Installation Procedures

The Force tension loaded I-Beam system should be used on block or concrete walls that have bowed in excess of 2 inches or have severe shifting and shear cracking. The Force is designed to keep a constant pressure on the wall. Although the walls will be pushed back towards their original position, we do not guarantee that they will be straightened. The seating bolt should be tightened whenever inspected. This should be performed as a maintenance/sales inspection within the first year during a dry summer month. A nominal fee should be charged for any subsequent inspections. These inspections allow you to look for additional work for an existing client.

1) Determin the wall type, inside height and fill height. Use the spacing chart to determine the spacing between the W 4x13 I-beams.

2) Measure the length of each beam (distance from the floor slab to the bottom of the first level sub-floor minus 2-1/2" inches).

3) Place the I-Beam against the bottom of the wall and slide the bottom angle bracket under the beam and mark the two hole locations using a marker or pencil. The locations of the beam need to be directly below the edge of the floor joist when the joists are perpendicular to the wall.

4) Remove the beam and drill one hole using a 7/16" diameter drill bit (keeping the angle in place to start the hole). Once the hole is started, remove the angle and drill both holes deep enough to accept the anchors. Replace the bottom bracket and use 3/4" socket to secure the 1/2" x 5" anchors into the holes. Once the anchors are secured, set the I-Beam back on the bottom bracket.

5) If the floor joists are perpendicular to the wall, secure the top of the beam using the stabilizer strap. Compress the spring using the all-thread and nut. Place the top bracket (spring Side) against the face of the beam and mark the two holes in the bracket. Remove the bracket and drill out the holes through the floor joists. Try to keep the holes near the center of the joists. Bolt the top bracket in place. Repeat these steps for all locations before releasing the spring pressure.

6) Carefully remove the compression bolt by holding the bolt with a pair of vise grips and turning the nut. This will prevent the bolt from backing out of the assembly nut. The tension can be slowly applied to the beam by loosening the nut. Start in the middle of the wall and work to the ends rotating back and forth from one beam to the other.

8) Floor joist running parallel to the wall: Completing steps 1 through 4. Solid blocking is required. The blocking should consist of the same dimension lumber that the floor joists are made of and should extend back a minimum of three joists from the wall. Use nails and screws to secure the wood in place.

9) Once the solid blocking is in place, attach the top bracket to a 2"x 8" x8' long board and bolt the 2" x 8" to the bottom of the floor joist so that the bracket is within 1/4" of the beam. Follow steps 6 and 7.