Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - bulging concrete block wall
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lisaneedshelp
06-12-05, 11:18 AM
I have recently started a house, the footer was poured and the concrete block foundation was laid..before the framing started I tried to clean some of the blocks & the mortar began coming out(wiped out by my finger)...I called my block layer & he came out & said it would be fine...Now they have started the framing on the garage part & I have a bulging wall?? w/ cracks...What can I do?? Some of the other blocks on different walls can be pushed out from the crawl space...Please tell me what happened!!
Thanks
Lisaneedshelp!
Thanks
Lisaneedshelp!
Concretemasonry
06-12-05, 01:27 PM
From what you describe, you have a problem and should not accept any excuses from the contractor(s). A bulging wall, soft mortar loose block are not acceptable. If this was a used home undergoing a home inspection the conditions would be claasified as a structural problem where a qualified engineer should be referred to before purchase. It must be corrected immediately when it is easy to do so otherwise it will never get corrected properly.
You did not say whether you have a General Contractor building your home or whether you are hiring subcontractors. I f you have a General Contractor that hires subs for masonry you have more leverage since you can stop the whole project totally. Call the contractor and give him an opportunity to completely correct the problem. If you you not feel comfident with your knowledge on the subject hire a local engineer. Do not anything go wrong at the beginning of a job or it will only get worse and corrections put off.
Some people to call about the masonry problem are the masonry subcontractor, local masonry association, block supplier, the building inspector and any contractor licensing agency. You can't afford to be nice on a very basic problem that could effect the future value of the home.
You probably will get excuses and stories so you have to go to people that are on your side or are paid to look out for you.
If you get stalled, get an attorney. One letter or threat by him will action or flush out information on the type of contractor you are doing business with. This could be the best investment you can make.
Dick
You did not say whether you have a General Contractor building your home or whether you are hiring subcontractors. I f you have a General Contractor that hires subs for masonry you have more leverage since you can stop the whole project totally. Call the contractor and give him an opportunity to completely correct the problem. If you you not feel comfident with your knowledge on the subject hire a local engineer. Do not anything go wrong at the beginning of a job or it will only get worse and corrections put off.
Some people to call about the masonry problem are the masonry subcontractor, local masonry association, block supplier, the building inspector and any contractor licensing agency. You can't afford to be nice on a very basic problem that could effect the future value of the home.
You probably will get excuses and stories so you have to go to people that are on your side or are paid to look out for you.
If you get stalled, get an attorney. One letter or threat by him will action or flush out information on the type of contractor you are doing business with. This could be the best investment you can make.
Dick
Hellrazor
06-12-05, 03:09 PM
I would stop the project until its corrected. As Dick stated, get it fixed now even if that means kicking everyone off site until its done properly. One other aspect of a bulged wall while the work is going on is liability if it lets go. If they give you a hassle, call your local municipality and they can issue a stop work order for safety/etc.