Whether used in new construction or a home renovation, structural support beams (steel or wood) are required to support load bearing walls, and keep a home structurally sound.  In the case of older homes, as settling and weakening can sometimes occur, homeowners often first notice the bowing or buckling of basement walls.  It is at that time that we recommend reinforcing the damaged wall with structural support beam with a steel I-Beam.

In short, a steel I-beam support unit is a type of buttress that is made from steel that is set in concrete at the bottom of the wall and attached with wood at the top.  Structural I-beams are used as a major source of support in homes and other construction to ensure that the structure will be sound. For structural I-beams, steel is one of the most common materials used in its production, since steel can withstand extremely heavy loads.

The shape of a steel structural I-beam looks like a capital “I”, which is how it got the name. Varied lengths of beams are available, in order to suit project needs.  Additionally, each steel structural I-beam also carries a rating.  This rating indicates how large the beam is, and how much weight it is able to bear.

When a house is renovated due to buckling basement walls, steel I-beams are often used to reinforce the existing walls.  When reinforcing load bearing foundation walls, it is crucial to know how much weight they are supporting, and how they have been installed. For this reason, it is highly recommended that homeowners use professionally certified individuals for construction work which may involve calculating such weights and loads, to ensure that they do not compromise the structural integrity of the home.

If your home is experiencing buckling of the basement walls, a steel structural I-beam can ensure that your home is again structurally sound.  If you have questions or concerns, contact Keystone Basement Systems today!