity without disturbing the outside of your home.
Adjustable Wall Braces are great for walls that don’t require the intensity of wall anchors. They work from the inside to correct buckling and bowing walls using a trio of floor joists. Galvanized steel beams act as braces and strengthen your walls against the soil outside.
Our Carbon Fiber Wall Support System is another strengthening procedure designed to be both minimally invasive and cost effective. Carbon fiber straps are attached directly to the foundation wall and work with the existing structure to reduce hydrostatic pressure. They can be painted over once the repair is complete.
Long-Term Solutions For A Better Future
Patching a crack or straightening a bow don’t take into account the external factors that caused them to begin with. That’s why Olshan’s services and expertise go beyond the cosmetic fixes. We often recommend comprehensive solutions to prevent further damage to your foundation. Waterproofing and Exterior Water Management work to alleviate hydrostatic pressure and keep your basement in great shape.
Call Olshan for a free no-obligation assessment and start reclaiming your valuable basement space today.
