AboutJim Hise Expertise I can help identify the reasons for movement or cracking in home foundations, basements and walls. I am familiar with most waterproofing methods. I am familiar with and have used Ramjack, Dixie MacLean, and A.B.Chance™ helical and push pier systems, including tiebacks, steel beams, and rod and grout repair. I am currently certified for Fortress carbon fiber repair. I have been involved with slope stabilization repairs over the years. Please remember to tell me what city you live in to help me answer your question up front !
Experience 15 years of structural foundation fault identification and most repair and stabilization methods.
Education/Credentials School of hard knocks! Formerly certified by A.B.Chance company from 1993-2005. I have a construction and home improvement backround for almost 35 years. I bought, restored and resold distressed property. I worked with 4 different foundation repair companies and familiar with most methods. I worked with a waterproofing company for several years. I have taught ongoing education classes for home inspectors and Realtors in foundation fault identification and repair.
Expert: Jim Hise Date: 7/4/2008 Subject: basement walls
Question Hi, I live in the Milwaukee Wi. area, recently we got hammered with a lot of rain, lots of flooding, the sump pump could'nt handle the water fast enough, water to the top of the well and the pump ran constantly for quite awhile, three of the four walls are cracking and bowing, the south wall is the worst, bolted a brace to the wall and the floor to keep it from caving in. the basement was finished with two bedrooms a living room etc, everything had to be taken out so the foundation walls can be worked on, now here,s the biggest frustration, my insurance only covers the interior and contents, I've had 8 estimates that range from $18000 to $33000 and fema has been helpful, but the waiting list to get anything done is a long one! Please tell me is there somewhere I can buy a gorilla brace system? thanks Bob
Answer Bob,
You have to be a dealer to buy direct.
I would suggest you look into alternate wall stabilization products and perhaps you can move up in line. Fortress carbon fiber is an excellent product and installs rather quickly. www.fortressstabilization.com
Masonry repair companies may be able to rod and grout your walls. Standard steel beams are plentiful and you could do that installation yourself if you're really handy. You should probably dig up the outside to replace defective draintile and get the extra pressure off the walls while you're at it.
I don't recommend any kind of anchor system that point loads the wall with your soil conditions. Check out my site to get more information and some additional helpful links.
www.expertbasementrepair.com and www.basementquestions.com
Keep the walls braced until help arrives! good luck, jim
