Challenges of Clay Brick Homes: Understanding Foundation Failure in a Nebraska Historic Residence
Challenge
Matt and his wife have called their home, located near Grand Island, Nebraska, their own for over 30 years. However, the history of the house predates their ownership by several decades. This particular home was constructed during the 1900s-1910s, a time when Nebraska's economy and way of life revolved primarily around agriculture. Rural communities like this one were inhabited by hardworking farmers and their families, who cultivated crops and raised livestock on their family-owned farms.
In order to establish their farms, families needed a nearby residence. The family who built this home opted for clay bricks as their construction material. While clay bricks are known for their durability, they are not designed to last indefinitely. Unfortunately, the original builders did not account for crucial factors such as soil conditions, load-bearing capacity, and moisture management.
Several reasons contribute to why this home has not stood the test of time. Firstly, a home that surpasses the century mark may have been constructed using techniques and materials that were common during that era. While clay bricks are generally resilient, they can deteriorate over time due to moisture, freeze-thaw cycles, and chemical reactions. This deterioration gradually weakens the structural integrity of the foundation.
The soil composition upon which a home is built plays a significant role in foundation stability. Clay soil, in particular, presents challenges as it has a tendency to expand when saturated with water and shrink during dry periods. This continuous expansion and contraction exert pressure on the foundation walls, leading to cracks and instability. Moreover, clay soil has a high water retention capacity, exacerbating the problem.
Nebraska, in general, contains regions with clay-rich soils. The prevalent soil series in the state, known as the Holdrege series, is characterized by deep, moderately well-drained to somewhat poorly drained soils featuring clayey subsoils. These soils often have substantial amounts of clay and silt, making them susceptible to the expansive characteristics associated with clay soil.
Another contributing factor to foundation deterioration is hydrostatic pressure. This refers to the pressure exerted by water against a structure, such as the foundation of a home. When the surrounding soil has a high water content, it creates excessive hydrostatic pressure against the foundation walls. Over time, this pressure can cause the walls to bow or develop cracks.
As the years pass, the combination of these factors ultimately leads to foundation failure in a clay brick home. The clay bricks themselves may deteriorate, compromising the overall structure. Concurrently, the cyclical nature of clay soil expansion and contraction, combined with the hydrostatic pressure from the water, further exacerbates the issue.
Solution
After having a few different contractors out to give estimates, Matt stated that out of the other solutions quoted to him, Thrasher was hands down the best because of the price and effectiveness of the solution proposed by our system design specialists. Our System Design Specialist recommended our EverBrace Wall Restoration System due to the severely compromised nature of Matt’s foundation walls.
EverBrace is a groundbreaking solution that brings you the security of a new foundation without the exorbitant cost and disruptive process of a complete replacement. With EverBrace, you can confidently reinforce your foundation walls, ensuring unparalleled strength and support. Let's delve deeper into the features and benefits of this innovative system.
EverBrace harnesses the power of steel corrugated panels and beams to stabilize your foundation walls, effectively redistributing the load from the failing structure to the new, durable support panels. By utilizing steel, known for its exceptional strength and resilience, EverBrace provides a long-lasting solution that fortifies your foundation against further deterioration. To enhance the effectiveness of the system, we take an additional step by injecting rigid foam behind the steel panels. This ensures that any voids or gaps are filled, creating a solid and stable foundation. By eliminating empty spaces, we maximize the structural integrity of your walls, minimizing the risk of future issues.
One of the standout advantages of EverBrace is its ease of installation, offering significant time and cost savings compared to traditional foundation repair options. Our team of experts can efficiently install the system, minimizing disruption to your daily life. In addition, the system can be seamlessly concealed with drywall, allowing you to maintain the aesthetics of your home without any visible signs of reinforcement. To ensure a professional and refined look, we cover the edges and corners of the steel panels with steel trim. This attention to detail not only enhances the visual appeal of your walls but also provides added protection and durability.
To safeguard against corrosion, all steel parts utilized in EverBrace undergo a zinc coating process. This protective layer acts as a barrier, shielding the steel from the damaging effects of moisture and environmental factors.
More About Zinc Coating:
Zinc has inherent corrosion-resistant properties. When applied as a coating on steel, it forms a protective layer that acts as a physical barrier between the steel and its environment. The zinc coating sacrificially corrodes, preventing the steel from coming into direct contact with moisture, oxygen, and other corrosive agents. This sacrificial behavior provides long-lasting protection to the underlying steel, significantly reducing the risk of corrosion and extending the lifespan of the coated steel. Furthermore, Zinc has a strong affinity for steel, allowing it to adhere and bond well to the surface. This ensures that the zinc coating remains firmly attached to the steel substrate, even in challenging environments. The robust bond between zinc and steel provides a durable and reliable protective layer. Zinc also has self-healing properties. In the event that the zinc coating gets damaged or scratched, the zinc has the ability to self-heal. Through a process called galvanic protection or cathodic protection, the undamaged zinc adjacent to the damaged area sacrificially protects the exposed steel. This self-healing mechanism helps maintain the integrity of the coating and provides continuous protection to the steel substrate. Lastly, zinc is also sustainable and environmentally friendly. Zinc is a naturally occurring element that is abundant in the Earth's crust. It is a non-toxic material and is fully recyclable. Zinc coatings provide a sustainable solution for protecting steel, as they can be recycled and reused at the end of their service life, reducing the environmental impact.
Another notable aspect of EverBrace is its adaptability to diverse architectural features. We understand that each home is unique, and structural components such as windows, doors, and other obstacles require careful consideration. With EverBrace, customized panels can be effortlessly fitted around these elements, ensuring a tailored and precise solution that meets your specific needs.
Furthermore, if your basement requires waterproofing, EverBrace seamlessly integrates with our waterproofing system. This comprehensive approach provides complete protection for your foundation, safeguarding it from moisture infiltration and potential water damage.
With EverBrace, you can have the utmost confidence in the stability and durability of your foundation. Say goodbye to the daunting prospect of a complete foundation replacement, and embrace the convenience and effectiveness of EverBrace™.
With over 45 years of expertise in foundation repair, Thrasher has honed the ability to provide foundation repair solutions. Our highly skilled team of specialists is eager to meet with you.
To aid you in making an informed decision for your home, Thrasher provides a complimentary in-home inspection to assess the situation. We believe in transparency, which is why we offer a same-day, no-obligation quote with each inspection. Our estimates come complete with a comprehensive proposal outlining our tailored approach to rectifying your foundation problem and safeguarding your home.
Contact us today at 1-402-285-5675 or fill out the brief form to schedule an inspection. Let Thrasher be your trusted partner in protecting your foundation.
