| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Cracks in basement floor and walls | 9/6/2008 |
Q: we are in the process of buying a new home. The house that we are interested in has a crack along ...
A: Depending on the year of construction, The location of the home, Whether or not there are problem ...
|
| leak in corner of basement floor | 9/5/2008 |
Q: When the rain comes from the southeast,in the corner of the basement wall floor. Water seeps in. ...
A: The very first thing of course, is carefully examining all possibilities of water source. Window ...
|
| foundation repair | 9/4/2008 |
Q: I am proceeding with steel pier foundation repair on one corner of my single story brick home. ...
A: The pier spacing is actually just about right. for the year of your home. On older homes the spacing ...
|
| Room addition | 9/4/2008 |
Q: I have noticed that our room additon (16x20) has started to seperate from the main house.I have a ...
A: You need to contact foundation piering companies in your area. The problem sections can be lifted ...
|
| Moving Foundation Wall | 9/4/2008 |
Q: Purchased a home in 2007, on the basement walls there were 4x4 steel plates with threaded rods and ...
A: Actually, it is really not common at all!....There must have been a problem with the strength of the ...
|
| Poured concrete floor | 9/3/2008 |
Q: How do you fix a concrete floor that has come away from the wall and has large cracks in it. The ...
A: You could call mudjacking contractors to take a look at the floor to see if it can be raised and ...
|
| Tipped Sill Plate | 9/3/2008 |
Q: I have a two story home built in 1988, approx. 2100 sqft, in Columbus, OH. The house has a full ...
A: I would recommend contacting a good structural engineer to examine the situation. Depending on the ...
|
| fuoundation problem | 9/3/2008 |
Q: Our house was built in 1982 and on the wall in the living room area there is a long horizontal ...
A: From your description of the cracking that is taking place, I am thinking that you may need some mid ...
|
| settling garage that was built on fill | 9/2/2008 |
Q: Our house was built in 1999 and was dug into a 15% slope. The fill was used for the driveway. In ...
A: Please do not attempt to add water beneath any part of the structure. I promise you it will cause ...
|
| corner cunck of fondation missing | 9/2/2008 |
Q: Were looking to buy this house, but it has this foundation problem that I just haven't seen before. ...
A: The corner breakage that you have described is actually quite common. I have seen it in dozens of ...
|
| repairing termite damage | 9/2/2008 |
Q: My husband and I just bought a house and have discovered major termite damage, we have started to ...
A: It depends on the City and the County regulations. Most of the larger Counties require permits for ...
|
| bowing foundation | 9/2/2008 |
Q: We recently took down paneling in our basement that had been put up by previous owners and ...
A: From your description, I would say that the foundation is probably safe. There should be rebar in ...
|
| Water Infiltration Through Foundation Repair | 9/1/2008 |
Q: We found water had been infiltrating our crawlspace for some time and found the point of entry was ...
A: I would say that would be fine. The most important thing is keeping the water away from the ...
|
| Water Infiltration Through Foundation Repair | 9/1/2008 |
Q: We found water had been infiltrating our crawlspace for some time and found the point of entry was ...
A: I follow your thoughts on this, and I can see your objectives. I would not attach the new concrete ...
|
| Foundation repair | 8/31/2008 |
Q: We had our basement dug up to find our addition sitting on a 10 inch thick slab that extended away ...
A: The procedure that you are proposing is not as affective as you might think. It is almost impossible ...
|
| cottage foundation settled | 8/30/2008 |
Q: My home is a very old cottage built about 1880 near turn of the century as part of an old ...
A: There is a possibility of raising the house off of the foundation and shimming the sill plate, but ...
|
| BROKEN FOTTER TILE SLAB HOME | 8/30/2008 |
Q: i AM INSTALLING A FENCE AND DUG A DEEP HOLE FOR POST ALONG SLAB HOUSE. THE CLAY DRAIN TILE WAS ...
A: That is a good question!....Your description of the tile drain being full of roots and dirt, pretty ...
|
| Settling on new foundation | 8/29/2008 |
Q: We had a new addition built onto the back of our home. It measures 18' wide by 16' deep. The ...
A: My thoughts are this: Settlement over a filled area is almost unavoidable unless the foundation had ...
|
| Crumbling Foundation | 8/29/2008 |
Q: I live in Vancouver Canada. I have a building which was built in 1895. The foundation is made up of ...
A: After a long period of time, the original mortar becomes crumbly and unstable. The cause of this is ...
|
| leak from neighbors side on common wall in backyard... | 8/27/2008 |
Q: IT looks as though we have a leak coming through the common wall from the neighbors side..it is ...
A: From your description, I am picturing a grade problem and lack of proper drainage for the run off ...
|
| Dirt wall basement | 8/27/2008 |
Q: My house was built in 1912 on a basement that was smaller and the concrete blocks were dug in 4 feet ...
A: You are going to need a structural engineer to examine the situation and submit a plan of repair. ...
|
| old hole from gas line | 8/26/2008 |
Q: There is a hole in the side of our new house from where a gas line was running outside for a bbq ...
A: You can use regular mortar mix, or any cement & sand mix to patch the hole. You will need to make ...
|
| Sinking garage floor, water seepage | 8/26/2008 |
Q: I have a detached garage with a "floating" concrete floor slab. On the far wall end, the slab has ...
A: I think you have a good plan. The durarock will probably make a long lasting barrier / flashing. You ...
|
| cracked brick foundation repair | 8/26/2008 |
Q: My 1998 home has stair step cracked brick on two walls and I think that this one corner is settling. ...
A: There is very little doubt that the brick work that is leaning outward is caused by foundation ...
|
| Block foundation repair | 8/25/2008 |
Q: The crack is about 15 feet long and is bowing inward about 1 inch. I belive the cause of the crack ...
A: I am a little bit skeptical about each of these plans. The problem with block walls is the strength ...
|
| Concret floor abound pipes | 8/25/2008 |
Q: I have just dug up concrete floor in a 100 year old row house to replace a section of corroded cast ...
A: Yes it is a definite problem. You may need to pour a new floor at a higher elevation, or somehow ...
|
| piled Foundation option? | 8/25/2008 |
Q: Hoping I can get some advice..I am looking to build a brand new home in La Salle, Manitoba, Canada. ...
A: Having the foundation piled is a good insurance of stability and longevity, but I can see your ...
|
| Concrete slab/Foundation Construction | 8/24/2008 |
Q: Ed, I am building a small home (720 square feet) in south, central Kentucky. Can I pour an 8" ...
A: You would need to check with your County building department to discover their minimum code ...
|
| Cracked and bowed basement wall | 8/23/2008 |
Q: My home was built around 1967, it's split level home and one of the basement walls is cracked and ...
A: If your home was built around 1967, It is probably a poured wall on top of a formed footing. The ...
|
| Concret floor abound pipes | 8/22/2008 |
Q: I have just dug up concrete floor in a 100 year old row house to replace a section of corroded cast ...
A: The best thing to do is fill in and around the pipe with sand or fine gravel, (pea gravel), lightly ...
|
| slab foundation settling | 8/20/2008 |
Q: I have an attached car and a half garage that was added after my house was built. Unfortunately the ...
A: The strongest and most permanent way to correct the sinking problem is with hydraulic pressed steel ...
|
| Leaky foundation/holes in cement blocks | 8/20/2008 |
Q: Months ago I had minor leaking in my basement. The previous owners had some sort of a hawian theme ...
A: You may be able to do the work yourself, but it is not going to be easy to get the right consistency ...
|
| Exterior Sealing Materials | 8/19/2008 |
Q: We are excavating tomorrow to expose exterior wall cracks. What do you recommend for sealing? I'm ...
A: It depends on the soil type, but I would say that you will be better off with a good Plastic or ...
|
| Bow basement | 8/19/2008 |
Q: I am looking to buy a foreclosure house. The house was builted at 1999, the area has a clay soil. ...
A: There is no way to be certain if the house is stabile enough without thorough examination and ...
|
| Leaky foundation/holes in cement blocks | 8/18/2008 |
Q: Months ago I had minor leaking in my basement. The previous owners had some sort of a hawian theme ...
A: There is really no reasoning for some things. I would say that somebody had a bad plan. Probably the ...
|
| construction of a basement | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I have an "A" frame currently sitting on a block crawl space. I would like to create a full basement ...
A: You should contact a building moving company to ask about installing some carrier beams beneath the ...
|
| crack foundation | 8/18/2008 |
Q: I am moving to my new home in a week and found a long crack in the garage foundation. However there ...
