Things seen this week during structural assessments!

This structural assessor before us went in and never made it out…

A different "foundation company" said it could be bolted. We had a few questions.

Effective seismic upgrades depend on a stable foundation system. This 1921 home, with an undermined foundation and decayed mortar that had been parged over, needs more than just a seismic retrofit.

The extensive moisture staining and nearby plumbing suggest long-term water exposure in this area. Over time, constant moisture can break down wood members and compromise the framing's structural support.

The footing shows signs of deterioration, and the support above is no longer bearing squarely over the pier.

Proper post-and-pier systems rely on stable, centered load paths to perform as intended.

At this commercial building, long-term moisture intrusion caused cracking patterns along the exterior walls.

When drainage and waterproofing systems fail, moisture can infiltrate structural components, leading to movement, deterioration, and the progressive widening of existing cracks over time.

Okay, who put a post and pier on Ariel’s pile of gizmos and gadgets… You want thingamabobs? They got 20…

A crack that's impossible to ignore...

Not all cracks are created equal. Some are more concerning than others, like this one. While many cracks can be harmless, when they're accompanied by differential movement, they may indicate a more significant structural issue that deserves further evaluation.

Filed under: unnecessary framing additions.