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Cracks in Foundation

Cracks in Foundation

Cracks in Foundation

(OP)
Hello all!

I hope an electrical engineer can seek the assistance of all of the structural engineers out there. I'm in the process of procuring a home and am a bit concerned about some noticeable cracks in the foundation. The home inspector says they are not a cause for any concern, but I wanted to get a second opinion. There are three areas that I'm concerned about.

1). Side of the house: There's a large diagonal crack that's been patched by the seller. Settlement crack? Home inspector said that this was normal and not a cause for concern.

2). Front corner of the house: If you take a look at the picture, there's a crack to the front porch concrete slab, a vertical crack to the bricks below, and a horizontal separation along the mortar at the front. Home inspector said this was veneer and had no structural value and a DIY fix can take care of the crack. There's a Japanese maple planted at that corner which I suspect may have played a hand in causing that crack. I'm planning on relocating that tree. Are these cracks any cause for concern or do you agree with the home inspector?

3). Back corner of the house: Looks to be a crude patch job by the seller. Is it worth my time to clean that up and investigate the damage underneath? Any signs that a serious issue hides beneath?

The seller did not have any disclosures, so I'm thinking either there are no structural issues or the seller just isn't aware of any structural issues.

Your help is greatly appreciated!!!







RE: Cracks in Foundation

This Geotechnical Engineer believes you need to get some real answers.
I have seen similar cracking due to minor, non-structural issues
But more often, such cracking has been the result of insufficient foundation reinforcement and/or foundation soils issues.

RE: Cracks in Foundation

When was the house built?

RE: Cracks in Foundation

Homeowner - first post - asking for engineering services/advice on their home.

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RE: Cracks in Foundation

(OP)
House was built in 1985.

So who can provide the "real answers"?

Thank you for the advice!

RE: Cracks in Foundation

Quote (kcsj0412)

So who can provide the "real answers"?
A local structural engineer. It is very difficult to diagnose these things from afar.

RE: Cracks in Foundation

Porch foundations typically can be built on disturbed ground and some settlement can be expected. Looking at the photos and considering the age I don't get very excited about this situation. To adequately diagnose differential settlement and to "correct" it if really necessary, there likely will be the need to examine the support structure and the soil below. That is not usually the work of a structural engineer. If any such expert is involved, it should be a geotechnical engineer who also works with structural engineers regularly. However, my off hand opinion is this does not place this situation into something of prime concern but rather it's an appearance situation that some may not like.

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