A: It is difficult to say whether or not the crack might get wider. I would say that there might be a ...
|
| Crawlspace/drainage problems | 8/17/2008 |
Q: We bought a bank-owned ranch home several months ago. AS IS with major structural problems. The ...
A: The first thing you need to do is contact a structural expert and have an inspection of the ...
|
| wet foundation | 8/16/2008 |
Q: We live in a raised ranch which has begun to take in some moisture in the bottom floor. We have some ...
A: I would say that a good quality rubber or plastic would serve the same purpose if installed ...
|
| plumbing pressure test with piering | 8/16/2008 |
Q: We are in the process of purchasing a home that is requiring some piers for settling of one section ...
A: You shouldn't need to worry about the water line unless there is a known leak and you are trying to ...
|
| foundation | 8/13/2008 |
Q: I have a 3200 square foot home with a pier and beam foundation. built in the 60's,in California, ...
A: If we are talking about a small square footage of say 15' X 20' or 30' X 10' = 300 total sq ft, I ...
|
| foundation | 8/13/2008 |
Q: I have a 3200 square foot home with a pier and beam foundation. built in the 60's,in California, ...
A: I would recommend the drilled caissons with beam foundation. The most important thing is longevity. ...
|
| Cracks in brick | 8/13/2008 |
Q: My house was built in 1995, in Rowlett, Texas. When I purchased it two years ago the inspector told ...
A: It is doubtful that tightening or adjusting the cables would help squeeze the cracks back together ...
|
| foundation water leak | 8/12/2008 |
Q: 2 story brick home built on cement slab in 1996. No problems until Sat. we discovered water coming ...
A: It does sound like a broken water pipe. There is a certain path that has allowed the water to ...
|
| Structural Questions | 8/11/2008 |
Q: Ed, we have two weird issues. WE moved into our 24 year old house 10 years ago and noticed the back ...
A: Figuring out the problem is like detective work. You have to examine the clues very closely and then ...
|
| Repairing Diagonal Subfloor | 8/11/2008 |
Q: We are preparing to lay ceramic tile in our kitchen. Our house is over 100 years old, Arts & Crafts ...
A: If you cross cut the diagonal boards at a 90 degree angle to the floor joists, you will have ...
|
| Repairing Diagonal Subfloor | 8/11/2008 |
Q: We are preparing to lay ceramic tile in our kitchen. Our house is over 100 years old, Arts & Crafts ...
A: I follow you...You are proposing sectional patches. The best thing to do is install stud blocking ...
|
| Foundation gaps around house | 8/11/2008 |
Q: I live in Carrollton Tx, in a prior river bed, clay soil. My house was built in 1999, slab ...
A: What you are experiencing is slab settling and some frame distortion. It is probably minor at this ...
|
| Repairing Diagonal Subfloor | 8/11/2008 |
Q: We are preparing to lay ceramic tile in our kitchen. Our house is over 100 years old, Arts & Crafts ...
A: You should use floor grade tongue & grove plywood and lay the sheets lengthwise across the floor ...
|
| Foundation Repair | 8/10/2008 |
Q: What do you think the best type of foundation repair is best for a house on Texas clay soils. ...
A: Your question is a very good one. The best type of foundation repair can only be determined by the ...
|
| Leaky Window well | 8/10/2008 |
Q: We had a heavy rain and it soaked down and leaked in to the side of the window well 18" down. I ...
A: You could use a good quality silicone calking, (35 year type), to seal the window well from the ...
|
| porch column repair | 8/6/2008 |
Q: I live in a 90 year old 2 story home. It has a very large L shaped porch. I noticed a couple of ...
A: You will need to find a foundation piering company in your area. Try looking in your local directory ...
|
| Brick to grade - Builder oversight | 8/6/2008 |
Q: I'm currently building a new home. The foundation is 13 courses of cinderblock. The initial specs ...
A: Unfortunately, bolting on a steel angle bar mantel may be the only option at this point. Getting the ...
|
| Granite Block/Rock Foundation Repair | 8/5/2008 |
Q: My home in Massachusetts is over 100 years old, and it's foundation is granite block. In some ...
A: I would think that a conventional mortar mix should used to re-tuck the old mortar joints. Loose ...
|
| termite repair | 8/5/2008 |
Q: I RECENTLY HAD MY HOUSE TREATED FOR TERMITES AND JUST STARTED THE REPAIRS ON THE INTERIOR WALLS. AND ...
A: You would be better off removing the windows that have damaged studs around them. You will need to ...
|
| Bentonite Waterproof | 8/4/2008 |
Q: I saw your response to another question and would like your opinion on this application. My chimney ...
A: Bentonite should only be used in controlled environments that have specific moisture content that ...
|
| crumbling foundation in old house | 8/4/2008 |
Q: The foundation walls in my basement are slowly crumbling away. The house was built in 1920 as a two ...
A: You need to be very careful with old crumbling foundations. If you are experiencing loose, falling ...
|
| Craters next to slab and under walkway | 8/2/2008 |
Q: Our home was built in 1995 in North Central Texas (DFW area). It is slab on grade. Several years ...
A: I have seen similar problems around many homes in Colorado. The pavers set in sand, often times trap ...
|
| cutting concrete | 8/1/2008 |
Q: I don't know if this is your area of expertise but give it a try. I have a small vent/access hole ...
A: If you use a skill saw with a 7-1/4" diamond blade, you can cut a depth of approx 3-1/4"....You will ...
|
| main support beam | 8/1/2008 |
Q: I am building a new home. I need to know what type of center beam should be used in a crawl space ...
A: The 3 2X10 boards nailed together, should be fine if that is what the building plans show as a mid ...
|
| corner of cabin sinking | 7/30/2008 |
Q: My cabin has sunk in one corner about 3 inches. It is sitting on a clay base with 6 inches of rock ...
A: Depending on the type of construction, Frame, Log, etc,...The affected corner will need to be lifted ...
|
| Old rock foundation... | 7/30/2008 |
Q: My boyfriend and I are considering purchasing a 91 year old house that has old rock foundation. 3 ...
A: There are several options aside from installing a new foundation. The most important thing is ...
|
| foundation repair and drainage | 7/30/2008 |
Q: I'm a building contactor in Maine. Recently we completed a home, and are finding that the basement ...
A: It sounds like you are going to need a lift station installed. A sump pump installed below the ...
|
| how to repair main support beam that has a hole | 7/29/2008 |
Q: a friends house has a main support beam where a contractor cut a 4 inch diameter hole in it to run a ...
A: You have some good ideas of possible repairs to the weakened beam, but it will depend on the ...
|
| Cracked tile floor after foundation repair | 7/29/2008 |
Q: Our house is a single story ranch style home built in 1958 in Dallas, Texas. The person we ...
A: It would be a good idea to have the previous repair company come out to take a look. The piers may ...
|
| water in my basement | 7/28/2008 |
Q: I have water on my basement floor. At first I thought it was from the washer but I had someone out ...
A: From your description of the area and the type of seepage, I am thinking that you may have a drain ...
|
| Sinking floors | 7/28/2008 |
Q: I just bought an old (1968) colonial home. It has concrete flooring. I see now that a part of the ...
A: I'm sorry that I do not know any structural engineers in your area. Our firm is located in Colorado. ...
|
| basement wall leak | 7/27/2008 |
Q: I have a similar leak as the previous poster. A leak coming from the basement concrete wall at the ...
A: You want to drill the small diameter hole directly at the corroded tie wire location. The carbide ...
|
| water in basement from cinder block wall | 7/27/2008 |
Q: Water is coming into the basement via a cinder block wall. We have exhausted all other options of ...
A: Filling the cinder blocks with any type of material will not stop water from coming through the ...
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| Sinking | 7/26/2008 |
Q: I have a home in Wisconsin on a Lake, and the home is about 20x40 and 60 years old, and has a cinder ...
A: I believe the well tank rupture definitely caused the foundation to sink. There should be a spread ...
|
| basement wall leak | 7/26/2008 |
Q: I have a similar leak as the previous poster. A leak coming from the basement concrete wall at the ...
A: There are many ways to stop the water from coming through the wall, but the most important thing is ...
|
| room separating from house | 7/21/2008 |
Q: The house is approx. 30 yrs old 2 story with concrete block foundation. The upstairs sitting room is ...
