Wall Stabilization for Commercial Buildings

Walls are the backbone of any commercial or industrial structure. Without properly built or stable walls, buildings can experience a wide range of structural issues that can drastically affect its structural integrity.

Over time, it’s not uncommon to see walls bend, bow and crack from stress. As the strength of the wall deteriorates, weak points can begin to form allowing intrusive water and other problems to seep into the building. The longer the problems remain the worse they become. Fortunately walls stability issues can be addressed safely and efficiently using a variety of repair methods.

This is where wall stabilization comes into play.

What is Wall Stabilization and What Repairs are Available?

Generally, wall stabilization is a method for reinforcing the integrity of a building’s wall structure. There are several methods for this, though the exact type depends on the extent of the damage your structure is facing as well as the type of wall.

The most common structural wall repair methods include using wall anchors, carbon fiber strips, epoxy crack injections, adjustable wall braces or helical tiebacks. Often, one or more of these solutions can be combined to ensure maximum stability.

Understanding wall stabilization means having a little understanding of what causes problems in concrete or poured wall structures over time. The biggest culprit of declining wall structure integrity is an effect known as “bowing.”

What is Bowing?

There are a number of issues that can cause bowed walls within your wall structure. This includes everything from plumbing damage to foundation issues. More often than not, the cause of a bowed foundation or wall structure is larger than it appears at first glance. In many cases, for instance, a bowed foundation or wall structure is the result of a heavy soil load pushing against the walls, causing them to bow significantly.

If left unrepaired, foundation or wall bowing can cause severe, or in extreme cases, irreversible damage to your building’s structure. It’s crucial for the life of your building to have a full repair of the foundation and wall damage. Otherwise, you may be left with the massive undertaking of replacing and repairing entire walls.

Wall anchors are one of the strongest, most common wall repair methods available. Here’s a quick overview demonstrating the differences between a variety of effective wall anchor choices.

Wall Anchor Comparison Chart

Common Types of Wall Construction

Walls are usually one of two constructions types; masonry block or poured walls. Structural problems can find their way in regardless of the wall’s construction.

masonry block wall
poured concrete wall

Olshan Can Help

Olshan Commercial Foundation Repairs experts can help determine what wall stabilization methods will work best for your structure. Assessments are free. Get in touch with us today.