Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Foundation Failure
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burt4750
11-08-05, 04:03 PM
I noticed some cracking in the brick mortar of my home as well as the front porch pitching forward, the chimney pulling away from the house, and the front door jamming. I contacted a foundation repair company and they came out to look at my home. They said they could repair the foundation by installing their patented "pier system". The cost of this system is $1,000 per pier - he says my home requires 22 of them. He described the procedure and, to me, it seems similar to other pier systems, but I am having a hard time swallowing $22,000 in repairs.
The split level house was built in 1974 and has concrete block on footers. Can anyone give me some ideas about how to do these repairs. Would house jacks work under the house? I don't intend to live here the rest of my life and am not keen on dishing out $22,000 for these repairs.
I failed to mention that we have had a drought this summer thus the failure, I guess.
The split level house was built in 1974 and has concrete block on footers. Can anyone give me some ideas about how to do these repairs. Would house jacks work under the house? I don't intend to live here the rest of my life and am not keen on dishing out $22,000 for these repairs.
I failed to mention that we have had a drought this summer thus the failure, I guess.
Concretemasonry
11-08-05, 04:23 PM
You should determine if you have a problem with the soil under your home or just the wrong design for the site. It will take some thinking to determine which.
Do you have a home supported by individual concrete block piers or is it supported by block on a continuous footing? It may be a combination.
If it is on a continuous footing, what is the condition of the concrete block walls that are set on the footers? Are there any shrinkage cracks? Are there any settlement cracks?
Is the brick veneer supported from the house? Are the brick veneer cracks from shinkage (moisture, temperature, etc.) or is it from differential movement?
Is the chimney on a separate foundation from the house? It must be if it is pulling away.
If you are considering house jacks you mus have a solid base to place them on. By soild, I mean soil that will not settle over a long period of time (like clay, clayey sand, etc.)
Dick
Do you have a home supported by individual concrete block piers or is it supported by block on a continuous footing? It may be a combination.
If it is on a continuous footing, what is the condition of the concrete block walls that are set on the footers? Are there any shrinkage cracks? Are there any settlement cracks?
Is the brick veneer supported from the house? Are the brick veneer cracks from shinkage (moisture, temperature, etc.) or is it from differential movement?
Is the chimney on a separate foundation from the house? It must be if it is pulling away.
If you are considering house jacks you mus have a solid base to place them on. By soild, I mean soil that will not settle over a long period of time (like clay, clayey sand, etc.)
Dick
Dino
11-09-05, 08:46 AM
I would consult a structural engineer to determine the seriousness. It may cost you a couple thousand dollars, but at least you will find out if there is a life/safety issue. He can also provide a structural solution with out any direct pressure to "sell" you a job. Once you know what needs to be done, you can the bid the job, or perhaps even do it yourself. Just my $.02