Originally Posted By: jmichalski This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
WIth respect to foundation cracks, I know that the stock answer is to consult an SE whenever you are unsure or uncomfortable.
But, I hate to be an alarmist. I know that in many situations, cracks are acceptable. But is there a rule of thumb that any of the foundation experts can offer up?
What is the dividing line between normal settling, acceptable cracking, and an item of concern? What do you look for that tips you off?
Just looking for some more seasoned opinions, as I really don't want to sound the alarm if it is not necessary.
Originally Posted By: Blaine Wiley This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Quote:
I usually call for an SE if the crack is more than 1/16th
Does this mean that you call for and evaluation on every foundation you see? I can't think of a foundation I've done that didn't have some vertical shrinkage cracks that were 1/16th inch or so.
Originally Posted By: jmichalski This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks for the prompt replies, guys.
Blaine, just from eyeballing, how do you identify the difference between 1/16 th inch vertical shrinkage crack and a structural problem? Is it displacement of one side or the other, or bowing of the wall, or some other obvious sign, or are there smaller telltale items you know to look for?
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Just seeing a crack would not lead me to recommending evaluation by a SE. Every house has some cracks in it. I see it as a cumulative effect. If there are other signs of displacement, depending on the severity, I would maybe recommend further evaluation by a foundation expert.
Every (most) homes here are slab on grade or pier and beam (older homes). Rarely any basements. I had one in 18 months. There would have to be multiple signs of displacement for me to recommend further evaluation. I measure every house I inspect with a ZipLevel. A loose rule of thumb is if it's within 1-1/2" of level it's OK, as long as there aren't any other signs of severe movement.
Originally Posted By: John Bowman This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
pdacey wrote:
I measure every house I inspect with a ZipLevel. A loose rule of thumb is if it's within 1-1/2" of level it's OK, as long as there aren't any other signs of severe movement
There are many other discussions on the BB about cracking also. But, this is one area which requires experience, training, and judgment to report on. Be very careful of that monkey on your back ... 
Just my opinion and 2-nickels ...
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: pdacey This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
John B,
That's why I said it's a loose rule of thumb. It depends: if its a multilevel slab, if the slab is an irregular shape and if there are other signs of displacement.
There would have to be more than just a crack or two for me to recommend eval. from an SE. The age of the home has a lot to do with it also. Some displacement in a 30 year old house is typical, and at 30 years, it has moved pretty much as far as it's gonna go. (barring any outside factors). If there are multiple signs of displacement in a 2 year old house, well that's a different story.
It's like the description of pornography: It's hard to define, but I know it when I see it. 
Originally Posted By: Mark Anderson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
be careful on those block walls. Sometimes you see a hairline vertical/step/horizontal crack on the inside but on the outside the crack can be 1–3". Other times you will not see any crack on the inside of a block wall…does not mean there isnt a crack on the outside.
GC....Visors--what is the need for wearing half a hat? No one is interested in the top of your head...go back to the store and tell them to give you the rest of the hat......they Cheated you. Better yet, get yourself 1 of those little jewish hats and sew it to your visor. Then you have yourself a full fledged hat my friends./// The last time I played a 'blank tape' at Full blast, the mime next door went nuts. 
Originally Posted By: Diana Reese This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
For posting those URLs, but in particular, the Houston Slab Foundations URL. In all of my researching, I had not found this site and their information was very good and reassuring for me to read. It’s one of the best sites I have read.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
rmoewe wrote:
Those sites should be put into the link page that I was talking about in the Members only section.
Rich ... I must have missed that MO thread. I think thats a really good idea, and actually had been thinking about something like that recently. Just between Erby and myself, we could fill a couple of web pages with links (over time of course) ... 
I will be proactive about that now that you bring it up, and propose that idea to the Education Committee.
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: rmoewe This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
It was something that I had discussed in another thread. I think that this would we very helpful to NACHI members. I sure know that it would help me a lot. This is something that should stay in the members only section, in my opinion. An extra benefit of membership.
If this plan was implemented it would save members a great deal of time too. That way everyone would be able to find the link and info that they needed without having to go to the BB,or search the internet all night.
