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home structural repair

Ten Signs Your Home Needs Structure Repair

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Your home is more than just a structure; it’s a place of comfort, safety, and cherished memories. 

However, even the sturdiest homes show wear and tear. Some issues may be cosmetic and easily fixed. Others may indicate more serious structural problems. Here are ten common signs that your home may need structural repair. 

  1. Cracks in walls and ceilings. Horizontal cracks, especially those wider than a quarter inch, can indicate foundation problems. Vertical cracks may be associated with settling or normal wear and tear.
  2. Uneven or sloping floors. If you notice your floors are uneven, sloping, or sagging, it’s likely a sign of structural issues. These problems could be due to settling, rotting beams, or unstable foundations.
  3. Doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly. Difficulty in opening and closing doors and windows may indicate a shift in your home’s foundation. When your home’s structure is compromised, it can lead to alterations in door and window frames.
  4. Bowing or leaning walls. These can be a severe structural concern. These issues may result from soil pressure, water damage, or the deterioration of support elements.
  5. Cracks in the foundation. Cracks in the foundation, particularly wider than a quarter-inch, are a red flag. These cracks may indicate foundation settlement, poor construction, or soil-related problems.
  6. Gaps in the caulking or sealing around windows and doors. Gaps in caulking or sealing around windows and doors can allow water infiltration and pests to enter your home. This may be a sign that your home’s structure is shifting.
  7. Water intrusion of moisture issues. Frequent water intrusion, flooding, or persistent moisture in the basement or crawl space can weaken the structural integrity of your home. It may lead to rot, mold, and damage to support elements.
  8. Popped nails and screws. When nails and screws begin to pop out of drywall or ceiling fixtures, it may indicate that the structure is shifting. This can occur due to foundation issues, especially in homes with drywall or sheetrock ceilings.
  9. Exterior brick or masonry cracks. Cracks in your home’s exterior brick or masonry can signal structural problems. These cracks may result from foundation movement, weathering, or other underlying issues.
  10. Roof problems. A sagging or uneven roofline is a clear sign of structural issues. Roof problems may indicate damage to load-bearing walls or the roof’s support structure.

If you notice one or more of these signs in your home, it’s crucial to take action promptly:

  1. Consult a structural engineer. They can assess the extent of the damage and provide recommendations for repair.
  2. Foundation inspection. Foundation issues are often the root cause of many of these problems. A professional foundation inspection can identify the source of the issue and the appropriate repair solutions.
  3. Foundation Repair. Depending on the nature and extent of the damage, foundation repair may be necessary. Solutions can range from underpinning and wall reinforcement to drainage improvements and more.
  4. Crawl space and basement waterproofing. Addressing moisture problems is essential to prevent further structural damage. Proper waterproofing can help protect your home’s foundation and support elements.
  5. Professional contractors. For issues related to doors, windows, floors, and walls, consult with professional contractors to address the specific problems. Proper repairs can restore the stability and functionality of your home.

Recognizing the signs of structural issues in your home is the first step toward ensuring its safety and longevity. Ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive and costly problems down the road. If you observe any of the ten signs mentioned, consult with experts in structural repair and foundation services. Taking early action may protect your home and restore its structural integrity, so it continues to be a place of comfort and security for years to come.

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations, then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

 

home structural repair

Is It Safe to Live in a Home with Structural Repair Issues?

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Our home is not just a shelter. Our home is a place where we feel safe, secure, and protected. 

But what happens when your home has structural repair issues? Is it safe to still live there? It depends on the severity of the issues and their potential risks. Some home structural issues may be cosmetic or minor, while others can compromise the stability and safety of the entire structure. It’s crucial to accurately assess the severity of the problem before making any decisions.

