Can I Install Carbon Fiber Reinforcement by Myself?

Bowing walls are structural issues that require complex and specialist attention. As such, we recommend that you avoid DIY when it comes to structural repairs. There are simply too many things that can go wrong.  

Simple Doesn’t Mean Easy  

If you think that this installation process seems very simple, you are absolutely correct. This is a straightforward process, but that doesn’t mean that it is easy or safe for those without the proper skills and training in the field of structural repairs. Identifying the severity of damage to a basement wall needs to be done by a professional, using safety precautions. They will be able to accurately diagnose your home’s issues and apply the right solution. Self-diagnosing structural issues in your home can be harmful if done wrong—especially if you take the solution and installation into your own hands. 

If you miscalculate the severity of your wall damage, fail to place the straps properly, or use too few straps, you could face disaster in the near future. Likewise, if you mix the epoxy resin incorrectly, or fail to roughen the walls properly, the straps may not stick. This could lead to them peeling away and cost you more money in the long run.  

Professionals Are Best Placed to Help  

The problems with DIY repairs to bowing walls are many, but the largest and most serious is the very real likelihood of injury to you or anyone helping you. For example: the grinding equipment needed for roughening the walls is not only expensive to rent, but can be dangerous when handled by someone without the needed training and experience. Secondly, when you are dealing with a bowing wall, you have to consider the health of the structure. Serious disruption to the wall could destabilize it further and actually lead to a collapse in very serious situations.  

This is not just dangerous, but could actually be fatal if there is anyone directly in front of the wall when it happens. So, as you can see, DIY repairs are less effective. They can be more expensive and even dangerous to your home and well-being. As such, it is better to put your trust in a trained and experienced professional. Professionals not only have access to the best training; they have all the tools they need to hand and will have the process done quickly and effectively. Furthermore, you get a guarantee of a certain standard of work when you hire professionals. This is something that no DIY enthusiast, however skilled, can guarantee.