How can the structural reliability of a home be evaluated before purchasing it?

It is always a good idea to consult with a qualified geotechnical engineer before purchasing an older home in a location that is known to have a higher likelihood of differential foundation movements. This is especially important if you intend to buy the home in the near future. In order to evaluate the occurrence of foundation-related problems and to determine the root cause of such problems, it becomes necessary to conduct a foundation evaluation.

Because the repairs will be pointless if the underlying cause of the distress is not identified and remedied, the cause is the most important factor to take into consideration. If the signs of distress are concealed through cosmetic attempts, it will be difficult to detect the problems that are occurring. Painting, patching, tuck-pointing, adding trim, installing wall cover, etc. are typical examples of the kinds of activities that fall under this category.

Level material is frequently used in the construction of foundations (i.e. on grade elevation). Many individuals have a hard time making heads or tails of the distinctions between grade elevation, deflection, and differential movement. The differential movement is the primary concern with regard to the foundation’s stability as well as repair efforts. The following illustration will bring some much-needed clarity to the situation.
The most important thing to consider in any scenario is determining whether or not the level of damage calls for foundation repair. Making this choice requires a great deal of life experience as well as some degree of flexibility. As a result, we have covered the general warning signs of foundation instability as well as the methods for detecting these warning signs of foundation instability.

A Quick Checklist to Determine whether or not the Foundation is in Distress

1. Inspect Interior Doors for Irregularities Check all interior doors to ensure they fit properly and operate correctly. Check for signs of previous repairs and adjustments, such as shims placed behind hinges, relocated latches or keepers, and door tops that have been shaved down.
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Examine the door and window frames to ensure that they are square and plumb. Check to see if the doors are sitting squarely in their frames.
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Verify that the strike plates have not been relocated in order to make room for the strikers; if they have, this could be an indication of movement.
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Take a measurement of the door’s length on both the side with the doorknob and the side with the hinge. A disparity between the two accounts suggests that the door may have been refinished.
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Additionally, run your hand along the top of the door, just above the doorknob. If the door has a smooth finish, it is possible that it was sanded or shaved. Shimming the hinge plate could provide alignment without having to alter the door itself in the case where the door has a slight rubbing issue at the top.

2. Investigate Any Abnormalities in the Floors

Putting a marble or a small ball bearing on the surface of the floor and watching how it moves around is a straightforward way to determine whether or not the floor has carpeting and how level it is. A rolling action is an indication that the foundation was constructed on a differential grade, which can be problematic for the foundation’s stability.

3. Investigate the Exterior for Any Signs of Cracks

– Look for evidence of patching and cracks in the exterior masonry and foundation surfaces, and check for cracks in the foundation as well.
– If you have brick or siding, look for irregularities in the mortar joints or siding lines.
-You should look for a break in the brick veneer where the window and door frames meet.
-Be sure to inspect the door jambs and window frames for any additional trim that may have been installed.
-Take note of the spaces or separations between the cornice trim.
– Make sure there is a gap between the brick and the frieze or the fascia trim (look for original paint lines on brick).
-Be on the lookout for a space separating the chimney from the exterior wall.
– Pay attention to the irregularities in the sight ridge rafter, the roofline, and the eaves.

The RLM Retrofit Foundation has been active throughout the entirety of the state of California for the better part of twenty years, working to increase property values and repair foundations. Do you require a Foundation Inspection Near Me El Segundo ? We can be reached at this time at (800) 824-6699.

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