Here are home structural repair issues and their safety considerations: 

  1. Foundation issues: Cracks in the foundation, uneven settling, or shifting can affect the entire framework of the house. If you suspect foundation problems, it’s essential to consult with a structural engineer to determine the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs.
  2. Wall and roof leaks: Leaks in the walls or roof can weaken the structure and lead to mold growth, which can affect indoor air quality and pose health risks. 
  3. Wall or ceiling cracks: Small cracks in walls or ceilings might be due to normal settling, but large or rapidly growing cracks can indicate more serious issues. 
  4. Termite or pest damage: Pests like termites can cause significant damage to the wood structure of a home. If left untreated, this damage can weaken the integrity of the building. Regular pest inspections and prompt treatment are crucial.
  5. Aging and deterioration: Older homes may show signs of wear and tear due to aging. A thorough inspection can help determine if the home’s structural integrity is compromised.
  6. Electrical and plumbing issues: Faulty electrical or plumbing systems can lead to safety hazards and potential damage to the structure. If not repaired, it may lead to fires, flooding, and related structural problems.

Living in a home with structural issues can pose various safety concerns:

  1. Health Risks: Water leaks and mold growth, can impact indoor air quality and pose health risks to residents, particularly those with allergies or respiratory conditions. ***
  2. Collapse Risk: It can lead to partial or complete collapse of the building. This poses an imminent threat to the safety of occupants.
  3. Resale Value: Structural problems can reduce the resale value of a property. If you’re planning to sell your home, these issues must be resolved. 
  4. Maintenance Costs: Structural issues can lead to further damage and higher repair costs over time. Prompt repairs can save you money in the long run.

If you suspect your home has structural issues, it’s important to consult with professionals:

  1. Structural Engineer: A licensed structural engineer can assess the severity of the issues and recommend appropriate repairs and provide an unbiased evaluation of the situation.
  2. Home Foundation Repair Contractor: A contractor specializing in foundation, roofing, plumbing, etc., can provide estimates and execute the necessary repairs.

If you’re waiting on structural repairs, there are precautions you can take to minimize risks:

  1. Limit Use: Don’t place heavy loads on areas that show signs of structural problems. This can help prevent further damage.
  2. Monitor Changes: Watch cracks, shifts, or other changes in the structure. Document any developments. 
  3. Address Safety Hazards: If there are immediate safety hazards, like exposed wiring or shaky support beams, take steps to mitigate these risks.

Some issues may only require minor repairs, while others can compromise the safety of occupants. Promptly addressing structural issues through professional assessments and repairs will help maintain a safe and secure living environment.

M Taylor Enterprise has an expert home structural repair team that can inspect your home to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations, then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

*** For more information on the health risks of mold, visit the CDC website.   

crawl space repair, home structural repair

Five Common Crawl Space Repair Issues and How to Fix Them

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Crawl spaces are a popular subject this time of year. We have discussed them in previous blogs and their importance in the comfort of your home. Crawl spaces also have various issues that can affect the structural integrity and basic health of your home. If you are having structural problems, you may want to examine it as there may be a need for crawl space repairs. 

Spring and summer in Maryland can be quite hot and humid. It’s a good time to have your crawl space checked. ***

Here are five common crawl space repair issues and some ways to address them:

  1. Excessive Moisture: Crawl spaces often have excess moisture, which may lead to mold growth, and and wood rot, and structural damage. So, it’s essential to identify and repair the source of moisture. This may mean repairing leaking pipes, improving drainage around the foundation, installing a vapor barrier on the crawl space floor, or using dehumidifiers and ventilation systems to control humidity levels.
  2. Standing Water: Standing water causes numerous problems, including mold growth, structural damage, and pest infestations. To eliminate standing water, you may need to improve the grading around your home’s foundation, install a sump pump to remove water, and ensure proper downspout and gutter drainage away from the foundation.
  3. Insufficient Insulation: Poor or inadequate insulation in the crawl space can lead to energy loss and temperature imbalances in your home. Consider insulating the walls and floor of the crawl space using foam insulation boards or spray foam insulation. This will improve energy efficiency and maintain more consistent temperatures throughout your home.
  4. Pest Infestations: Crawl spaces are attractive to pests like rodents, termites, and insects. These pests cause damage to the structural components of your home and pose health risks. To address pest infestations, identify and seal any entry points, remove existing pests, and consider implementing ongoing pest control measures.
  5. Structural Issues: Crawl spaces can experience structural problems over time like sagging beams, settling foundations, or deteriorating supports. It’s essential to consult with a crawl space repair contractor or structural engineer to assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate repairs. This involves reinforcing or replacing damaged beams, adding supports, or even inspecting home foundation issues that are affecting the crawl space.

