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New home concrete foundation

Structure & Foundation

Get tips for repair and maintenance of your home’s structure and learn to spot small structure problems before they need a big and expensive fix!

You are here: Home / Archives for Structure & Foundation
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How to Tuck-Point Mortar Joints | Video

Project Instructions When working with mortar mixes, always wear eye protection and waterproof gloves. Step 1 Prepare the mortar joints using a hammer and chisel to remove any deteriorated mortar to a depth of ¼ inch to ¾ inch. Step 2 Clean out the joint using a wire brush. Step 3 Apply the mortar repair …

How to Tuck-Point Mortar Joints | VideoWatch Now

Repairing Leaks in Concrete and Masonry Walls | Video

Cracks or breaks in concrete or masonry basement walls can turn into active water leaks as the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with rain or irrigation water. Repairing leaks and preventing costly damage requires a little preparation to the repair area and QUIKRETE Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement. QUIKRETE Hydraulic Water-Stop Cement is a very rapid …

Repairing Leaks in Concrete and Masonry Walls | VideoWatch Now

Repairing Cracks in Vertical Concrete Surfaces | Video

Many home foundations and walls develop non-structural cracks as they settle over time. These cracks can be unsightly and if not sealed can result in energy loss and moisture transmission. Sealing these non structural cracks in concrete is an easy project to complete for any skill level as with any concrete repair, proper attention to …

Repairing Cracks in Vertical Concrete Surfaces | VideoWatch Now

dry stack block wall

Building a Dry Stack Block Wall with QUIKWall | Video

Building a garden wall, a planter, mailbox enclosure…or even an outdoor kitchen, can be as easy as stack and stucco with QUIKWall Surface Bonding Cement. The construction process is quick and easy for even the novice  do-it-yourselfer with professional results. QUIKWall Surface Bonding Cement is a special fiberglass reinforced stucco that is simply troweled over …

Building a Dry Stack Block Wall with QUIKWall | VideoWatch Now

plaster wall

Is There Any Way to Stop My Home from Settling?

Our 1937 built house just keeps on settling. I always have to re-adjust doors, entry, and interior. Is there any way to get a happy medium so I don’t have to keep adjusting?

Is There Any Way to Stop My Home from Settling?Read More

Crawlspace under a house with vapor barrier installed

Is Vapor Barrier Needed in Crawl Space?

I recently bought a home  built in 1991. It is a fine home that sits on a hill. I discovered that there is no vapor barrier on the ground in the crawl space. I do not notice any resulting problems, but the first floor feels cold to my bare feet even though there is insulation …

Is Vapor Barrier Needed in Crawl Space?Read More

Learn to Repair and Paint Concrete Foundation Walls

I just purchased a new home with a solid poured concrete wall foundation. I am not looking to “finish” the basement, but I would like to paint the concrete foundation walls to brighten up and make the basement look clean.  Is there a material that I can use that would also fill in all the …

Learn to Repair and Paint Concrete Foundation WallsRead More

cracked concrete curb

House Leveling – Best Way to Fix

My home drops about 4 inches from front door to rear bedroom.  It's single story, crawl space and center support cement block appears cracked.  I got two estimates, 4,100 and 1,800.  Vast difference –  one using metal supports, the other cement piers. Will leveling help the issue?

House Leveling – Best Way to FixRead More

Preventing Erosion at House Foundation

We live in the South.  Is it enough to slope the dirt away from the house, to avoid termites?  But with no gutters, what do we do to keep the dirt from splashing up onto the bricks when it rains?  And what should be planted or put there to deter weeds  and also look good, …

Preventing Erosion at House FoundationRead More

Alternate Tar Coating for Cinderblock Foundation?

I recently offset and reconstructed a retaining wall against my house, which exposed more of the basement's exterior cinder block wall.   This previously underground cinder block has tar coating on it for waterproofing, and my wife and I hate how it looks.  We don't really want to tar the rest of the wall, and I know …

Alternate Tar Coating for Cinderblock Foundation?Read More

Should I Seal My Foundation Before Adding Stucco?

