HomeMy WebLinkAboutEngineer's LetterEL Ef\¡f3lt\GEFllNG, *NC.
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tob# 2O22-LO998 (Client f:41930)
130 E Vista Dr.
s¡lt, co 81652
9100 W Jewell Ave STE. 200
lakewood, CO 80232
720-4/,0-9450
www.dlengineer.com
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2/2/2022
As requested, a site vis¡t and observation were performed at the property located at the address above on Ll2712022
at approximately 9:30 a.m. by Daniel LeMier, PE. The purpose for the site v¡sit and observation was to review the
structure for movement of the foundation.
The subject property is a single-family home with a finished basement and crawlspace located in an established
neighborhood, The building is assumed to have been built in 1981 (based on an online search of the Garfield County
Assessors records),
The foundation is constructed of concrete and ¡s assumed to be on spread footings. The house appears to be
constructed of wood with stucco. The observation was visual and limited to the exterior and the interior house. No
observation was performed on the roof structure. For purposes of this report, we assume that the house faces
southwest.
Cracks in the sheetrock around windows of the interior of the house
Cracking in the stucco between roof and wall sheetrock
Cracking in the stucco around door in various locations
Cracking ín the stucco in various locations around the house
Cracking in foundation wall in various locations
Footing is undermined in several locations along the foundation
Foundation opening at the wall between the main house and crawlspace and the crawlspace of
the shed
It appears the front of the house may have been built on fill and the fill has settled.
COMMENTARY
At the time of the observat¡on, there were multiple areas of concern. The below recommendations will
help prioritize items by sever¡ty.
2022-10998- Observation Letter - 130 E Vista Dr - t-28-22
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OBSIRVATIONS
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8L E\|6IT\€EFüN(3. TNl-
t ob* 2O22-LO998 (Client #:4 1930)
130 E Vista Dr.
s¡¡t, co 81652
9100 W Jewell Ave STE. 200
takeùìrood, CO 80232
720-4É,0-9450
www.dlenaineer.com
hIË SITE OBSERVATICIN
RECOMM TNDATIONS
The cracks observed in the walls were likely caused by vertical movement of the foundation. These
movements are most likely caused by contraction and expansion of the soil due to changing moisture
content. The following is a prioritized list of recommended repairs that should be made to stabilize the
foundation.
RECOMMENDED REPAIRS
lnstall (6) push piers along the southwest and southeast foundation walls to help mitigate vertical
movement in these areas.
lnstall (10) push piers along southwest, northeast, and southeast foundation walls inside of the crawlspace
to help mitigate vertical movement in these areas.
SUGGESTED MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS
Monitor the home for further signs of vertical movement. These signs may include new or worsening cracks
in the interior finishes, new or worsening cracks in the foundation, new or worsening cracks in the stucco,
floorsthatbecomemoreoutof level, and/or doorsandwindowsthatbecomedifficulttooperate. lf further
signs of vertical movement are observed, the homeowner should contact DL Engineering for further
assessment.
Ensure proper grading and drainage around the perimeter of the house to help prevent excess moisture
accumulation in the soil surrounding the foundation. Doing so will help reduce soil volume fluctuations and
pressure on the foundation. See best practices for foundation maintenance for additional information.
Patch and monitor cracks in concrete, stucco, and drywall. This will give a baseline for any new movement.
lf new movement is observed, contact DL Engineering lnc. for further assessment.
Differential verticol movement of the foundotion is coused by several voriobles which ore beyond our obility
to control or Íorecost. This observotion only oddresses the areos thot oppeor to be octively moving ond
includes recommendotions to stabilize these oreos. With any vert¡col foundation movement, the only woy
to ensure complete stobitity is to Íuily underpin the entire foundation. The extent ond oggressiveness of the
foundøtion repairs should be corefully considered by the Owner ond will depend on their toleronce for risþ
the possib¡lity of future domoge, ond cost.
2022-10998- Observation Letter - 130 E Vista Dr - I-28-22
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ÐL E¡\t6il\€EFillY6, g\¡C-
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lob* 2O22-LO998 (Client f:41930)
130 E Vista Dr.
s¡lt, co 81652
9100 W Jewell Ave STE. 200
takewood, CO 80232
720-4É,0-9450
www,dlengineer.com
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BEST PRACTICES FOR IOUNDATION MAINTENANCE
The following best practices are actions to maintain the service life of the foundation that can be applied to all
structures. Proper site drainage and placement of vegetation alone may not prevent movement of a structure;
however, they are prudent steps to avoid the contraction and expansion of the soil due to changing moisture
content. We share the following information, which is not property specific, with all our clients.
SITE DRAINAGE
The moisture around foundation elements must be controlled for the useful life of the building. Lack of proper
drainage is often a contributing factor to foundation damage observed. The site drainage around the structure must
be maintained such that precipitations will quickly drain away. The use of proper slope slabs-on-grade, moisture
barriers, swales, and surface/subsurface drainage systems are strongly recommended. Extensions should be
attached to properly functioning downspouts and roof drains such that they discharge a minimum of 10 feet away
from the structure.
SITE VEGETATION
The vegetation around the perimeter of the structure can eventually lead to foundation movements. Vegetation can
hold moisture in soil and create excessive pressure on the foundation system. ln order to reduce the risk, bushes,
shrubs, and trees should be carefully removed by an experienced professional. Care should be taken to not further
disturb or damage the existing foundation system.
Planters and other surface features which could retain water should be eliminated and properly graded to reduce
the possibility of moisture infiltrating around the foundation.
2022-t0998- Observation Letter - 130 E Vista Dr - I-28-22
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f3L EñEI¡EEFIING, INtr.
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!ob* 2o22-t0998 (Client f:41930)
130 E v¡sta Dr.
s¡lt, co 81652
9100 W Jewell Ave STE, 200
[akewood, CO 80232
720-4/,0-9450
www.dlengineer.com
-hË
SITE VISIT PHOTOS
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Figure 1: Footing is undermined in several locations along the foundation
Figure 2: Cracking in foundation wall in various locations
2022-t0998- Observation Letter - 130 E Vista Dr - t-28-22
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EL EI\CINEERINtr, INC.
tob# 2O22-LO998 (Client f:41930)
130 E Vista Dr.
s¡lt, co 81652
9100 W Jewell Ave STE. 200
Lakewood, CO 80232
720-4É'0-9450
www,dlenAineer.com
-hG
Figure 3: Cracking ¡n foundation wall in various locations
2022-70998- Observation Letter - 130 E Vista Dr - 1-28-22
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TE OBSERVATION
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rfL ËNT]INEERING, INC.
tob# 2O22-LO998 (Client #:41930)
130 E Vista Dr.
s¡lt, co 81652
9100 W Jewell Ave STE. 200
takewood, CO 80232
720-4/,0-9450
www.dlengineer.com
hIüË
ln as much as the site review of an existing structure for the purpose of observing the structure conditions requires
that certain assumptions be made regarding existing conditions and because some of these assumptions may not
be verifiable without expending additional sums of money or destroying otherwise adequate or serviceable portions
of the build¡ng, the Client agrees that, except for negligence on the part of the Engineer, the Client will hold harmless,
indemnify and defend Engineer from and against any and all claims arising out of the professional services we have
provided.
lf you should have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at (720) 440-9450 or
dlemier@dlengineer.com.
Sincerely,
Daniel LeMier, PE
Daniel
LeMier
PE
Digitally
by Daniel
LeMier PE
Date:
2022.02.02
16:10:55
2022-10998- Observation Letter - 130 E Vista Dr - t-28-22
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SITT OBSERVATION
DISCLAIM !R
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