Crawl space repair can be complex, so the best approach will depend on the specific issues and conditions in your home. Seeking professional guidance and assistance from a crawl space repair contractor ensures that the repairs are done correctly and effectively. They can do a thorough assessment of your crawl space and give you an objective report. Plus, they can work within your budget.  

If you are having issues with your home comfort, you may need crawl space repair. Contact M. Taylor Enterprise for an inspection. We will analyze it and make recommendations. Our experienced crawl space repair team can make the necessary repairs. Call (301) 649-3406 or at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com for a free consultation. 

We serve the Montgomery County, Maryland area.

*** You can find out more about summer weather on the State of Maryland website. 

 

home structural repair

Should You Buy A Home With Structural Repair Issues?

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Realtors in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia are busy this time of year. People are selling and buying homes as summer is around the corner. ***  

So, if you are planning to buy a home, you may ask: Should I buy it if it has structural repair issues? It’s a good question to ask. Failure to look into this may result in costly repairs or even loss of value on your home. 

If you are interested in buying a home that needs structural repairs, here are some questions to ask: 

  1. What are the causes of the structural damage? While the home inspector has the knowledge to recognize damage in the home foundation or basement, unfortunately, most people may not easily see it. You may see cracks that may be suspicious. It may be a serious structural issue. The cracks may be caused by any number of issues which we have covered in previous blogs: the soil has washed away, clay soil that expands during wet weather and contracts during dry spells, and sinkholes. The cause of the damage determines the type of repairs. A structural engineer can inspect it and consult you on the repair(s) needed for the home. 
  2. What are the costs? The seller or seller’s realtor should give you an estimate from a home foundation repair contractor to the buyer. Be sure to check what is on the estimate. The estimate may include home stabilization, cosmetic repairs to the home exterior, interior crack repairs, doors, and windows replacement and repairs. Also, verify that there is a warranty on all repairs and materials. 
  3. Has the underlying cause of damage been resolved? If the cost of repair is only part of the damage under the home but not the real cause, then the settling is only delayed for a period of time. You will have new repair bills, which could be quite expensive, in the next few years. Have a structural engineer submit a detailed analysis of the repairs that are needed for the long-term that will prevent home foundation damage in the future. 

Purchasing a new home is probably the most significant financial decision you will make in your entire life. In 2023, the average home in the Bethesda, MD area costs $1.2 million dollars. Homes sold after 32 days on the market. *** At that listing price, imagine what foundation repairs would cost! It’s worth the time and effort. Please make sure you have the home you want to buy inspected by a structural engineer. 

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations, then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

*** For more information on the Bethesda, MD housing market, visit the Redfin website.

basement waterproofing, concrete repair, home structural repair

How to Use Carbon Fiber Straps to Repair Foundation Cracks

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As winter approaches, you may have noticed that there are cracks in and around your home foundation. They may be hairline cracks or large cracks. Regardless, they will increase in size and cause problems with your home as we have covered in previous blogs. 

However, your home foundation cracks may be at the point of no return. Now, maybe the time to contact a home foundation repair company to have those cracks repaired. Your home foundation repair contractor may recommend using carbon fiber straps to improve the foundation. 

How do these cracks occur? Home basement foundations are exposed to many hazards underground. Water can be the most significant hazard. Living in a low water table region, the soil gets saturated with water. That water pools around the foundation walls. The water pressure eventually pushes against the foundation. Soil also can be an issue as it expands. It absorbs a lot of water. The water pressure pushes against your basement walls and causes them to bow. Water must be kept from soaking into the dirt near the home foundation.