A: The cracking and separating that you are noticing is caused by foundation settling. There must be a ...
|
| sudden foundation shift | 7/21/2008 |
Q: We just recently moved into a house in central Texas, about 2 months ago. We have expansive clay ...
A: The best way to examine a drain pipe is with a camera on a cable that is slowly pushed down through ...
|
| Limestone foundation | 7/21/2008 |
Q: We have a house built in 1914. I think the limestone foundation is structurally sound, but the ...
A: I believe the Quickcrete products should do nicely. If there is a concern about intrusive moisture, ...
|
| sudden foundation shift | 7/20/2008 |
Q: We just recently moved into a house in central Texas, about 2 months ago. We have expansive clay ...
A: You should stop using the soaker hose immediately. I know that there is a lot of information out ...
|
| Limestone foundation | 7/20/2008 |
Q: We have a house built in 1914. I think the limestone foundation is structurally sound, but the ...
A: The type of products that I am thinking about are portland cement based mixtures that are available ...
|
| Support beams taken out of basement | 7/20/2008 |
Q: Our house was built in 1911, has a concrete foundation, is two stories and has a basement you can ...
A: You may be able to install new support columns yourselves,but you will need to have the appropriate ...
|
| Limestone foundation | 7/20/2008 |
Q: We have a house built in 1914. I think the limestone foundation is structurally sound, but the ...
A: You will need to remove all loose material by scraping and cleaning lime stone with wire brushes or ...
|
| Foundation | 7/19/2008 |
Q: I have a sunroom attached to the existing home, the home was built in the early 70's in the ...
A: You need piering attached to the footer. The piers are hydraulically pressed or spiral driven ...
|
| Foundation | 7/19/2008 |
Q: I have a sunroom attached to the existing home, the home was built in the early 70's in the ...
A: The separation was definitely caused by soil softening at some time after the footer was poured and ...
|
| Converting a temporary foundation into a permanent one. | 7/19/2008 |
Q: My wife and I are currently looking to acquire a new home. We have found a single story family home ...
A: I agree with your thinking. You will need to make certain that the footing is at the proper depth ...
|
| dirt basements | 7/19/2008 |
Q: Good day sir we live in Calgary Alberta Canada and are very serious about buying a house that has a ...
A: Depending on the soil type and the method of construction, there may or may not be difficulties with ...
|
| slab foundation | 7/19/2008 |
Q: we are looking at a lovely house on the Miramichi river where I would like to retire/It is an old ...
A: I don't think you have any particular worries with a slab foundation as long as the soil is stabile ...
|
| Foundation surface | 7/18/2008 |
Q: I'd like some advice to repair/resurface our basement walls. The house is in Montreal and was built ...
A: The crumbling and flaking concrete that you are describing, indicates oxidization and deteriorating ...
|
| Repair Center Beam | 7/18/2008 |
Q: A contractor told me that my center beam in the crawl space of my house was rotted and needed to be ...
A: As long as there is ventilation, (fresh air), there shouldn't be any particular problem with trapped ...
|
| Sinking floors | 7/18/2008 |
Q: I just bought an old (1968) colonial home. It has concrete flooring. I see now that a part of the ...
A: The type of settlement you have described, indicates moisture problems beneath the sinking areas. ...
|
| cracks from house settling or start of a sinkhole | 7/18/2008 |
Q: My house is 5 years old and I can't tell if the cracks in my foundation is from the house being ...
A: Your house may still be under a structural warranty. If you are seeing cracks in the foundation, you ...
|
| Repair Center Beam | 7/17/2008 |
Q: A contractor told me that my center beam in the crawl space of my house was rotted and needed to be ...
A: The only way a cost could be determined for the replacement of a center beam, would be after a ...
|
| Foundation issues | 7/17/2008 |
Q: Ed Eckley, I'm buying a new home with a builder and it's in last stage (final phase ready for ...
A: The problems that you have described may be serious and could very well represent poor quality ...
|
| Minor cracking/bowing in basement walls | 7/17/2008 |
Q: We had our 11 course block foundation inspected by an independent inspector in March of this year. ...
A: The reason you are noticing the wall relaxing and looking better, is because of the clay soil drying ...
|
| Support beams taken out of basement | 7/17/2008 |
Q: We just purchased a home where someone removed some of the posts in the basement that support the ...
A: You should contact close by foundation repair companies and talk to them about the mid beam ...
|
| Leaking basement | 7/16/2008 |
Q: We live 45 min east of Toronto (Ontario), and are building a new house. This has been a wet ...
A: You should probably have the situation examined by a professional. If there is water coming in ...
|
| doggy door in cinderblock building | 7/16/2008 |
Q: I would like to add some doggy doors 14 (kennel) in my building, what type of headers do I use, ...
A: I believe you will need to have some custom made steel jambs. You will need to purchase the doors ...
|
| cement fertilizer stain | 7/15/2008 |
Q: How do you remove the orange lawn fertilizer color from cement?
A: It depends on the type of fertilizer and the chemical composition. I would try using strong ...
|
| Backfill Question | 7/15/2008 |
Q: Hey Ed, I received an email that you had answered my question, but the link doesn't take me to the ...
A: I think you will be better off using sand as the bed to place the pavers because gravel may be ...
|
| limestone repair | 7/14/2008 |
Q: could you tell me what kind of mix recipe i can use on limesone rock so the mortar doesnt crack. ...
A: You should be fine with a conventional mortar mix that you can purchase at the local hardware ...
|
| Room addition leaking | 7/14/2008 |
Q: Ed, We live in a house that was built in 1971. At a later date the living room was expanded.This ...
A: I believe your husband is right about jacking the addition up into proper position to keep it ...
|
| Leaking basement | 7/14/2008 |
Q: We live 45 min east of Toronto (Ontario), and are building a new house. This has been a wet ...
A: I'm not sure from your description if the water is coming in from the roof not being finished, or ...
|
| more information on question 7/13/2008 | 7/13/2008 |
Q: Ranch house on slab--bottom of hill 1950 built--garage added after house making it 95 ft.long--use ...
A: You will be in good hands if you get a structural engineer involved because, a report from an ...
|
| leak in foundation | 7/13/2008 |
Q: Daughter bought ranch 3 months ago house vacant 1 year--back yard very wet --had the back piped so ...
A: From your description of the foundation becoming wet after the bathroom shower is used, my thoughts ...
|
| Cutting Foundation | 7/11/2008 |
Q: I want to cut a hole in my basement foundation wall to install an egress window. My foundation is ...
A: It depends on the direction of the floor joists. If they run parallel to the wall, you should not ...
|
| Cracked Floor | 7/9/2008 |
Q: I have build a house which has a raised foundation front foundation wall 1.5(meters) high & rear 0.5 ...
A: You should call a foundation repair company in your area. Look up the ones that specialize in ...
|
| Old house with floors caving in?! | 7/9/2008 |
Q: The house the my mother lives in was built around 1907 and has two stories with an attic. The ...
A: The best place to start is contacting a good structural engineer and having a thorough examination ...
|
| sill plate | 7/9/2008 |
Q: There is 10 ft section of rotten sill plate on the foundation. Do I need to replace it? Is it just ...
A: The problem with setting a frame on the basement floor, is that there is a great chance of movement ...
|
| sill plate | 7/9/2008 |
Q: There is 10 ft section of rotten sill plate on the foundation. Do I need to replace it? Is it just ...
A: You should replace the bad section of sill plate. Installation of an inner frame wall is a good ...
|
| Fix foundation or leave it alone | 7/9/2008 |
Q: In 2006 I had an estimate on foundation work (Austin, TX) and at that time was told there was only ...
A: The problem with all service related industries, is the rising operations costs. Every week that ...
|
| Wet basement | 7/8/2008 |
Q: I had a home built 4 years ago this May. I have experienced some dampness that is isolated to a ...
A: Yes it is quite possible that you have a collective low spot that cannot drain. Your perimeter ...
|
| Basement Seepage | 7/2/2008 |
Q: I live in a city close to Detroit. My home was built in the 1930s. About 10 years ago our city ...
A: The very best thing you could do is install a concrete apron along the area(s) that do not deflect ...
|
| foundation and drainage | 7/2/2008 |
Q: My gutters became disconnected from the perimeter drains and the ground was sloping back to the ...
A: You need to keep watch on the foundation settlement for several months as the surrounding soil fully ...
|
| Foundation movement | 7/1/2008 |
Q: I am considering about buying a 28 year old house that was built on a cornfield. One of the walls is ...
