A foundation wall failure happens more often than you might think. Initially, it might begin as a crack in a wall, then quickly (or overtime) become dangerous. Living in a structurally safe home is crucial.
In the case of a load-bearing wall failure, structural engineering services are necessary. Appropriate measures must be taken to protect both people and property. If your property shows signs of structural failure, reach out to us. Penn Valley Engineering will perform a structural engineer inspection, answer your questions, write a concise repair plan, and provide peace of mind.
Basement Wall Buckling
Our residential structural engineer visited a home in Cherry Hill, NJ 08003, and performed a visual inspection. The front foundation wall of the single-story wood-framed home had buckled and caved inwards into the basement. The front load-bearing wall and foundation were unstable and expected to deteriorate until failure. We recommended the home be vacated until necessary repairs could be completed.
This foundation wall failure did not happen quickly. There were signs of structural issues and previous attempts to repair the wall. Significant horizontal cracks were noted in the brick veneer wall at the first-floor level from the exterior. Perhaps when these cracks were first noticed carbon fiber wall reinforcements were completed. Unfortunately, these repairs proved insufficient, leading to continued bowing and failure.
Repairing a Foundation Wall Failure
Before the foundation wall failed, the homeowner directed a contractor to construct a temporary support wall in the basement. This helped to support the first-floor level framing. Our professional structural engineer provided temporary bracing detail sketches to utilize as supplemental information to further stabilize the home until permanent repairs can be made.
The recommended repair option for this home was to entirely reconstruct the front foundation wall and brick exterior veneer wall. It was also recommended to review the wood framing of the front load-bearing wall. This will help determine the extent of needed repairs once the brick veneer wall is removed. Furthermore, the remaining foundation walls should be reviewed to determine if further structural repairs are warranted.
In addition to reconstructing the wall, stormwater management characteristics should also be improved and maintained. This will help prevent water leakage into the home. Improvements such as re-grading grassy areas, and planting or replanting beds along the foundation walls may be helpful. The removal/replacement of concrete and paver walkways and adding gutter downspout extensions, as well as other suggestions may be recommended. This information is provided as a courtesy and is beyond our scope of services and expertise. The services of a professional landscape contractor with drainage experience should be consulted.
Structural Engineering Design Services
Undeniably, one of the essential benefits of working with Penn Valley Engineering is the design and blueprint service offered. We understand the scope of work required to repair a basement foundation wall. Contractors will not struggle to understand the complete structural scope using our blueprints. This is beneficial for bidding purposes as well.
Additionally, most structural permits cannot be applied for without blueprints as part of the qualification. Blueprints are extremely important as they act as a road map for proper structural and legal/safety repair.
Another benefit of having PVE perform a residential structural inspection is our knowledge of estimated costs and qualified state-licensed contractors. Often we can provide an estimated cost and a qualified contractor to do the work. In the case of a foundation wall failure, many trades may be involved, including landscaping, plumbing, electrical and HVAC professionals.
Emergency Structural Inspections
While we never want our home inspections to be an emergency, we offer emergency structural inspections. Your safety is our primary concern. Do not hesitate to contact Penn Valley Engineering if your home has experienced a foundation wall failure. Protect your investment and let us help protect you. Call our structural engineering firm or fill out the form on the contact page.
- (856) 872-3537 SOUTH JERSEY
- (215) 821-7686 PHILADELPHIA
- (321) 394-8026 CENTRAL FLORIDA
“This is my first time buying a home and with this inspection experience. They have over exceeded my expectations. They were informative, they were professional, they answered all questions in a manner that helped us make the best choice for me and my family. I highly recommend Penn Valley Engineering structural engineering. And they have a great sense of humor.”
– V. Mitchell, reviewing structural engineering in Cherry Hill, NJ 08003