Carbon Fiber Strips are four times stronger than steel and typically outperform most forms of foundation repair tools. They are smart home foundation repair solutions for the following reasons: 

  1. Carbon fiber strap: Being four times stronger than steel, carbon fiber straps are lighter, more efficient, and less expensive. The epoxy rivet technology makes sure the strap will adhere to the wall and stay attached for many years.
  2. Top anchor: The top of the carbon fiber strap connects to the rim joist. This is where the foundation wall meets the first or main floor. It’s post-tensioned for maximum strength.
  3. Bottom anchor: The bottom of the carbon fiber strap is anchored into the foundation floor, so the wall won’t slide inward. 
  4. Carbon fiber dowels/pins may also be installed inside basement corners to “pin” the wall together. They may also be used against the flat face of a wall to keep the structure together as additional support. These are not as commonly used as other carbon fiber home foundation repair tools. 
  5. Carbon fiber straps are fastened to compromised basement walls and corners. If the crack is in the corner of the basement, it’s possible that both walls can move inward or even collapse. Most home foundation repair contractors install straps horizontally around the corner, four feet in either direction so the wall is structurally secure.

Installation of these carbon fiber straps can be completed efficiently, often in only a few hours. So, you would not have to vacate your home, nor would your daily lifestyle be inconvenienced. If you are considering solutions to your home foundation cracks, and soon before the snow and ice hits Western Maryland.  

If you need carbon fiber foundation repair or basement waterproofing, M Taylor Enterprise home foundation repair contractors can consult in Prince George, Montgomery County, and Howard County, MD. If you have seen any of these cracks in your home foundation, call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. 

We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

 

home structural repair

Important Things You Need to Know About Home Structural Repair

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Your home’s structure keeps it together and standing. It is that simple. Unfortunately, so many customers I have worked for over many years have told me that they don’t plan for home structural repairs. Eventually, the worst happens, and the repairs become even more costly.

So, when we talk about home structural repair, what do we mean exactly? These repairs would include basic structural repairs such as the home foundation, frame, beams, and other types of repairs. You need to get these repaired if your home begins to move, sink, or large cracks are seen. These may need to be repairs made on older homes that don’t meet safety and code standards. While home structural repairs don’t have a huge cosmetic impact on the property, so it doesn’t add to the value of the property. However, if these repairs are not made, it will be difficult to sell the home as home inspectors will cite this in their reports. 

So, you may need a home structural repair for any number of reasons if your home is several decades old. A licensed, qualified home structural engineer can inspect the structure to find out if any repairs are needed. 

Home structural repairs require skilled repair teams as you are working with the most important parts of a home. An experienced and professional home structural engineer can make sure that it is secure and safe. 

Additionally, if you do suspect a structural issue, we recommend that you contact a home structural repair company as soon as possible. Delays mean that the home will deteriorate further and could be unsafe for occupancy. 

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

Foundation Repair, home structural repair

Home Foundation Repair: The Disastrous Consequences of Delaying Repair

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“You may delay, but time will not.” ~ Benjamin Franklin

Old Ben was right. You can procrastinate when it comes to doing much-needed home foundation repairs, but it is only delaying the inevitable, and, the “inevitable” can be costly-very costly. 

Your home is your largest financial investment. It costs more than an education, a car, or the nicest vacation. You must take care of it.

But, just to drive the point home, here are some of the disastrous consequences of delaying foundation repair on your home:

  1. Mold and mildew spreading: Mold and mildew are dangerous to your health. Spores can cause allergy attacks and make family members and guests sick and miserable. It may also spur major lung and respiratory issues.
  2. Higher utility bills: Home foundation damage and cracks can send moisture from the basement to the upper living spaces in the home. This moisture may cause cracking, warps, bowing and separations to form in the other places in your home. Humid air is pulled toward your crawl space thus making the air conditioner or heating unit work harder and longer to make your home more comfortable. Higher utility bills ensue.
  3. Property values decreasing: A damaged and the deteriorating foundation is going to cost somewhere down the line. Once a home inspector does a report, the prospective buyer won’t do it unless the foundation is satisfactorily repaired. If it isn’t repaired, the sale of the home won’t happen. It is a definite deal-breaker.
  4. Plumbing issues: Water pipes are below the foundation and susceptible to damage when the foundation expands or contracts. A home foundation repair contractor can fix them though it is an expensive repair as they are difficult to get to. Additionally, the water pipes also shift when the foundation moves, causing water damage. The plumber fees begin adding up from this type of damage. 
  5. Insect damaging the structure: Insects love dark, wet locations. They especially love basements. Termites, mosquitos, carpenter bees and other pests move from the crawl space to the kitchen, bedrooms and other places within the home. Pest control fees may soar from this infestation.
  6. Structural damage continuing: We’ve covered this before: when your home foundation goes, so goes the rest of the house. You name it, it is affected: Walls, ceilings, floors, window frames, even attached garages are affected! 
  7. Water damaging more of your home: Frame structures can have major structural damage due to water seeping into the home as cracks appear in basement walls. Crawl spaces can also be full of water. Property stored in the basement may also be damaged. If you have someone living in the basement, they are also subject to health issues from the water leaks.
  8. Getting frustrated trying to find a home foundation contractor: When you decide to get your home foundation repaired, finding a contractor to do it in the DMV/Washington D.C. Beltway area may be a daunting challenge. Foundation companies may not be available to do the work quickly, especially during the spring rainy season. *** (Though we at M. Taylor Enterprise should be able to book you for work.)

