Comments on: Home http://houstonslabfoundations.com Independent unbiased answers from Professional Structural Engineers to the most common questions asked by Houston home owners, buyers, sellers, real estate agents and home inspectors. Thu, 29 Mar 2012 01:34:27 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: R Michael Gray PE http://houstonslabfoundations.com/#comment-2670 R Michael Gray PE Sun, 10 Jul 2011 00:05:00 +0000 http://houstonslabfoundations.com/?page_id=370#comment-2670 A geotechnical engineer would be a better choice. Normally, the hole for the pool should not be any deeper at any point than the shortest distance to the foundation. R Michael Gray PE A geotechnical engineer would be a better choice. Normally, the hole for the pool should not be any deeper at any point than the shortest distance to the foundation.

R Michael Gray PE

]]> By: Todd http://houstonslabfoundations.com/#comment-2667 Todd Sat, 09 Jul 2011 21:43:06 +0000 http://houstonslabfoundations.com/?page_id=370#comment-2667 Can a structural engineer help me decide if putting in a swimming pool close to my house is wise or not? Can a structural engineer help me decide if putting in a swimming pool close to my house is wise or not?

]]> By: R Michael Gray PE http://houstonslabfoundations.com/#comment-2134 R Michael Gray PE Thu, 28 Apr 2011 00:14:33 +0000 http://houstonslabfoundations.com/?page_id=370#comment-2134 I am reluctant to comment on home I have not seen. Having said that, from your from your description, I assume that the crack was in the foundation near a corner. If this is correct, it is probably a corner crack or wedge crack. I would not say it has no structural significance whatsoever but it's not a cause foundation repair. If the crack results in the brick above fracturing, then a concrete repair needs to be done If that is not the case, there really there's no reason to do anything unless you just one of do something in a preventative way. R Michael Gray PE I am reluctant to comment on home I have not seen.

Having said that, from your from your description, I assume that the crack was in the foundation near a corner. If this is correct, it is probably a corner crack or wedge crack.

I would not say it has no structural significance whatsoever but it’s not a cause foundation repair.

If the crack results in the brick above fracturing, then a concrete repair needs to be done

If that is not the case, there really there’s no reason to do anything unless you just one of do something in a preventative way.

R Michael Gray PE

]]> By: bill gardner http://houstonslabfoundations.com/#comment-2083 bill gardner Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:28:08 +0000 http://houstonslabfoundations.com/?page_id=370#comment-2083 a recent inspector found a corner of a home cracked completely, it is about 4 inches across. He called it spalling and said it has no structural defects. What would you recommend the purchaser do in this case. a recent inspector found a corner of a home cracked completely, it is about 4 inches across. He called it spalling and said it has no structural defects. What would you recommend the purchaser do in this case.

]]> By: R Michael Gray PE http://houstonslabfoundations.com/#comment-2071 R Michael Gray PE Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:19:39 +0000 http://houstonslabfoundations.com/?page_id=370#comment-2071 You would have to direct that question to a contractor. R Michael Gray, PE You would have to direct that question to a contractor.

R Michael Gray, PE

]]> By: Robert http://houstonslabfoundations.com/#comment-2069 Robert Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:07:39 +0000 http://houstonslabfoundations.com/?page_id=370#comment-2069 I am looking to purchase a home on Lake Conroe. The home in question is a 2,000 sq-ft, one story home supported by block and beams. For comparison, I am trying to determine what the cost of the same home would be if it were on a concrete slab. Can you provide me with an average price per sq-ft of a concrete slab on Lake Conroe? What concerns should I have WRT block and beam construction? I am looking to purchase a home on Lake Conroe. The home in question is a 2,000 sq-ft, one story home supported by block and beams. For comparison, I am trying to determine what the cost of the same home would be if it were on a concrete slab. Can you provide me with an average price per sq-ft of a concrete slab on Lake Conroe? What concerns should I have WRT block and beam construction?

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