+ I’ve noticed cracks in my foundation and a few on my basement walls. Are these serious?

Most property owners have no idea how to tell if the cracks in their foundation walls are serious or not. You are not alone. Some “shrinkage cracks” are common in poured concrete walls and floors, but other cracks, such as those in a block foundation, are not. In most instances, a foundation crack is an indication that something has shifted or settled. This is especially obvious if a crack is wider at one point than another.

The bottom line with foundation cracks and concerns is that it is always a good idea to seek a reputable professional’s opinion.

Grip-Tite dealers across our network provide property owners with a free foundation evaluation and an estimate if repairs are recommended. Call one of our certified dealers today for a no-obligation inspection.


+ My walls have started to buckle or bow in. I’ve heard that digging around the entire house and basically re-building the basement walls is the only solution. Is this true?

Every home is unique and therefore, every foundation problem is specific to the structure it supports. Re-building basement or foundation walls is certainly an option but it is not only time-consuming, expensive and inconvenient, it also does nothing to solve the underlying problem which is foundation soil exerting pressure against the walls. The first step in your situation is to have your foundation evaluated by a reputable and experienced foundation repair professional.

Once an evaluation is completed, options for repair should be presented to you in writing. As the patent-holder for the original Wall Anchor System, Grip-Tite recommends an earth anchor and wall plate system which permanently stabilizes a foundation wall (whether block or concrete) and prevents further movement. To locate a professional foundation repair contractor in your area, click here.


+ What is a wall anchor and how are they installed?

The wall anchor system is a property owner’s alternative to completely removing and rebuilding foundation walls that have become cracked and bowed as a result of lateral earth pressures exceeding the allowable design capacity of the wall.

The Grip-Tite® Wall Anchor System consists of an interior wall plate, an exterior earth anchor and a connecting steel rod to stabilize foundation walls by counteracting the pressure being exerted against the wall. The system is utilized to anchor foundation walls and exterior earth retaining walls constructed of masonry block or cast-in-place concrete.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recognized wall anchors as a viable option for stabilizing basement/foundation walls over 20 years ago. An April 24, 1992 HUD memorandum states, “There are three common ways to save bowing foundation walls:

  • Contractors install wall anchors on approximate 6′ centers. These stop further movement and with proper tension will eliminate some, if not all, of the bowing over time.
  • Another acceptable, but more expensive method, is to replace the affected walls.
  • The third is to use passive resistance such as grout filled channel steel or pilasters which may stop further movement. This is the least effective.”
    The Grip-Title® Wall Anchor System has been evaluated for compliance with all applicable building codes by building officials of the International Code Council (see ICC-ES Legacy Report #22-03). This is still a viable option for repairs today.

To learn more about the patented Grip-Tite® Wall Anchor System, click here.


+ How long does a foundation repair project take and how much of my home or yard will be affected?

The length of a project truly depends upon the nature of the foundation problem and suggested repair.

For instance, a typical bowing basement wall can be stabilized in less than a day (situations vary) with little damage to a lawn, landscaping or decks.

For stabilization projects, your local Grip-Tite dealer will perform minimal excavation on the exterior of a property to expose a foundation’s footings. The soil is replaced once work is complete. As with any project, before work begins, be sure to consult with your local Grip-Tite dealer for a full explanation of the repair process and the level of disturbance to be expected.


+ I’m concerned about sagging floor joists in the crawl space beneath my home. What can be done to support these?

Grip-Tite Manufacturing offers the stabilizer for this very situation.

The stabilizer is designed to provide supplemental support for distressed floor joists or support beams. The stabilizer levels and stabilizes without the need for excessive excavation or messy concrete. The installation of the stabilizer is relatively quick and will not leave anything in disrepair.


+ My concrete floor has become a tripping hazard with lots of cracks. What can be done?

The first suggestion is to contact a professional foundation repair contractor for an evaluation. It is important to determine what is causing the cracks and/or uneven floor.

During the evaluation, a professional foundation repair contractor will inspect both the exterior and interior of your home and ask questions regarding the changes you’ve noticed. With all of these variables in hand, a professional foundation repair contractor will make a recommendation regarding repairs.

Your local Grip-Tite dealer can perform this evaluation for you and provide a no-obligation estimate if repairs are necessary. Grip-Tite offers the Slab Pier System for failing concrete slabs as a proven solution to lift and stabilize sunken concrete permanently.

The Slab Pier System is cost-effective, usually does not involve heavy equipment and can be installed year-round in just a few days ‘ even in areas of limited access.


+ I’m planning to build a new home and would like to prevent any foundation settlement in the future. Can this be done?

During construction, before a foundation is poured (constructed), Grip-Tite® New Construction Piers can be installed to effectively stabilize a foundation by transferring the structural load of a home to deep, suitable soils.

As others have found, the Grip Tite® New Construction Pier System is often more affordable than over-sized concrete footings or removing and replacing unsuitable foundation soils.

With the Helical Pier System, the piers are mechanically advanced into the ground to a predetermined depth or capacity and the tops of the piers cast into the grade beam or column pad. Consult with your local Grip-Tite dealer regarding your residential or commercial construction project. You’ll be glad you did.


Choose Grip-Tite

Grip-Tite is your number one choice for residential foundation repair. We have over 90 years of experience in the manufacturing industry and can provide you with the best, cutting-edge products in the industry. If you are ready to get started on your residential foundation repair project, give us a call today! We can help you get in contact with a dealer, installer, or set up the purchase of the products ourselves. Don’t wait, call now!