Just one of the above issues is bad enough but any combination could be a financial, and emotional, disaster! If you have any of these structural issues, call your local, licensed home foundation repair contractor immediately and get it fixed.  

M Taylor Enterprise basement waterproofing contractors can do a consultation in Prince George and Silver Spring, MD area. If you have seen any of these red flags in your home, call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations then do any needed repairs done quickly and efficiently. 

*** More about the spring weather at this link.

home structural repair

Signs Your Home Foundation Needs Structural Repair

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Summer is now in full swing with the heat rising in July and everyone wanting to get out of quarantine. Luckily, the second phase of stage two openings has happened in Maryland. Businesses are starting to reopen cautiously with customers and workers’ health in mind.

Some restaurants have opened patios, porches, and terraces at full capacity and indoor dining areas at half capacity. Indoor and outdoor pools can open under strict guidelines, so there is still a chance that families can beat the hot summer humidity with cool chlorine waters*. This is welcome news after days, weeks, and months have melded together due to quarantine schedules and it may be over by fall.

Since the announcement of the government shut down, people have been staying at home to combat the Coronavirus and make sure hospitals were not overwhelmed. With more time at home, you may have noticed a few things. The couch is still comfy after a few hours of binge-watching a new show. The oven in the kitchen spreads warm air while cooking your meal and that’s great news for cold bare feet. The photos of great-grandma were in the attic all this time and there are a few frames still around. 

When you were hanging the photos did you notice a small or hairline crack in the wall? Did you smell a strange odor in the house as you searched for the perfect spot? These small nuisances could be your house telling you that your home foundation may be cracking and need structural repair. Luckily, you can catch visible warnings early and there are more signs your house may use. Have you encountered

  1. damp carpets, usually in the basement or first floor in the house?
  2. damp drywall, if you smell sweaty gym socks or other foul odors there may be a damp spot in your walls and even mold?
  3. discoloration of walls, when the foundation moves then the whole house will move causing pipes to be strained and start to leak or there could be cracks?
  4. Puddles, if you don’t have any leaking appliances this may be a sign that water is getting into the house through cracks in the foundation?
  5. flooding in the basement, when another heavy summer storm comes to your neighborhood and your basement is full of water then there are cracks in the foundation?
  6. bowing or buckling walls, if your foundation walls are curving into the house like a cave in taking its time then your house is in danger?

These are signs of your foundation failing, and you may have seen most of these early signs are due to water. This relates back to what causes foundations to crack with the most likely culprits being unstable soil surrounding the foundation or a poor drainage system. To fix this problem it’s important to call the professionals who can do the structural repair in the  Maryland area. 

M Taylor Enterprise professionals can help in Prince George and Silver Spring, MD area. If you are worried about your foundation or need structural repair in Maryland call (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com and protect your home so it can protect you.

*For more information on Maryland reopening phases and other COVID news click here.

home structural repair

When is a Licensed, Professional Structural Engineer Needed?

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There are times in life when we need trusted advice of an experienced professional. It may be a physician, an accountant or a lawyer. We trust them as they are giving us unbiased, helpful advice to improve our health, finances or other important aspects of our lives. Their direction is crucial and we depend on it.

structural engineer M Taylor Enterprise

When it comes to our home and, specifically, our home foundation, we also depend on the experts to advise us on needed repairs. Most homeowners don’t even think about their home foundation until there is a disaster such as settling or even collapse.