A: Whenever you see cracked mortar lines and inward bowing of block type foundations, It is a serious ...
|
| Foundation movement | 6/30/2008 |
Q: I am considering about buying a 28 year old house that was built on a cornfield. One of the walls is ...
A: It sounds like a minor problem in the frame studding and possibly poor drywall taping. You will need ...
|
| Hole reapearing next to foundation | 6/30/2008 |
Q: A hole 2x4 wide was dug down past the foundation and underneath the foundation appears to be a mushy ...
A: The only thing you can do is remove as much of the organic material as you can find, and then fill ...
|
| Pouring Cement in Existing Garage | 6/30/2008 |
Q: I have a two car garage that is of typical pole barn construction. The main posts are sunk into the ...
A: It is true that wooden posts will eventually rot out if they are not kept above ground. If they are ...
|
| moisture in basement and cracking of drywall | 6/30/2008 |
Q: I was reading your answer to Liz and it sounded so much like my problem that I was stunned. I am ...
A: I would recommend contacting a a good structural engineer to examine the foundation and frame before ...
|
| support post "sinking" | 6/27/2008 |
Q: I have a 40yo ranch with a double garage and two separate wooden garage doors. the two doors are ...
A: The best thing to do is remove the mortar from the previously repaired areas. You may need to dig it ...
|
| Raising a house with a limestone foundation? | 6/27/2008 |
Q: Here’s the background: my home is in an historic district in St. Louis, MO, and is a 3-story brick ...
A: From your description of the structure, I would say that any type of lifting or manipulation of the ...
|
| Repair Termite Damaged Rafter | 6/27/2008 |
Q: I have a regular A frame type of garage. 1 of the rafters have some extensive termite damage, (only ...
A: Yes of course it would look much nicer with the original damaged rafter removed and then replaced ...
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| Basement partial refinishing | 6/26/2008 |
Q: I am trying to have my basement walls repaired, dried. I just bought a house in Germantown/Mt. ...
A: I am sorry that I cannot begin to guess the qualifications or skills of contractors in your area. ...
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| Repair Termite Damaged Rafter | 6/26/2008 |
Q: I have a regular A frame type of garage. 1 of the rafters have some extensive termite damage, (only ...
A: The most important thing is to make certain that the termites are eliminated, and then of course, ...
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| House sagging in the middle | 6/25/2008 |
Q: My home is 116 years old and has seen a lot of settling, mostly directly under the center of the ...
A: You can certainly add support to the failing areas of your mid beam, but the process involves ...
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| ideas to fill ac hole in cinder block wall | 6/25/2008 |
Q: aside from window and cinder block (the 2 obvious choices) are there any kits/standard items for ...
A: I don't know of any kits, or patch plates for such an application. I would say that you are going to ...
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| Exterior of concrete foundation crumbling | 6/24/2008 |
Q: I live on the east coast of Canada (north of Maine). Last year I bought a small old house, probably ...
A: Your thoughts about applying a skim coat of new cement, is a good idea except for one possible ...
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| Erosion in the crawl space | 6/20/2008 |
Q: We live in a ranch home in central Ohio. It has a block crawl space and at the bottom of the block ...
A: I think you can probably fill the hole back in with soil and then compact it very tightly with a ...
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| OLD House | 6/19/2008 |
Q: Our 800 sq ft house was built back in 1937 and over the years the clay soil has taken its toll on ...
A: The most important thing is to identify where the water is entering the perimeter.....You may need ...
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| brick wall leaning away from house | 6/18/2008 |
Q: We have a walk-out basement house with a reclaimed brick half-wall around it. At the front of the ...
A: There must be some failure in the block foundation that has caused the brick to pull away from the ...
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| 3 foot hole in outer foundation wall. | 6/17/2008 |
Q: I am a young homeowner that recently purchased my grandfathers house, constructed in 1924. From what ...
A: You will need to construct a concrete form that will be shaped around the central air piping, and ...
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| horizontal cracks with 5/8" coming in | 6/17/2008 |
Q: there is a 58 years old house I like that we want to make an offer but it has 3 horizontal cracks on ...
A: Generally speaking, I would say that 5/8" bow in the block wall is not a serious problem as long as ...
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| House leaning | 6/17/2008 |
Q: Ed, I am in the process of buying a home in North East Texas.We had an inspection on the house and ...
A: From your description of the original house, and noting that there are no visible cracks, I would ...
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| I think my foundation is sinking! | 6/17/2008 |
Q: Ed, Not sure where to begin here but here is a brief description of my situation. I have a single ...
A: Your best option would be contacting a reputable foundation piering company in your area. They ...
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| bulging brick foundation | 6/16/2008 |
Q: I have a 1920's craftsman sitting on a brick foundation. Only two sections of the foundation wall ...
A: I actually like your idea of using treated 6X6 posts instead of blocks with rebar. The posts could ...
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| horizontal cracks in cinder block | 6/16/2008 |
Q: you were very helpful in answering some questions about cracks in the motor between our cinder block ...
A: I am sorry that I cannot even begin to estimate what carbon fiber reinforcement might cost in your ...
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| foundation is braking away. | 6/15/2008 |
Q: it looks like some don't even reach the block .i hae pictures of it if you need a better idea of ...
A: You have got serious problems with your foundation. Whenever block foundations lean outward or ...
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| cutting old house in 6 chunks-moving-re-assembled by non-pro | 6/15/2008 |
Q: when reassembled the house was set on foundation that you can access at ground level in front has 2 ...
A: Your ideas seem logical, and I believe that you have a good plan of layout. The most critical load ...
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| Is this soil suitable for building on | 6/14/2008 |
Q: I am looking to build up some ground to extend the side of a hill. I'm hoping to increase the amount ...
A: I would recommend using more of a conventional clay base with the rocky aggregate mixed in for ...
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| Water seeping thorugh block basement wall | 6/14/2008 |
Q: I've recently noticed this past week (after living in our house for 5 years) that moisture is ...
A: The water source could likely be related to the cistern, if there is a leak in the tank or the ...
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| Basement window well sump pump | 6/12/2008 |
Q: Let me first describe the issue. We have a basement window well that has a drain that goes down into ...
A: I think you will be fine with the inspection, as long as there is no evidence of water damage or ...
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| structural foundation | 6/12/2008 |
Q: This house was built in a lower lying area in a Chicago suburb. The lot rreceives runoff water from ...
A: The continuous running sump pump, indicates a constant water source of either high water table or a ...
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| Wood foundation repair | 6/12/2008 |
Q: I have a 30'x40' barn (at least 50 years old) that was built using 4"x6" timber as the outside ...
A: You should be very careful with a leaning structure because of the risk of collapse if the frame ...
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| Crumbling basement wall | 6/11/2008 |
Q: I recently purchased an older home in South Central KS. The home was moved onto the existing ...
A: You have a very good plan for the reinforcement of the old concrete. I would say that you will ...
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| Foundation leaking around Pipe | 6/11/2008 |
Q: I have a pipe coming through the foundation below grade. It has recently begun dripping at the ...
A: You can easily seal the area with a good quality Siliconized concrete sealant. Available at most ...
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| Structural Repairs to Home | 6/11/2008 |
Q: The seller has agreed to make all repairs to a house that a structural engineer has recommended. ...
A: L. I can understand your concern with choosing the right contractors, materials, and final ...
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| Water in basement and cracks along basement floor | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I live in a 1967 colonial home (basement plus 2 stories) in Maryland (clay soil). I moved into the ...
A: The oak tree could cause problems eventually because of the ever increasing root structure. Yes, the ...
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| Water in basement and cracks along basement floor | 6/10/2008 |
Q: I live in a 1967 colonial home (basement plus 2 stories) in Maryland (clay soil). I moved into the ...
A: Frame movement in the upper levels of the home will be noticeable by cracking of drywall. Doors can ...
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| paver patio | 6/9/2008 |
Q: I recently tried putting a 10'x14' paver patio in my back yard. The day before I dug out the area ...
A: You should be able to wait several days until the area dries up and then you will be able to compact ...
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| concrete (cinder) block/ cultured brick veneer water wick | 6/9/2008 |
Q: I know this is not a foundation issue, but thought you might have some ideas, since it deals with ...
A: From your description of the water seeping down the chimney brick, I would think that there is a ...
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| Water in basement and cracks along basement floor | 6/9/2008 |
Q: I live in a 1967 colonial home (basement plus 2 stories) in Maryland (clay soil). I moved into the ...
