Carbon fiber vs. Steel beams

[Guest]

Before closing on my home about 3 years ago, a structural engineer I had in for an inspection notice a slight inward bulge (1/2 inch) due to lateral soil pressure. This has caused some horizontal cracking as well. At the time, he recommended a series of 4" steel beams for reinforcement, as well as some epoxy for the cracking. My house is 20 years old with 8" and 12" concrete block walls. This gives me a 4 inch ledge halfway up the back wall.

I'm just now getting to fixing this. Some of the contractors I'm bringing in are recommending various carbon fiber technologies as a replacement to the traditional steel beam repair. "The Reinforcer" and "Stablewahl" are two examples of this. They claim to be 10x stronger than steel and a superior solution. Does anyone have experience with these types of solutions? Are they in fact better (or at least as good). My original structural engineer was somewhat skeptical of these, but admitted to not having done a ton of research on it. I'd appreciate any input.

[TJ1962]

Carbon Fiber reinforcement is no longer new in residential foundation repair. It has been used widely for about 8 years and much longer in commercial applications. It does have some benefits over steel.

However, carbon fiber is not just carbon fiber. There are several products on the market and designed for several different repair applications. Research the different products available as well as the various systems and you can have a permanent fix to bowed walls.

[FIXITGUY1971]

I would suggest you talk with a structural engineer who is current with the newest stabilization technologies. Steel beams have their place but usually don't help your home resale in the eyes of a buyer. Also, Carbon fiber is much stronger in tension than a steel beam. He should have known this.