The health of your home’s structure, as we have discussed in past blogs, is crucial to your family’s health. If there are cracks or settling that will affect the entire home, which in turn, may cause serious health problems for you and your family.

In some cases, your home foundation needs to be seen by a structural engineer. According to the Structural Engineers Association of California, structural engineers: is:

“…create drawings and specifications, perform calculations, review the work of other engineers, write reports and evaluations, and observe construction sites. A Professional Engineer’s license is required in order to practice Structural Engineering. Most practicing structural engineers design and analyze buildings, bridges, power plants, electrical towers, dams, and other large structures that are essential to life as we know it.”

Structural engineers will come to your home or business and analyze your structure. They know a lot about structural systems, foundation damage forensics, home foundation repair and residential foundation inspections. They should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering and, at least five years of guidance by a professional engineer prior before they are licensed. Their education along with a technical background make licensed structural engineers the most qualified to analyze a home foundation.

So, now that you know about structural engineers, the next big question is when should you bring in this “heavy hitter” to inspect your residential or business foundation? There are five signs of when your foundation needs a structural engineer:

  1. Termite, water, fire or wind damage: One of the most common reasons is from catastrophic damage caused by pests or natural disasters. These threaten the integrity of the foundation and can lead to costly repairs. A structural engineer can inspect the foundation and do a forensic investigation which will determine if there was a foundation issue before the event. This information is then used by the claims adjuster.
  2. Structural damage: You or your home repair contractor may have noticed cracks, water damage or other signs of structural damage. Damage may include bowing walls, windows, and doors that don’t close completely, cabinets that are askew, uneven floors or other issues we have covered in previous blogs.
  3. A new addition to the home (rooms, garage, etc.): Whenever a homeowner makes a major addition to their home, whether it be a garage, studio or even a pool, this can be considered a major change to the structure. A structural engineer can figure out if the home foundation’s integrity will be compromised by the new addition. They can confirm if the foundation is adequately reinforced and that it can carry the weight of the home’s structure.
  4. Buying or selling the home: You are about to make the largest transaction in your life when you purchase or sell a home. Should a home inspector report that there is a major structural problem, bring in a structural engineer to inspect the foundation. They may save the homeowner or buyer a large amount of money if it isn’t as bad as first reported.
  5. Building a new home: A structural engineer can look at your plans and property and determine if they are sound and best for their planned use.

As you can see, a licensed, experienced, professional structural engineer can be an invaluable asset in analyzing the home foundation. It is wise to get the structural engineer’s opinion along with the home repair contractor, home builder or home inspector.

M Taylor Enterprise, Montgomery County, Maryland, has licensed and experienced professional structural engineers and foundation repair specialists who can do a thorough review of your structure and make recommendations. Call us for a consultation at (301) 649-3406 or email us at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com.

 

home structural repair

Structural Repair: Carbon Fiber Strips for Walls

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When there are cracks on walls, that is a shining red flag that repairs need to be done and soon.
carbon fiber strips walls M Taylor Enterprise
A licensed, home repair contractor will install carbon fiber strips.  Carbon fiber strips are epoxied to a foundation wall, either concrete or  block.
Walls that have developed horizontal cracks from bowing, due  to lateral pressure, are the best candidates for carbon fiber strips. Carbon  fiber is a high-strength strand that is woven into a fabric that is virtually unbreakable and does not stretch.  When used for structural foundation repairs, it is epoxied to the damaged wall at intervals determined by the type and severity of the damage.
Typically, they are installed four feet apart, nearly flush with the wall surface and painted to match surrounding walls. These strips often take  the place  of steel beam pilasters which are traditionally used to secure a  wall. Carbon fiber straps are not for all walls. Walls that have sheering in at the bottom, or walls  that have  bowed in more then two (2) inches.

Our experienced home structural repair team at M Taylor Enterprise will visit your home or business in the Montgomery County, MD, Silver Spring , MD or Washington, D.C. area and give you an estimate on your foundation wall repair. We get the job done quickly and efficiently. Call us at (301) 649-3406 or email us at matt@mtaylorenterprise.com.