A: You may not need to get a structural engineer if you are not seeing any significant cracking in the ...
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| moisture wicking into interior walls | 6/9/2008 |
Q: My 20 year old brick home is in Oklahoma, (hot, cold, wet, dry, hot, wet etc). Moisture is wicking ...
A: You have a bad situation if the grade slopes towards the home. It would be very difficult to create ...
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| Concrete patio support for Portico | 6/9/2008 |
Q: I am building a 9'x5' concrete patio with paver veneer and eventually will add a single story two ...
A: The best plan is to drill approx 1/2 way into the foundation. The holes should be 1/2" diameter, ...
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| gap btw driveway and house | 6/8/2008 |
Q: There is a 1/2 gap between the house and the driveway where they both come together. When our ...
A: The very best thing to use is flexible crack and joint sealant. Silicone based concrete sealant. You ...
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| water leaks in cinder block | 6/8/2008 |
Q: OK, after the 5+ inches of rain here in SE Wisconsin last night we once again found water in the ...
A: You could use a perforated tube in the bottom of the ditch if you desire. You would need to wrap the ...
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| water leaks in cinder block | 6/8/2008 |
Q: OK, after the 5+ inches of rain here in SE Wisconsin last night we once again found water in the ...
A: I can visualize the situation and I can see where the trapped water can and will attack your home. ...
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| water leaks in cinder block | 6/8/2008 |
Q: OK, after the 5+ inches of rain here in SE Wisconsin last night we once again found water in the ...
A: I believe your thoughts are correct about increasing the size of your gutters and down spouts. You ...
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| Concrete patio support for Portico | 6/8/2008 |
Q: I am building a 9'x5' concrete patio with paver veneer and eventually will add a single story two ...
A: From your description of your plan, I believe you are going to be in pretty good shape with the ...
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| Water finding it way into basement | 6/6/2008 |
Q: Last night during a heavy rain I noticed 2 places where water was entering the basement. 1) Water ...
A: From your description of the water problems around your home, I am picturing negative grade issues. ...
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| bowed basement walls/anchors | 6/6/2008 |
Q: We are under agreement to buy a house. The basement consists of a two car garage, a small laundry ...
A: I would say that the structural engineer probably has a good plan and the suggested remedies will ...
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| Perimeter Drainage Problem | 6/6/2008 |
Q: I have an issue with the perimeter drainage around my property and would appreciate some expert ...
A: From your description of the problems that you are experiencing, I would think that you have a ...
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| using topsoil in backfilling | 6/6/2008 |
Q: The big pile of topsoil that was to be reserved for my yard was used (along with excavated clay) to ...
A: That is a very good question... You may or may not experience some settling of the soil within the ...
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| basement leak | 6/5/2008 |
Q: Last night we had a very small hole leak ( little stream of water came out form wall) in the ...
A: The small hole might be from the form ties that perhaps snapped off deep into the concrete wall, and ...
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| Somewhat leaky basement | 6/5/2008 |
Q: We have a finished basement with nature stone flooring. I noticed that during heavy rains, the floor ...
A: You mentioned that the moisture seems to occur during heavy rains, and that would indicate a direct ...
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| bowed walls/anchors | 6/5/2008 |
Q: One more question to add. How can you tell if a bowed wall is a continuing problem or has not moved ...
A: There is always the possibility of bowing during construction if the forms were flimsy and the mix ...
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| bowed basement walls/anchors | 6/5/2008 |
Q: We are under agreement to buy a house. The basement consists of a two car garage, a small laundry ...
A: Some of your questions would be very difficult to answer without thorough examination of the type of ...
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| olshans hydrogo exterior water mgmt system | 6/5/2008 |
Q: What do you think about the Olshan hydrogo water mgmt system? It's a double barrel system designed ...
A: I am sorry that I cannot comment on any particular system that I am unfamiliar with. It would be a ...
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| efflorescence in basement cement work | 6/4/2008 |
Q: I was having drain tile issues around my house so I had a secondary drain tile system installed on ...
A: I would say that your best bet would be to go with a commercial grade Epoxy coating similar to ...
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| house foundations | 6/3/2008 |
Q: a house Im looking to buy has a crack running from the top of the foundation on the left side to the ...
A: The type of crack that you have described is a torsion break caused by differential soil movement of ...
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| efflorescence in basement cement work | 6/3/2008 |
Q: I was having drain tile issues around my house so I had a secondary drain tile system installed on ...
A: The white residue that is forming along the concrete joints is a hard water mineral of some sort. ...
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| Garage Cracked | 6/2/2008 |
Q: Mortar Blocks around garage foundation cracking and side of house dropped about a foot?
A: I am assuming that you have a block foundation beneath the house as well as the block foundation ...
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| Basement bowing crack | 6/1/2008 |
Q: Type: Full basement - Block Hi, I am trying to buy a 4 yr old house but during inspection, a ...
A: I can understand your concern about repair methods and the results of each. You are obviously trying ...
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| concrete block crumbling under garage | 5/31/2008 |
Q: I'm interested in purchasing a home but noticed the garage had corroding block, which the garage is ...
A: Very good questions! There is always a possibility of roof damage if there is foundation settlement ...
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| cracked foundation house not level | 5/31/2008 |
Q: I was interested in buying a house originally built in the 50's. But there is a noticeable crack in ...
A: There are several things that can cause the floor to slope, and it may or may not be a problem with ...
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| repairing camp foundation | 5/29/2008 |
Q: I own a small camp on a pond in central Maine. The original structure was built about 60 years ...
A: Actually no....Because there is no particular problem with saturation or penetration like you would ...
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| re-enforcing stacked stone foundation wall | 5/29/2008 |
Q: I am in the process of digging out a crawl space under the back room of our house. The room was ...
A: There are a couple of possibilities. You could pour a sister wall along the edge of the existing ...
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| repairing camp foundation | 5/29/2008 |
Q: I own a small camp on a pond in central Maine. The original structure was built about 60 years ...
A: From your description, I am picturing a fairly light structure that is probably simple frame ...
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| centre floor beam | 5/28/2008 |
Q: how can i replace this centre floor beam, or fix it, from bottom of crawl space, bottom of floor, ...
A: There are many things to consider when planning to replace a center beam, and there are certain ...
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| Plastering foundation | 5/28/2008 |
Q: I have a 38 year old two-story home with full basement. The foundation is hollow block with the ...
A: I think you will do fine without any lathe work. Since the house is only 38 years old, and the ...
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| Expoy crack repair product | 5/28/2008 |
Q: ..now a question about cracks. I have a hairline crack in a 25-yr old, 8-inch, poured concrete ...
A: My opinion of epoxy repairs to cracked foundation walls is two fold: Good and Bad......Epoxy ...
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| House Leveling and foundation repair | 5/27/2008 |
Q: I'm thinking about buying a cottage that has about a 4 inch drop towards the front of the house. ...
A: You mention the front of the house having a 4" drop, and a built on overhead addition that protrudes ...
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| Bentonite along foundation for waterproofing | 5/27/2008 |
Q: What is your opinion of using a bentonite / clay band around the foundation of a house to aid in ...
A: I have heard of similar techniques used around dams and commercial pilons, but I am thinking that ...
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| Water Beneath Basement | 5/27/2008 |
Q: Our house seems to be sitting on a spring. We have a sump pump in our basement that pumps out water ...
A: You may be right in assuming that there is a spring or aquifer beneath your basement floor. ...
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| Excavating next to spread footing | 5/26/2008 |
Q: I have a house located 6 ft. above street level. I'd like to build a garage right in front of it, at ...
A: The simplest and most effective way of supporting the short foundation with a spread footing, is to ...
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| cracks and concrete shrinkage | 5/25/2008 |
Q: I live in ocala,fl we had a house build the end of 07 moved in nov.07 started getting cracks in the ...
A: I'm not able to determine what type of garage you are trying to describe...If the walls are ...
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| Foundations | 5/24/2008 |
Q: I've recently acquired a new (old) house. It's a small single story A-frame with a full poured ...
A: You may need to consult with a local Structural Engineer to help devise a plan that will be ...
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| driveway | 5/23/2008 |
Q: we are trying to change our old interlock.after removing all the stones and putting some sand and ...
A: There is probably insufficient base beneath the driveway. You are getting the soft spots because of ...
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| sagging house, windows hard to lock | 5/23/2008 |
Q: At the moment I am waiting for a roof repair technician to come by and inspect my roof. A friend ...
