Inspecting an Unfinished Full Basement Foundation Wall

This post includes information about: Buckling Walls | Failing Basement Walls | Foundation Inspection | Residential Structural Engineer ~ click any of these links to read other narratives concerning this topic.
Inspecting an Unfinished Full Basement Foundation Wall
November 28, 2018

A structural home inspection can determine basement foundation wall failure. Penn Valley Engineering performs many structural inspections in the Philadelphia and New Jersey service areas.

We performed a structural engineering site visit of a current owner’s home to structurally inspect their unfinished full basement foundation wall for structural distress. The main perimeter foundation walls of the basement section were originally constructed with hollow/unreinforced masonry block. They were viewable from the basement level. The front, rear, and right side foundation walls exhibited horizontal cracking. This occurred about mid-height along the mortar joint and was accompanied by inward buckling.

Basement Foundation Wall Failure

Basement Foundation Wall Failure from Over-stressing

The type of cracking and movement discovered during this structural home inspection are indicative of a basement foundation wall that is over-stressed and failing. This is a common structural defect that warrants repair as soon as possible. Safety for the homeowner and structure can be of great concern.

Repairing Defective Foundation Walls

Therefore, we recommended repairing and strengthening these defective foundation wall segments to resist the actual loading conditions. This will prevent further cracking and movement. Our licensed structural engineers can determine calculations based on your home’s structure.

In this case, recommended repair options were to install steel reinforcement bars (rebar) every 24” vertically within the cavity of the entire length of block wall segments. These locations should be filled solid with cement grout. Additionally, the sill plate anchor bolts will need to be reinstalled along these unfinished full basement wall segments. Solid blocking and bracing are required at the floor framing along the right side wall in order for a complete repair. Bracing the top of the walls adequately is also required.

Should your basement foundation wall show signs of possible failure, call PVE. Our engineers perform many structural inspections and will be able to inspect your home and discover any structural issues. We also service commercial properties as well. Call 856-829-8636 in the south Jersey, southeast Pennsylvania area, or 321-394-8026 in Central Florida.

 

“Nothing but great experiences. Brad was excellent over the phone. Very thorough and explained everything to us. Greg during his inspection invited us to look at things he saw and explained every detail. Definitely couldn’t recommend more, especially to first time home buyers!”
– Ryan, reviewing structural engineering in Cherry Hill, NJ

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The summary narratives that are often included in our blog articles are prepared and provided solely for the use of the person to whom it was requested. The findings and recommendations are not intended for use by a third party, who may have different requirements, objectives, or motives. No warranty is expressed or implied. It is possible for other professionals to have differing opinions as to the recommendations and/or options presented within our posts. We reserve the right to amend these opinions and recommendations at any time and/or for any reason should new or differing information become available and brought to our attention. Should you have a similar situation as read about in one of our posts, we strongly suggest ordering your own personal summary narrative. Contact us…

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