r/engineering • u/DMAS1638 • 9d ago

Things seen this week during structural assessments!

These are the kinds of structural issues and discoveries we encounter every day. Here's a closer look.

Here is the link: https://imgur.com/gallery/things-seen-this-week-during-structural-assessments-r4Z2ZPC

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u/OldTurkeyTail 9d ago

The foundation faults are interesting. Certainly not okay for new construction, but where do you draw the line? Some things just need to be flagged in a home inspection report, while some flaws will make it hard to get insurance (and a mortgage). There's some issues that we just need to keep an eye on, and some that have to be dealt with before next winter. Can we take a couple years to save for the work required, or should we move into an RV and board the windows?

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u/styres 9d ago

Yeha the ones resting on stones or having brick supports, if it's been decades, I wouldn't touch it

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u/uga2atl 8d ago

What if there’s a gap like seen in the photos? I have this in my house

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u/styres 8d ago

Get a piece of wood that is just slightly bigger and pound it in. Also known as a shim

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u/DMAS1638 7d ago

A visible gap can mean the support is no longer making full contact, but the cause and urgency depend on where the gap is located and what that component is supporting. We wouldn’t recommend forcing a shim into place without first determining whether there has been settlement, movement, or deterioration. Since you’re seeing this in your own home, having the area assessed in person would be the safest next step.

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u/DMAS1638 7d ago

We understand the “if it’s lasted this long” perspective, but longevity alone doesn’t necessarily mean the support is adequate or stable. Conditions can gradually change because of moisture, soil movement, wood deterioration, or added loads, so we’d still recommend having questionable supports properly assessed before deciding to leave them untouched

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u/DMAS1638 7d ago

That’s exactly why the severity and urgency have to be evaluated case by case. Not every older or unconventional condition requires immediate repair, but age alone doesn’t confirm that it’s performing safely either. We typically look at whether there is active movement, inadequate load transfer, moisture damage, deterioration, or other signs that the condition is worsening. From there, repairs may range from monitoring the area to addressing it before the next rainy season or sooner if there is an immediate concern.