Is this a issue that should be concerned in basement of a sfh?
Alice2012
| Posted in General Discussion on
In the basement of a sfh, there are 4 vertical woods in a line along one concrete
wall.The 4 woods seem to be important supports for other structure above them.
The 1st vertical wood looks fine and its bottom totally stands on the solid
concrete base.
But the 2nd, 3rd and 4th woods are only partially standing on the concrete
base.Other parts of their bottoms are hanging in the air. Will that be an issue for
the sfh?
When touching the bottoms of them, it can be found:
1:Beneath the vertical 2nd wood’s bottom, there is one small piece of horizontal
wood which is stretching out from the concrete base. Beneath the 4th vertical wood,
the same thing happens.But partial bottoms of 2nd and 4th woods are all hanging out in the
air.
2:Beneath the 3rd vertical wood, there is no any small horizontal wood. Only 1/3 bottomof
the 3rd vertical wood is standing on the concrete base.2/3 of its bottom
hangs in the air.
There are similar status in other 2-3 vertical woods along Other wall in the basement…
Replies
Description for pictues
pictures from left to right:
picture1:1st wood's bottom totally on the solid concrete base
picture2:2nd wood's bottom partially hangs in the air with a piece of small wood beneath it
picture3:3rd and 4th wood's bottoms partially hang in the air
picture4:3rd wood with no any small wood beneath it
picture5:4th wood with a piece of small wood beneath it
Except perhaps for picture #4, there is enough support there for all the posts. The bigger danger is that some of them could slide off over time, as wood warps and foundations move.
It's not clear how to deal with it. For now just keeping an eye on things should suffice (though a bolt through the split post in picture #4 might be wise).
Is this status rare or common in sfh?
Thanks.
This house was built 20+ yeares before. Is this status (vertical woods, which support the structure, partially hang in the air) rare or common in sfh?
Overall that's a fairly unusual style of construction.
Whay kind of style is usual?
If it is unusual style, whay kind of style is usual? Any picture or link to show?
Anyone know how to fix it in right way? Or what kind of specialist should be invited to help?
Thanks.
Normally a house is supported by the top edges of the foundation -- no need for the beams and posts seen in your pictures. I can vaguely see having something like this for a portion of the floor that is "sunken" -- lower than the level of the rest of the floor -- but it's not obvious that that's the situation here.
The other possible scenario I can think of is that the house was moved after construction or the foundation was replaced (it seems newer than 20 years old). You might see odd techniques in these cases.
This is normal construction, more or less:
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Since you have concerns you might want to hire an independent home inspector. This sort of individual usually is hired before a house is purchased, to inspect and report on any deficiencies in the house. You didn't say, but perhaps you are considering the purchase of this home you asked about. Or, you may already own it and now realize there may be problems. No matter... in either case it would serve your peace of mind to have it inspected. Ask at real estate offices for recommendations of qualified home inspectors. I don't know if there is any sort of national board standard for this profession. I'm sure there are good ones and some bums out there. Expect to pay a couple of hundred dollars for a competent individual.