Foundation Inspections
If you notice cracks in your slab foundation or other signs of damage, it’s probably time for a structural engineer to perform an inspection of your home’s foundation. Your foundation is what resists soil movement and supports the entirety of your home, as well as everything valuable that’s inside your home. When a foundation begins to fail, early intervention is key to helping prevent structural damage from becoming worse over time.
Structural Foundation Inspection
A detailed engineering report from a licensed structural engineer in Dallas Fort Worth provides you with valuable information about your foundation’s overall condition as well as recommendations on how to proceed with repairs (if required at all). The entire process begins with a simple phone call to schedule a foundation inspection, and then a Nortex Structural engineer will come out to perform a thorough inspection of your home’s foundation. Some of the vital information that these inspections provide include:
- An assessment of the overall structural integrity of the foundation and if the structure is safe to occupy.
- If any cracks in the foundation threaten the structural integrity of the foundation, and how to repair them.
- Detailed data and calculations based on ASCE guidelines for overall structural foundation performance.
- Information in regard to any shifting or abnormal settling of your foundation
- Details on any areas susceptible to sustaining damage from leaks or drainage issues which can lead to additional foundation damage
- Establishing a performance history for the home’s foundation
Types of Structural Foundation Inspections
At Nortex Structural, we are foundation experts. While a concrete slab-on-grade is the most common foundation type, we are able to provide inspection services for various foundation types. No matter what type of foundation you have, our inspections will provide very clear information that will help you determine if your foundation is performing as designed.
- Concrete Slab Foundation Inspection
- The primary issues we look for with a slab-on-grade foundation inspection are displaced or wide cracks, foundation settling/sloping or shifting, and areas where water can’t properly drain away.
- Pier and Beam Foundation Inspection
- With pier and beam foundations, we enter the crawl space to inspect the concrete perimeter grade beam, interior piers, and all exposed wood framing along the crawl space. Additionally, we are observing the drainage, soil conditions, and crawl space ventilation.
- Basement Foundation Inspection
- Although not very common in Texas due to our soil type, many Texans still opt to have basements or cellars. These inspections consist of examining the concrete walls for overall plumbness, deflection, cracks, and other moisture related issues. These inspections also include a GPR scan of the wall’s reinforcement layout and depth.
When To Get A Structural Foundation Inspection
There are a variety of reasons to get a foundation inspection. Sometimes during the process of buying or selling a home, this type of inspection becomes a requirement. This could be because the prospective buyer or home inspector noticed some red flags, or that the lender for the purchaser requires the inspection to evaluate loan risk.
You don’t have to be buying or selling a house to get a structural foundation inspection in Dallas / Fort Worth. If you notice foundation problems on your own, you can also give us a call at Nortex Structural. Even if the inspection reveals no or minimal damage, you have the peace of mind that your foundation is in good condition. Or you may find that there is damage but it can be repaired to prevent further issues. The longer you wait to repair foundation damage, the more expensive the repairs typically become.
Here are some of the most common reasons to get a structural foundation inspection:
- The house is being bought or sold. The foundation inspection could be requested or required by more than one party involved like the home inspector, a mortgage lender, or even the potential buyer.
- House flipping is profitable for many, as long as it’s done correctly. If you’re buying a fixer-upper to flip, getting a structural foundation inspection prior to making your investment could provide valuable insight on your purchase.
- You notice foundation damage on your own. These issues could be cracks in the foundation or drywall, sloping floors, sticking doors, and more.
- If you’re in the city limits and looking to add on to your existing home, you may be required to have a foundation inspection completed to meet requirements from city officials before beginning your project. Your structural engineer will be able to help you with understanding those requirements.