Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Apr 01, 1999 04:45pm | #1

   *
   Gayle, time for a backhoe to expose the area, an engineer to inspect the problem. As a rule, I may be wrong, but tree roots don't belong inside a foundation.

2. 
   Gayle_Sampson | Apr 04, 1999 09:56pm | #2

   *
   Thanks, Gabe. I've told this customer to do this. Once the structural problem has been addressed by an engineer, I will need to talk about the energy efficiency aspect in correcting this problem. Sorry I wasn't as clear as I could have been. I'm not my best that early in the morning. I'm thinking for him to insulate with rigid insulation on the interior of the wall vs. the exterior, as there is a high termite problem in his area. Community built on backfill. Frankly, any foam insulation in tht area concerns me, but if he treats with boric acid... This is what I am tossing around in my head at this time. All suggestions I have made are allowed, but the termite problem in this specific area really bothers me. Any suggestions?

3. 
   Guest_ | Apr 05, 1999 02:05am | #3

   *
   Dear Gayle,

   Dow Chemical's Wallmate 2" styrofoam would probably be the quickest and easiest fix to your problem.

   But I can't help thinking about the settling. Sounds like a very serious problem. If the entire housing development is on improper fill material, insulation is going to be the least of their problems. They may be involved in a major court battle.

   Hope it's localized and not major,

   Gabe

4. 
   Gayle | Apr 06, 1999 07:35am | #4

   *
   It's the community, built thirty years or so ago. Terrible termite problems and settling in this area -- and we just don't have that much termite problem around here unless there is senseless stupidity in construction (landfill, wetland drainage, backfilling with construction scraps, etc...). I wish the best for this fellow as well, and hope the engineer can help him. Until then, I have stepped back out of the picture, as I am not an engineer, but do have some common sense. thank you for your suggestion - I'll get some product info. and read up on it so I can add it, intelligently, to my arsenal when it is time to step back in again.

5. 
   Gayle_Sampson | Apr 06, 1999 07:35am | #5

   *
   A customer of mine has a gap between his slab and the footer. (He originally called me in wanting an energy audit to see what he could save remodeling with an EIM). He noticed this particular problem when tree roots broke through his carpeting, plus the very nice ice on the carpet and baseboards. I frankly am stumped. It looks like the dirt and gravel "washed" out about 3 foot down, (I don't think it is a backfill issue because concrete would have at least filled the gap). Best ways to correct would be appreciated.