AboutEd Eckley Expertise I will be happy to answer any questions regarding foundation problems of any type. Questions pertaining to construction methods, Problematic soils, Settling & Movement, Frame torsion & racking, Preventative measures, Repair methods of all types.
Experience Over 18 years in the industry. A.S.M.E. Certified,(American Society of Mechanical Engineering). Hydraulics Design Expert. 18 years of hands on soil manipulation. Over 500 homes repaired, and over 20 commercial buildings repaired. Extensive soil knowledge. Familiar with most types of repair methods and the expected results of each.
Publications Ezine.com Article Title: Foundation Problems Do's & Don'ts
custombuildingsupport.com: Foundation Repair Methods
Education/Credentials High School Graduate 1976
Trade School Graduate 1976
College Graduate 1978
Awards and Honors Certificates of achievment: Excel Industries
Letters of appreciation: City of Golden
Awards & Plaques: Jacobsen Turf Division
Question I am thinking of replacing the original block on pad footings under our cottage due to cracking/shifting and wash out.I was wondering about the best way to go about this to replace all 15 footings without destroying the structure. The reason I am concerned about this, is the cottage is an older ridge beam style with 4 center 4x4 supports. I have had to repair some footings before and I guess due to the design of the structure it does not like to be lifted partially to repair 1 or 2 footings-eg: snapping,etc. I guess the best way to accomplish this task would be with steel beams and bottle/screw jacks. The building is approx. 24' x 32' and is a split level design. There are fifteen footings, five under the frt center and rear of the cottage. Is it a good idea, as far as stability, to install larger pads and set the blocks in a square design and stack them, instead of using a single stacked block configuration. Due to the split level design the footings are single block at rear, two blocks stacked at center and three at the frt. I hope this is enough info and if not, I can e-mail a photo. Thanks very much for any info you can provide concerning this matter
Answer Hello William
Generally, the best way to safely support any type of structure during manipulation or supportive reinforcement, is with steel span beams and cribbing.
If you properly support the cottage on steel beams, then you can work on the support piles, or footings, without danger or risk, however, the beams and temporary support cribbing must be installed carefully and properly for the present conditions.
The best way to accomplish your goal is by contacting reputable house movers. They will have the needed beams and cribbing blocks to handle the situation......They should also have the million dollar insurance just in case of failure or incident.
Once the new support is in place, then the building movers can simply remove their beams and blocks.
I wish you the best!
Respectfully Ed Eckley
