Carbon Fiber vs Steel Reinforcement Strips

Steel was formerly the sole repair option for cracked, bulging, or tilting foundation walls, whether poured concrete or masonry. For the longest period, a steel I-beam was utilized, fastened at the top and bottom, and positioned vertically against the wall. This functioned well, but the beam was an unsightly presence in the basement, necessitating a lot of extra work if the room was to be completed.

Carbon fiber is an effective foundation repair material for poured concrete and concrete block foundation walls where the wall has deflected two inches or less. Properly applied, it forms only a slight bump in the wall surface and can be painted over. It presents no obstacle to finishing the basement space as regular stud walls can be erected over the foundation wall.

What's the best material to use for structural foundation repairs? It's generally carbon fiber but steel still works best in a few situations.