A: There is a good possibility of foundation settling because of the frame problems that are affecting ...
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| New-build foundation issue. | 5/23/2008 |
Q: I am having a new home built in a northern suburb of Phoenix, AZ. I've been trying to keep a close ...
A: I can understand your frustration because of the mistake with the missing floor drain. The area ...
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| question | 5/21/2008 |
Q: As i been asked this question in my test, so i am searching bor the best solution/answer. Question ...
A: This is a very unusual series of questions that appear to be best guess scenario. There are probably ...
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| Old, very old, Concrete sidewalk | 5/21/2008 |
Q: Hope you can help us...Our question is in reguards to a old and uneven,cracking sidewalk. We own a ...
A: You can certainly pour new concrete over the existing concrete, but you must take care to be sure of ...
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| shrinkable clay and possible types of ground floor | 5/20/2008 |
Q: We are currently carrying out the renovation of a brick cottage and adjoining barns. They are under ...
A: Wire mesh would be fine if the ground is fairly stabile, but whenever there is a possibility of ...
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| House Settling, etc | 5/19/2008 |
Q: I am interested in buying a house in Central Virginia. It is approximately 1100 sq ft. with a full ...
A: Based on the details that you have mentioned, I would say that you would be looking at major costs ...
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| old brick foundation failing? | 5/19/2008 |
Q: We've uncovered a really shocking problem with our foundation… First, here’s a little background. A ...
A: The most important thing is to make sure that you do not dig around the foundation unless the frame ...
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| Cracks in foundation/water seepage | 5/19/2008 |
Q: We bought a house in Chicago about 2-1/2 years ago that was built sometime around the 1920's. The ...
A: Often times it is very difficult to determine if there might be a high water table that fluctuates ...
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| 1940s house with moisture, chimney problems, etc. | 5/19/2008 |
Q: I am in the process of buying a house in S.C. built in 1942, with an addition added in the 1970s. ...
A: L. It sounds like there are many important issues that need to be examined more closely. Some of the ...
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| 1940s house with moisture, chimney problems, etc. | 5/18/2008 |
Q: I am in the process of buying a house in S.C. built in 1942, with an addition added in the 1970s. ...
A: L. All of the problems that you have mentioned are serious as related to the structure. I would say ...
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| cabin | 5/18/2008 |
Q: Subject: cabin Volunteer Expert: Harvey ChichesterI am fixing up a 1950's cabin and need help in ...
A: I would say that the floors probably need sanding and re-surfacing with a heavy duty coating of some ...
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| Enclosed Porch Slab/Seasonal Foundation Movement | 5/18/2008 |
Q: I have a one-story house in Houston, Texas built in 1952 on a slab foundation. A large number of ...
A: That is a very good question. The thing is: Identifying where any possible moisture might enter. ...
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| cottage cinderblock foundation bowing in | 5/18/2008 |
Q: I have a 12x26, 50's converted cottage (originally, a "duck house") in Montauk, NY, whose ...
A: I'm sorry I didn't specify any particular kind of internal bracing because there are actually ...
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| Enclosed Porch Slab/Seasonal Foundation Movement | 5/18/2008 |
Q: I have a one-story house in Houston, Texas built in 1952 on a slab foundation. A large number of ...
A: I would say that the previous repair was obviously a quick fix, and it certainly didn't have well ...
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| cottage cinderblock foundation bowing in | 5/17/2008 |
Q: I have a 12x26, 50's converted cottage (originally, a "duck house") in Montauk, NY, whose ...
A: You could have the structure supported temporarily, and remove and replace the foundation with a new ...
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| shrinkable clay and possible types of ground floor | 5/17/2008 |
Q: We are currently carrying out the renovation of a brick cottage and adjoining barns. They are under ...
A: I can understand your concerns about possible soil settling and I can see why you are faced with a ...
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| Cutting Lolly column pipe | 5/16/2008 |
Q: Ed, Greetings. I am trying to dismantle an old basketball backboard and pole. The backboard was ...
A: Probably the easiest way to remove the pipe is by cutting it off with a cutting torch and then ...
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| penetrating cinder block foundation | 5/14/2008 |
Q: In order to install a new drain I need to cut a 3" hole in the top or second tier of my cinder ...
A: Your concern is a legitimate one....Most people don't even think about such things when they plan ...
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| Cracked and bowing basement walls | 5/13/2008 |
Q: Our house is 30+ years old in Overland Park, KS, suburb of Kansas City, MO. It is a split level ...
A: Whenever I am asked this particular question about my choice between Steel and Carbon Fiber, I offer ...
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| bulging basement wall | 5/13/2008 |
Q: Ed, I have lived in my 35 yr old home for the past 6 years. I do not spend much time in the ...
A: The problem that you are experiencing is actually quite common among older block foundations...The ...
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| 1948 house foundation repairing | 5/12/2008 |
Q: I try to buy one small house on top of the hills with view, I found in house have foundation ...
A: You will need to contact a local structural engineer and have them examine the foundation ...
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| house is leaning | 5/11/2008 |
Q: We live in the city of Chicago where homes are built right next to eachother. Is there anything we ...
A: It is very difficult to say whether or not any particular plan might work , without knowing more ...
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| crawl space foundation repair | 5/10/2008 |
Q: We are having a water penetration issue on a smaller home with a crawl space in the front and a ...
A: I'm not familiar with the method that you have described. I would say that the contractor proposing ...
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| replacing home foundation | 5/9/2008 |
Q: Me and my husband are looking into buying out first home. We found one we really love. We were ...
A: The biggest danger factor of a leaning building is determined by the frame strength. Depending on ...
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| Rock foundation caving | 5/8/2008 |
Q: Ed, We live in an old school house that was built in 1910. In the 70's the house was remodeled into ...
A: There is another option that would cost much less, and cause less structural fatigue on the frame. ...
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| foundation | 5/8/2008 |
Q: my husband and I are building a track home with a well established builder and are concerned because ...
A: I can understand your concern about added concrete slab sections. It could be a problem if the added ...
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| That sinking feeling | 5/6/2008 |
Q: Boy, am I having trouble describing the loadbearing on our house! We have a 1973 sort of a zig-zag ...
A: You have described some common problems with soil softening and foundation sinking. I would ...
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| Concrete Block / Boathouse | 5/6/2008 |
Q: I have a Boathouse made of Concrete Block with a poured slab on top for a patio. The corner blocks ...
A: I like your plan... I believe that pouring in new concrete would be a much better remedy than ...
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| conditions and densities of the insitu soils | 5/6/2008 |
Q: We just received information on a house we are interested in purchasing so we had a foundation ...
A: It is a bit unusual that the pad is suspected of being placed upon organic materials...The proper ...
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| Crack in the drywall | 5/5/2008 |
Q: We have an approximately 36 years old house. Just recently I noticed a crack on the drywall in our ...
A: Any cracking should be cause for concern, particularly if there is a noticeable increase in size as ...
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| Building new concrete stairs tied to existing foundation | 5/5/2008 |
Q: I am working on a project which requires building stairs (two steps) down from the living room to ...
A: I am assuming that you have installed a new doorway out to a planned patio area, or that a previous ...
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| garage floor cracking | 5/4/2008 |
Q: Mr. Eckley, I live in Racine,Wisconsin and I have a garage floor that has two large cracks in the ...
A: From your description of the side access door and the way the floor has broken and heaved, I would ...
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| high water table | 5/3/2008 |
Q: Back in March we had a bad flood, had rained all that day and heavy snow thaw. The house is 8 years ...
A: From your description of the previous problems, and movement, etc,..I would think that the water is ...
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| Some Cracks and bowing | 5/3/2008 |
Q: we may be closing on a home soon. I am trying to get some perspective on the condition of the ...
A: Your question about what is considered bad as far as bowing is concerned, is really a very good ...
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| Foundation | 4/16/2008 |
Q: Eckley, I have a home built in the mid 40's and it is built currently on pillars. It was in pretty ...
A: Depending on the overall condition of the frame, and the position of the house on the lot, A new ...
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| termite damage in main support beam | 4/16/2008 |
Q: We have an ohio home built in 1874 with some pretty extensive termite damage in the main support ...
A: I like your idea much better than sistered wood plates. The thing to use beneath temp support ...
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| home | 4/15/2008 |
Q: We have lived in our home for 25 years. Our basement does not leak and we have no crack on the ...
