InvisiBeam and Crack Stitches in Ohio Basement

With nearly 1/2" of bottom shear and cracks in the corners, this basement in Canfield Ohio needed some reinforcement.

The Challenge

A basement in Canfield, Ohio was showing signs of serious structural issues. Nearly ½" of bottom shear had developed—an indication that the wall was shifting inward at its base. Additionally, visible cracking in the corners raised concerns about the wall’s ability to continue carrying the structural load safely. Without intervention, the wall would likely continue to deteriorate, risking greater damage and cost.

The Solution

Pioneer Basement Solutions of Canton, Ohio—a certified Fortress contractor—was brought in to evaluate and repair the foundation. Their approach combined two powerful Fortress technologies:

• InvisiBeam® Reinforcement System:
  14 fully-anchored InvisiBeam carbon fiber/Kevlar® straps were installed to stabilize the basement walls and prevent further inward movement. Each strap included bottom anchoring, a critical element for managing the basement’s existing bottom shear.

• Crack Stitch Installation:
  To address cracking in the corners, Crack Stitches were installed every 8 inches, effectively tying the cracked areas together and reinforcing the wall as a monolithic unit. This further enhanced the performance of the InvisiBeam system by distributing stress evenly across the wall surface.

• Epoxy Crack Sealing:
  The cracks were filled with Fortress 4070 epoxy, which chemically bonds with concrete to eliminate gaps and prevent further compression. This not only strengthens the wall but also prevents water intrusion and freeze-thaw damage.

The Outcome

The result is a structurally sound foundation with long-term protection against movement, cracking, and moisture infiltration. Thanks to the combination of InvisiBeam and Crack Stitch technologies, this basement wall is now fully stabilized and reinforced with materials stronger than steel, yet flexible enough to adapt to minor foundation shifts.

Why It Matters

This project showcases how certified contractors can deliver permanent, code-compliant solutions to serious foundation issues—without the need for invasive steel beams or major excavation. The Fortress system is designed to be non-disruptive, incredibly strong, and visually subtle, making it a favorite among both contractors and homeowners.

Homeowners: Connect With a Certified Contractor

Think your basement walls might be shifting, cracking, or bowing? Our network of certified contractors can help.
Contact us today to schedule a professional evaluation and get matched with a certified Fortress installer in your area.

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