FOUNDATION PROBLEMS What caused the outside cracks
There are so many foundation problems that can occur and that are caused by a variety of issues. Believe it or not a common problem is POOR workmanship. Watch and see what caused this problem. Sure enough the builder took serious shortcuts.
Transcript:
Foundation Problems - What Caused the Outside Cracks?
Hello, this is Dennis with Home Rehab Pros. It's good to have you with us. I'm currently on a job where I need to assess a problem with the foundation wall. We're going to take a look outside and see exactly what's happening with the exterior. Sometimes the symptoms aren't readily visible from the outside, but I've noticed some significant symptoms on the exterior of the house. Let me show you those right now.
As we examine the foundation, particularly the front corner of the house, you can clearly see there's serious separation. The foundation is angling downward, causing the mortar lines to slant. There's also a noticeable break in the wall where the foundation has come loose. These are indications of an issue on the inside. Furthermore, there's an unsettling break in the brickwork at the front, indicating a compromised wall. The entire wall is in a compromised state, and it's apparent that something is amiss, possibly related to the absence of a footer or a compromised footer. Let's venture inside to get a closer look.
Now inside, I've managed to locate an access panel that provides insight into the problem. Surprisingly, it wasn't easy to find a way to access this area, but this panel grants us entry. I'll open it up, and we'll take a look at what lies inside. I expect to find issues with the footer. It's likely a crawl space, and I'll reveal more details shortly. Please bear with me while I open the panel.
Upon opening the panel, I discovered a two-by-four inside. I'll need to secure that for safety. Now, let's explore the contents of this access hole and determine the extent of the problem. I'll turn on the flashlight to get a clearer view.
As we inspect the area, it's evident that there are cracks and compromise in the foundation. There's a noticeable absence of a footer, which is evident through the presence of daylight and signs of deterioration. We're witnessing a significant issue with this corner, as there's no footer support. Let's shift our focus to another area to get a better understanding of the situation.
Examining another corner, we can observe some cracks, though they are less severe. Regardless, it's clear that there's an issue that needs addressing.
So, we've successfully identified the problem – the absence of a footer. The solution requires careful consideration. To rectify this, we'll need to access the area through the panel. It's not a very spacious opening, but it's feasible to enter and inspect the area closely. To address the issue, we'll likely need to provide additional support to the house in that corner. This may involve installing beams and posts to alleviate potential strain on the compromised wall. Ensuring safety is paramount throughout this process.
Once we've established proper support, the next step would involve raising the compromised area. This could entail placing a plate on the bottom and utilizing jacks to gradually level the space. Concrete could then be poured underneath to stabilize the foundation. It's important to note that this is a complex undertaking and requires careful execution.
Although it won't be an easy task, it's essential to address this issue promptly to prevent further damage. Safety and structural integrity are our top priorities. We may document the progress of this project as it unfolds.
Thank you for watching. Your support is greatly appreciated. This is Dennis from Home Rehab Pros. If you found this video helpful, please give it a thumbs up. If you haven't subscribed to our channel yet, we encourage you to do so. You'll find more videos on walkthroughs, project preparations, and assessments of issues. Whether it's for rent-ready or turnkey projects, we're here to share valuable insights. Thank you again, and we look forward to seeing you in our next video.