Things seen this week during structural assessments!

This river rock foundation has been through decades of "repairs" and has seen a lot. It's been parged over, meaning a thin layer of cement mortar was applied over the surface in an attempt to hold the rocks together and cover deterioration.

These types of foundations are not up to current codes and do not perform well during seismic activity.

Hillside homes with large patios can be susceptible to movement as retaining walls shifts, placing stress on the concrete slab above. Water is often one of the biggest culprits. Without proper drainage, water can build up behind the retaining wall, increasing pressure and contributing to movement.

Make sure water has a place to drain instead of collecting behind the wall.

You can see here that the retaining wall has pulled approximately 4 inches away from the patio slab.

Over time, soil movement, lateral earth pressure, and poor drainage can place increasing stress on retaining walls, causing them to gradually separate from nearby structures.

This makeshift post and pier system was built using stacked bricks, excessive concrete, and short wood blocks to support the floor framing.

A proper support system relies on a concrete footing, appropriately sized posts, and stable bearing surfaces to safely transfer structural loads into the ground.

Plumbing leaks can be a root cause of structural wood rot. Even a slow leak can keep framing members damp for extended periods, allowing fungi to break down the wood fibers and gradually weaken the structure.

The crumbling concrete and white mineral deposits are signs of long-term moisture exposure.

As water repeatedly moves through concrete, it can contribute to deterioration and weaken concrete over time.

Random posts spawning in the crawlspace. I guess they're not hurting anything, but structural supports shouldn't be added on a whim.

Foundation repairs should always be designed with a clear load path and proper bearing.

The things we find in crawlspaces... we should have our own Smithsonian.

Wrong answers only... what do you think is inside?