A: Usually the only things that will lift back up when moisture is present, are large pads such as: ...
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| Extensive termite damage...what to do? | 4/14/2008 |
Q: Living on Long Island, I have had termite treatment to my home every year, however they would always ...
A: I would guess that the project should be less than $4,000....But it depends on how difficult the ...
|
| Jack posts resting on construction debris | 4/14/2008 |
Q: In a basement of a newly constructed house, is it appropriate to see four of six adjustable jack ...
A: From your description of the jack posts, and their relationship with the unknown bases, I would have ...
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| Extensive termite damage...what to do? | 4/14/2008 |
Q: Living on Long Island, I have had termite treatment to my home every year, however they would always ...
A: You will need to lift and support the area just enough to provide clearance to slide in the new sill ...
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| main foundation support | 4/14/2008 |
Q: We are in the process of buying a new construction. After we were told the framing was done, we ...
A: Your concern about the steel beams is well founded... Whenever two beams are butted and placed on a ...
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| cracked and bowed basement wall | 4/14/2008 |
Q: Our home is 15 yrs. old and located in Kentucky where the soil is clay. Our basement wall has a ...
A: I would have to agree with the repair company that offered steel beams as a remedy. I strongly ...
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| Front oorch falling apart | 4/13/2008 |
Q: Hope you can help me out with this one. My front porch, specifically my step leading to the porch ...
A: There are ways to patch the concrete, but depending on the overall condition of the old concrete, ...
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| Concrete Block | 4/13/2008 |
Q: Our house was built in the 50's. We bought it in 2005. It was in good shape and move in condition. ...
A: If the blocks are standing uniformly, and appear to be in sturdy condition, then of course you are ...
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| piers | 4/13/2008 |
Q: looking at a house that had 15 piers installed how long is that good for and would i have to do it ...
A: You have asked a very good question.... Depending on the pier type: Helical, Compression, etc... ...
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| Foundation Wrap or Tar - Cost difference? | 4/13/2008 |
Q: I have a block foundation in the crawl space beneath my backsplit home. At least one wall is ...
A: I would go with a foundation wrap because of the fact that it is a block foundation. If it were a ...
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| Replacing foundation | 4/12/2008 |
Q: I live in a 1-story house built in the 1940's. Previous owner dug out a section of crawlspace on ...
A: I'm not following your question about jacking up the floor joists and the wall independently. The ...
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| Foundation | 4/11/2008 |
Q: The foundation of my house was repaired a year ago with 59 piers drilled down to about 20ft. the ...
A: I would think that the foundation is definitely cracked already, especially if there are 59 piers ...
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| Porch Supports | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I had some front porch work done 3 years ago and the contractor did not dig down below the frost ...
A: The best way to go is with concrete caissons poured to a depth of: below frost line. They should ...
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| Termite damage | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I purchased a home in NW Alabama last year that had a prior infestation of termites that is being ...
A: I would recommend replacement of the defective studs and sill plate sections. You will probably need ...
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| paver overlay on patio | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I live in the Atlanta Georgia area and I have a ranch style house that is 10 years old. In the rear ...
A: Your question leans a little more toward masonry expertise, instead of structural. But, I do have a ...
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| Termite damage | 4/11/2008 |
Q: I purchased a home in NW Alabama last year that had a prior infestation of termites that is being ...
A: You are going to have to remove sections of the siding and backing material to be able to gain ...
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| bowed basement wall repair - which system is best? | 4/10/2008 |
Q: We live in Wheeling, WV. We have major cracking on two (opposite)walls in our basement along with ...
A: That is a very good question... Removing the old walls and replacing them all together, involves ...
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| Foundation | 4/10/2008 |
Q: The foundation of my house was repaired a year ago with 59 piers drilled down to about 20ft. the ...
A: It sounds like you had major issues with the perimeter of your foundation if you had 59 piers ...
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| about foundation | 4/10/2008 |
Q: if i will built 40ft by 20ft building 3floor 10ft each floor 30ft high is it ok if my post is only ...
A: I am not able to determine the needed post size without all of the details pertaining to the ...
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| bowed basement wall repair - which system is best? | 4/9/2008 |
Q: We live in Wheeling, WV. We have major cracking on two (opposite)walls in our basement along with ...
A: The problem that you are describing is quite serious and requires a great deal of strength to hold ...
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| Sagging Floors in 1890s House | 4/9/2008 |
Q: My colonial house was built in 1893 and the floors sag and the door openings are not level. I've ...
A: The only way that you can strengthen the sagging floors is by installing beams and support posts. ...
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| garage floor cracking | 4/9/2008 |
Q: We live in Newnan,Georgia.The house is 20 years old.We do have a basement.The garage floor is ...
A: Slab jacking is always an option as long as the conditions are right. For a badly broken older pad, ...
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| support post footings | 4/8/2008 |
Q: I am planning to remove then replace the existing poured concrete floor in my basement. My house is ...
A: Replacement of the support posts with adjustable steel posts, is a great plan. I would say that a ...
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| sill plate and brick foundation | 4/8/2008 |
Q: I live in central Illinois in a home that is 80 years old give or take a few years. This is a 2 ...
A: The situation that you have described is quite serious, especially since the structure is two story. ...
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| cottage foundations | 4/6/2008 |
Q: i have a small 2 bed wood cottage sitting on sinder blocks. it is around 35+ yrs old. last year we ...
A: You are going to need a footing or beam designed for the structure. there are several determining ...
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| Pier material | 4/6/2008 |
Q: I am very interested in a cabin that has recently been rehabbed. It's obvious that the foundation ...
A: I have seen piers made of every possible type of rock, brick, wood, and steel. The important factors ...
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| Attaching patio to foundation | 4/5/2008 |
Q: We are putting an addition on our house with a full basement underneath. Once the addition is ...
A: The most important things about planning a concrete pad are: making sure that the ground is properly ...
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| Basement floor cracking like an egg shell | 4/3/2008 |
Q: I live in a new (less than 1 year old) home. The house has a poured foundation, with a full ...
A: I would say that the floor has probably settled due to improper soil preparation beneath the pad ...
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| Support of post between garage doors | 3/13/2008 |
Q: I have a home in Georgia built in 1992. Within the past year, I've noticed a small 1/8 to 1/4 inch ...
A: The mud jacking that you had done was probably a good thing to fill the voids beneath the garage ...
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| Foundation Fix | 3/13/2008 |
Q: My wife and I just bought a house that was built around 1925. It has a 3ft crawlspace foundation. ...
A: The type of support that you are asking about is basically a temporary way to carry the building ...
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| Slight bow in wall | 3/13/2008 |
Q: I live in Omaha, NE. I am thinking about buying a house built in 1905 but there is a slight bow in ...
A: It sounds like one of those great old houses that needs a little help. The brick foundations can be ...
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| Cracks in foundation | 3/12/2008 |
Q: I am a resident of WI. We had a pretty bad winter and now that the snow is melting, I am noticing ...
A: I am sorry but I have absolutely no information about piering companies in Wisconsin.... Our firm is ...
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| Cracks in foundation | 3/9/2008 |
Q: I am a resident of WI. We had a pretty bad winter and now that the snow is melting, I am noticing ...
A: I would say that the problem must be minor, based upon what you are explaining, and there is a good ...
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| Slab House | 3/9/2008 |
Q: I have a sinking house slab in basic style 1600 sq ft ranch house. The floor has sank approximately ...
A: That is a very good question.... I would think that you should try to discuss the possibility of ...
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| crack in interior basement wall | 3/9/2008 |
Q: I noticed a leak along a 3-4 foot section of an interior wall in our daylight basement. We live in ...
A: The problem that you are describing is definitely a situation that cannot be allowed to continue. ...
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| Basement floor issues | 3/8/2008 |
Q: I was almost ready to make an offer on a home today when we noticed an issue with the basement ...
A: I can understand your concern about the basement floor and the overlay demonstrates that the floor ...
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| settlements cracks | 3/8/2008 |
Q: Our house is 20 years old and we bought it 1 year back. It is pier and beam. We have noticed a lot ...
A: Any time that cracking and frame distortion is noticed, it is a good idea to have some measurements ...
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| Cracks in foundation | 3/8/2008 |
Q: I am a resident of WI. We had a pretty bad winter and now that the snow is melting, I am noticing ...
A: A forty year old foundation wall should be sitting upon a spread footing. The accumulating snow melt ...
