FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Gorilla Wall Braces by Resch Enterprises Inc -- Family-Owned Since 1967
Gorilla Wall Braces are engineered for use under normal basement conditions. You MUST have solid floor joists and walls. If floor joists or walls are deteriorated or rotten, the pressure from the braces could break or crush the floor joist or wall, causing damage to the structure.
If you are uncertain of the condition of your floor joists/walls, call a qualified contractor to install the braces. Thanks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Steel Beams
No. Steel beams are purchased separately. The kits include: floor brace assembly, ceiling bracket assembly, bolts and washers, pushing rod with idler, and installation instructions.
MetalsDepot.com offers 10% discounts to Gorilla Wall Braces customers for steel beam purchases.
Search "steel i beams near [your location]" to find local suppliers. Options include home improvement stores, metal fabricators, and steel suppliers.
You can also order online at MetalsDepot.com with a 10% discount coupon included with your Gorilla Wall Brace® order.
Three options are available:
W 4 x 13 lb H-beam — best all-around option with highest yield strength and largest flange width for better wall contact. Choose the 4″ idler.
S 4 x 9.5 lb I-beam — ideal for walls under 8 feet, lighter weight with good balance of strength and weight. Choose the 3″ idler.
2″ x 4″ tube steel at 1/4″ thickness — most economical option, lightest weight, works best on poured concrete walls. Choose the 2″ idler.
See our steel beam reference guide for exact dimensions, steel grades, weights, and MetalsDepot item numbers for each option.
Match the idler size to your steel beam type:
4″ idler — for H-beam (W 4 x 13 lb)
3″ idler — for I-beam (S 4 x 9.5 lb)
2″ idler — for 2″ x 4″ tube steel
Spacing depends on wall type:
32″ spacing — for 8″ block basement walls
48″ spacing — for 10″ or 12″ block walls and poured concrete walls
Installation
Gorilla Wall Braces are not recommended for these conditions unless installed by a qualified contractor. Contact the Resch Enterprises team to find professional installers in your area who can assess these special circumstances.
For parallel beams: Measure from floor joist to basement floor. This measurement varies by location due to floor variations.
For perpendicular beams: Measure from floor joist to basement floor, then subtract 5/8″ for bracket clearance. Order beams cut to this final measurement.
No, exterior excavation is optional. You can excavate a narrow trench up to 1.5 feet away from your wall if you choose the immediate straightening method. Alternatively, use the gradual straightening method with no excavation required.
YES! If you choose to excavate, you must dig down to the depth of the bottom of your wall (footer level). If you don't excavate to full depth, you risk introducing another wall break or crack at the point where excavation stopped.
Results
Results vary significantly. Some customers see immediate results (same day). Others take weeks, months, or years. There is no guarantee walls will return to 100% plumb.
Factors affecting timeline: wall condition, soil moisture, excavation method chosen, consistent monthly tightening, and addressing moisture and landscaping issues.
Some walls won't reach 100% plumb without exterior excavation. For best results: tighten braces monthly during thawed months, address moisture issues, improve landscaping and drainage, be patient with the gradual method, and consider excavation for faster results.
Shipping & Returns
Yes, international and non-continental US shipping is available. Orders shipping outside the continental USA will be charged actual shipping charges and applicable taxes and tariffs. Contact customer service for Alaska and Hawaii shipping quotes before ordering.
Yes, but with conditions. Customer is responsible for all actual shipping costs (both ways) plus a 15% processing/restocking fee for non-defective returns. Defective products receive a full refund or replacement with no restocking fee.
Yes. Any goods proved defective will be replaced or the purchase price refunded if within 4 years of purchase.
Compatibility/Codes
Yes. The perpendicular bracket is L-shaped to accommodate longer bolts through multiple joists. Ensure bolts go straight through all joist layers. Use bolts that are ½″ longer when installing brackets on adjacent joists.
Yes. Resch Enterprises has a bracket specifically designed to be fastened to concrete slab ceilings with 4 threaded masonry screws.
To order: purchase the Perpendicular Bracket kit and mention "SPANCRETE" in the order notes to receive the concrete ceiling bracket version.
Gorilla Wall Braces exceed the requirements required across the United States, except seismic zones. Local building codes vary by jurisdiction. Some areas may require professional installation or a building permit.
Check Your Landscaping
Walls often push in due to poor landscaping. When clay soil near the building gets wet, it expands pushing the wall inward. To allow Gorilla Wall Braces to work effectively, the homeowner will need to have proper landscaping:
A good working gutter system with 8′ downspout extensions directing water away from the foundation.
1″ drop per foot sloping away from foundation, 6′ out from the building, with no conditions for standing water within 20′ of the building.
In addition, all concrete patios, driveways, sidewalks, etc. will need to be sloped away from the building 1/4″ drop per foot and sealed to the foundation with a quality flexible caulking to prevent the ground near the building from getting wet and expanding.
VIDEO EXPLANATION
Learn why basement walls bow inward and how Gorilla Wall Braces straighten bowing walls.
CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
Read what others say about using Gorilla Wall Braces to fix their bowing basement walls.
ABOUT US
Family-owned since 1967, we have been in the business of fixing basements for over 50 years.
Manufactured in the USA
Gorilla Wall Braces are manufactured locally in Foley, MN, a small-town near our warehouse.
Keeping manufacturing as local as possible cuts down on transportation costs to keep our price competitive for homeowners. It also helps our local economy and makes more sense for our environment. Gorilla Wall Braces are in stock and ready for you to order!
Orders typically ship out in 2-3 business days.
Gorilla Wall Braces
The DIY Solution for Bowing Basement Walls.
Save thousands by using Gorilla Wall Braces to fix your bowing basement walls yourself.
The steel beams are NOT included with the Gorilla Wall Brace kits. Steel beams can be obtained locally or online at MetalsDepot.com (a 10% off coupon is included with your Gorilla Wall Brace order).
When you order 4 or more Gorilla Wall Brace kits – shipping is FREE!