I'd like to seal the cement blocks on my outside foundation and then use a cement product (not a paint) to finish the job.  My questions are: 1. What sealer do I use? 2. What cement product do I put on after sealer? Thanks so much! Robert M.

Should I Seal My Foundation Before Adding Stucco?Read More

Is House Worth Saving?

I have a serious dilemma. I have a home that needs a new A/C, new plumbing, new windows, etc. I also suspect that there is a problem with the foundation. My question is: Would it make more sense to fix it up or just demolish it and start from scratch? I still owe about $35,000 …

Is House Worth Saving?Read More

Can Drought Conditions Affect a Basement Foundation?

I live in West Central Illinois and we are currently in drought conditions. Is there anything that should be done to protect our home's foundation? We have a full basement. I had been told to water the foundation but wanted to verify that this is a good idea. Thank you.

Can Drought Conditions Affect a Basement Foundation?Read More

Repair for Sagging Floor Joists

I recently bought a cape cod style house built in 1938 with 2×10 joists on the first floor with a span of 16 feet on one side of the main beam that has a noticeable sag of about an inch and a half. There are no signs of damage to the joists themselves(very solid, no …

Repair for Sagging Floor JoistsRead More

Crumbling Cinder Block Walls

I have a similar situation in my basement.  Most of the blocks in the bottom two rows on the north wall are crumbling.  There are addtional spots here and there on the remaining parts this particular wall.  Do I need to remove all the paint on the wall before using the epoxy patching compound or …

Crumbling Cinder Block WallsRead More

Floor Joist Support: How to Eliminate Bounce

My floor joists are 2x10s, 16 inch on center. Before I drywall the basement ceiling, I would like to stiffen the floor joists to eliminate bounce, by installing new pieces of 2×10 perpendicular to the existing joists. How far apart should I put the new pieces of 2×10? I am trying to find the balance …

Floor Joist Support: How to Eliminate BounceRead More

Deteriorating Concrete Walls

Please help. Approx 25 yrs ago my garage foundation walls were placed, 10″ walls,approx 6 ‘ deep no exterior waterproofing slab on grade interior floor Lately the walls have developed a spalling , white efflorescence and pimply appearance. Not sure if it is due to water run off the roof and over time the walls …

Deteriorating Concrete WallsRead More

car, car safety, automobile

House Out of Square

Our house was hit by a car that rolled into it several years ago. It knocked it out of square and our picture window on that corner leaks.  I think this was the cause because I dont remember it leaking before. The water actually runs down the wall.  There is nowhere for water to come …

House Out of SquareRead More

Home Building with Steel: the Latest Trend

Find out why steel built homes are increasing in popularity. Learn about the durability and curb appeal of steel framed residential homes.

Home Building with Steel: the Latest TrendRead More

Home Inspector,

Best Soil for Your Foundation

How to make sure the soil beneath your home is safe before you build.

Best Soil for Your FoundationRead More

electrical service replacement

Engineering A Safe And Sound Remodel

If you are planning a major remodeling project for your home, you might need a structural engineer.  Any remodeling project that includes removing or adding a wall or beam calls for this kind of expertise. A structural engineer will provide you with a safe design and the required drawings to submit to your town’s building …

Engineering A Safe And Sound RemodelRead More

High Tech House Framing

if you’re building a new home, there’s one key to it’s longevity and appearance.  The frame of a house provides support and a base for outer layers.  It includes the foundation, floor joists, wall studs, beams, and rafters.  While wood framing is most common, new advances in technology have made steel framing or even or …

High Tech House FramingRead More

Keep Wood Fences Standing Tall | The Money Pit

Learn how to seal a wood fence. Most wood fences are installed too close to the ground, where rot and termite damage forms quickly, ruining your fence.

Keep Wood Fences Standing Tall | The Money PitRead More

cracked concrete curb

Some Concrete Facts

Think the facts about concrete are – well, concrete?  You’re wrong. There are some cold, hard facts you should know before using it for your home improvement. Different jobs require different formulations of concrete — and there are literally hundreds of mixes to choose from. If you are not sure which to use, contact a …

Some Concrete FactsRead More

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