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| water in basement/foundation | 3/8/2008 |
Q: Ed, Thanks for reading my problem. Here I go...I have a new house (2yrs) and finished my basement. ...
A: There are a couple of possibilities for the water that you are noticing. The first possibility is ...
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| cottage foundation | 3/6/2008 |
Q: Can this be repaired? We have made a conditional offer on a cottage. The foundation is the ...
A: The biggest problem with block foundations is that they provide very little support against inward ...
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| Residential Foundation Wall | 3/5/2008 |
Q: My son's house was built in the 1930's. The basement walls have stucco/plaster applied to them. At ...
A: I have seen many foundations over 70 years old that are exactly as you have described. The portland ...
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| Cinder Wall | 3/3/2008 |
Q: I am remodeling my downstairs. I tore out the drywall, and found mold. The mold was very low on the ...
A: I know that you are probably aware of the danger of contacting the mold spores, but I still feel the ...
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| Basement Floor | 3/3/2008 |
Q: I have a 1920's bungalow with a block wall/slab foundation. The floor does not seem to be a ...
A: I would highly recommend removing the old floor slab and checking the old drain system piping very ...
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| Concrete | 3/2/2008 |
Q: I want to redo quite a bit of concrete at my home. The driveway, back porch (about 4' square ...
A: The answer to your question is Yes, you can build over the top of the old concrete. The are a couple ...
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| Seam between floor and foundation walls | 3/2/2008 |
Q: I have 2 related questions pertaining to my 30 year old Split Level home in Massachusetts (with a ...
A: Your first question about how to remove the old seam sealant, is difficult to answer without knowing ...
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| What Questions to ask Foundation Repair Companies before Hiring | 3/1/2008 |
Q: We are preparing to do some new door installations and other remodel work and the contractor noticed ...
A: You have presented a very well thought out concern. I would say that you are definitely off to a ...
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| cracks on a new post tensioned foundation slab | 3/1/2008 |
Q: I am having a new house built in the southwest where we only get about 9 inches of rain in a year. ...
A: It is difficult to say whether or not the cracks may be considered normal. My first impression, ...
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| cracks in the foundation around the house | 2/29/2008 |
Q: Mr. Eckley, I'm in the process of buying a new home. The home will be a year old this Spring '08. ...
A: It is difficult to say whether or not there may be cause for concern about the spider cracking that ...
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| Wood floors over crawl space are sagging | 2/28/2008 |
Q: I bought a farmhouse in WV built between 1920-1930. (West Virginia is basically all hillside, and ...
A: From your description of the age of the structure and the 4" differential in the floor elevations, I ...
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| foundation repair | 2/27/2008 |
Q: My wife and I are under contract to buy a house in the St. Louis, MO area. The house is 34 yrs old ...
A: You have presented a couple of very good questions. Your first question about how permanent the pier ...
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| Cracks in foundation | 2/25/2008 |
Q: my husband and I are looking to make an offer on our first house (it was built in '94). When we were ...
A: The type of crack that you have described, indicates corner settlement on either side of the ...
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| Cracks in foundation | 2/24/2008 |
Q: I am a resident of WI. We had a pretty bad winter and now that the snow is melting, I am noticing ...
A: Your thoughts are probably correct. If you have heavy amounts of snow against the foundation walls ...
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| more about the hole in the basement floor | 2/23/2008 |
Q: I'm sorry to be a pest. I just figured out that this is going to be sent by email to you. ...
A: I did get the photos with no problem, and I believe that you will be in good shape if you can find a ...
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| Wet basement -->discovey of a hole in our concrete floor | 2/23/2008 |
Q: I live in London Ontario Canada. Our house was built in the 1950's. We purchased it with a ...
A: You have an interesting situation there. I did look at the photos that you sent, and I'm inclined to ...
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| Steel Post Jacks under house | 2/21/2008 |
Q: The idiot I bought my house from thought all the steel jacks under the house should be adjusted the ...
A: I don't believe that you should be in any immediate danger of floor collapse or anything that ...
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| Steel Post Jacks under house | 2/20/2008 |
Q: The idiot I bought my house from thought all the steel jacks under the house should be adjusted the ...
A: The most important thing about adjusting the jack posts, is achieving the flattest possible floors. ...
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| Stone Foundation Mortar Repair | 2/20/2008 |
Q: Ed, Our house is over 100 yrs old, foundation is some sort of stone, we are located a half hour west ...
A: Please don't think that I am questioning your ability with repairing stone work, but I am always ...
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| Repair of Major Crack in Stone Foundation | 2/20/2008 |
Q: I live in a 130 year old home on a 40 acre farm north of Kingston, Ontario, Canada. About 20 feet ...
A: The fact that the structure is 130 years old, presents many problems besides the obvious tree root ...
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| Crumbling/failing stone foundation and bulging floors | 2/19/2008 |
Q: My husband and I recently purchased a two story brick house built in about 1910. The foundation is ...
A: It sounds like you have quite a project planned there. To answer the first part of yourI would say ...
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| Tiles Peaked and cracked | 2/17/2008 |
Q: I live in a 2 story townhouse that's 3 1/2 years old and I live in the Chicago area. I have a full ...
A: There are a couple of possibilities for the problem that you are seeing. The first, and probably the ...
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| Multiple foundation problems | 2/16/2008 |
Q: Ed, My Mother-In-Law lives in a home that is about 100 y.o. It is a three story home that sits on ...
A: The situation that you are describing is a very serious problem. The fact that the home is a 3 ...
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| House Foundation | 2/15/2008 |
Q: I purchased an old house (built around 1900). I live in Georgia. The house has a crawl space with ...
A: The board that you are describing is called a sill plate, and that is the correct thing to have on ...
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| Double jackposts in basement, cracking across entire main floor above main beam | 2/14/2008 |
Q: My husband and I are considering buying a resale home (1985) and during our inspection, we ...
A: It is interesting that someone would install double jack posts at various locations side by side. ...
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| Sagging Floors | 2/14/2008 |
Q: I have an 740 ft home,2 13x12 bedroom,14x14 kitchen,8x11 bath and extension pantry.The sag seem to ...
A: It sounds like you have studied this situation quite well, and you have got some pretty good ideas ...
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| foundation crack that gets wet on walls | 2/13/2008 |
Q: I have a 6 yr old poured concrete single home. My builder recently jack hammered my front steps up ...
A: From your description of the problem, I am inclined to believe that the removal of the concrete ...
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| weather related house shifting | 2/11/2008 |
Q: My house is about 4 years old. It is located in Clarkrange Tn. During the late fall and winter ...
A: The problems that you are describing sound like typical clay soil expansion and contraction based ...
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| Foundation Footings | 2/10/2008 |
Q: We are considering purchasing a 960 sqft. one level home, built in 1948. There appears to be no ...
A: I would say that the foundation is doing very well, given the 60 years that it has held solid. I'm ...
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| stacked limestone basement walls | 2/9/2008 |
Q: We have a 2 story large farm house in Iowa with walk up attic that was built in around 1900. The ...
A: The most important thing to do first, is identify the source of the water that is getting into the ...
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| Proposed foundation repair method | 2/7/2008 |
Q: As I suspected, in a home warranty inspection that I requested, my home builder confirmed ...
A: There is about a 50-50 chance that the crack will level out. It depends on whether or not the crack ...
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| Proposed foundation repair method | 2/7/2008 |
Q: As I suspected, in a home warranty inspection that I requested, my home builder confirmed ...
A: You have presented a very good question! Let me just say this: No....It is not possible to stabilize ...
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| bulkheads | 2/7/2008 |
Q: My bulkhead has a lot of condensation below the ground line. When it rains for a couple of days the ...
A: I'm trying to imagine what type of bulkhead you are talking about? Is it above a window opening, or ...
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| Foundation cracks... | 2/7/2008 |
Q: I have a crack in the center back wall of the basement from floor to ceiling. It is a 3 yr old ...
A: My thoughts about the vertical crack along the back foundation wall, have me picturing a great deal ...
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| Wet basement wall do to a flood on the out side of the house | 2/5/2008 |
Q: My Wife called me the other day when I was away for work. She said that she found the garden hose ...
A: I would avoid drilling into the block because of the possibility of weakening or cracking them. The ...
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| Flooded by neighbor | 2/4/2008 |
Q: The neighbor's gutters were clogged for a long time, and half of her roof water was dropped five ...
A: You definitely have a problem that is going to be a little bit difficult to deal with. Your question ...
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