Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 11/3/2011

Question
Hi Bruce
I  noticed that there is one  vertical crack on the wall in the extended family room since I move into this house. This extended family room has no foundation and is supported by concrete tubes. One sun room on the deck(supported also by concrete tubes) is attached to this extended family room  at the end.  One contact said the crack could be caused by settlement. This extended family room is built 26 years ago.
But today  I went outside and happened to look underneath the very bottom wood of this extended family room since it is 'floated'.  I was horrified to find that the wood beam at the very bottom is almost at the very edge of the concrete tube(assume caused by settlement?), not on the center.   Wouldn't the whole family room claps  after couple more years?  Who I should ask to have a check, masonry?  What to do?

Answer
Hi Kathy, call a general contractor specializing in smaller jobs and have them look at your situation.  If your structure is settling there are ways to adjust your floor framing to compensate..or if the foundation is failing there are ways to add more shoring etc.  Sincerely Bruce Johnson