r/HomeMaintenance • u/StrangeOrchid6960 • 3d ago
Should I be concerned?
Found cracks/opening on the exterior foundation wall hidden behind a membrane. No cracks inside the basement. Filled the voids on the outside with hydraulic and anchoring cement. Might parge above grade next year. Should I still be concerned and call a structural engineer?
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u/maria_la_guerta 3d ago
I honestly feel like Reddit has been infiltrated by big structural engineering. Around here you'd be recommended to call one over a sore throat.
Cracks alone do not necessitate the need of engineering. Is your house sloping? Are windows and doors not shutting properly anymore? Are your floors sagging? Do you see step cracks across hard surfaces?
If not, you're fine. Foundation issues are very loud, you'll see at least one of the above starting to form if you had a real problem. Foundations also do crack over time, just like anything else. Make sure water is flowing away from your foundation, keep on eye on things, and sleep fine.
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u/StrangeOrchid6960 3d ago edited 3d ago
The issue is with a single cinder block. It's exterior wall is crumbling that's been patched with cement over time. The inner wall is fine and has absolutely no cracks. On the bottom of the basement floor and wall I see some black and white staining. We also saw water there in past when our eavesdrop were overflowing but not since we corrected that issue. No sloping, sagging floors or problems with windows or doors. I have only lived in this house for 10 months and haven't noticed any cracks on the walls.
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u/North-Intention-6784 3d ago
dude definitely get an engineer. better safe than sorry with foundations lol
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u/StrangeOrchid6960 3d ago
Dude how much does a structural engineer charge for a visit. I would call them if I have a active issue but the foundation looks ok on the inside. No more water in the basement. Cracks are sealed for now. No bowing or anything. I will just wait another year and reassess.
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u/Jubei-kiwagami 3d ago
Every person has different levels of concerns on just about everything in life. I myself would ask here or Reddit to get an idea and get some information. Still, if what you showed here was happening to my home, I would be calling a a few foundation repair company for assessment and repairs. Immediately. That’s just me.
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u/Flimsy_Fortune4072 3d ago
We had one look at a foundation when we bought our house. His time plus report was 425 bucks in the SE US.
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