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Examples of
Building Exterior Damage
CRACK IN STONE VENEER
Cracks and separations in stone, stucco, and siding are one of the first signs of structural distress. A structural engineer should monitor this type of damage.
DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
Engineers cut openings into walls and ceilings (referred to as destructive testing) to determine the cause of the moisture and building energy efficiency problems.
WINDOW DAMAGE
Cracks in glass and difficulties in the closure of windows indicate foundation movement.
MOISTURE IN DRYWALL
Roof leaks, moisture infiltration through the foundation or building envelope, or water leaks can cause moisture in drywall.
PORCH DAMAGE
Columns should always be on their own foundation (footings or piers) and adequately isolated from porches and patios. Isolation allows structural elements to move independently without damaging each other.
VOIDS IN INSULATION
Voids or the absence of insulation in walls and ceilings can be a construction defect. Insulation installation problems can reduce the energy efficiency of a structure.
WALL MOISTURE PROBLEMS
Rusty framing nails under sheetrock indicate moisture in the space.
WATER DAMAGE
Moisture staining on wall and ceiling surfaces is typically caused by building envelope or plumbing leaks.
ISOLATION BETWEEN ELEMENTS IS IMPORTANT
Stone facades must be adequately isolated from concrete flatwork. Proper isolation is a space between two types of building elements that allows movement between the two without causing damage to each other.
SIDING DAMAGE
Siding damage and separations are typically caused by foundation movement.
EXTERIOR LAYERS
During destructive testing (the physical taking apart of a structure), the peeling away of exterior layers allows engineers to learn the cause of damage.
DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
The removal of the layers of the building exterior exposes the hidden building elements, allowing the engineer to inspect and evaluate the cause of damage.
SIDING DAMAGE
Separation between trim and siding due to foundation movement.
WATER STAINING
Gutter problems often cause water staining on exterior walls. Click here for more information on gutters.
MOISTURE PROBLEMS AT WINDOWS
Moisture problems around windows due to construction defects are common. Once destructive testing is complete, the elements must be repaired.
MOISTURE DAMAGE
Damage to stone veneer of a column caused by moisture seeping into the layers beneath.
STUCCO DAMAGE AT WINDOW CORNER
Cracks in stucco around windows can be an indicator of more serious structural problems.
HAIRLINE CRACKS
Significant structural distress can start with small thin cracks, called hairline cracks, but become worse over time.
SEPARATION AT WINDOWS
Stucco distress can be caused by foundation movement.
STUCCO AND CLIMATE
Some climates are harsher on stucco than others. Large temperature fluctuations can cause hairline cracks on exterior walls.
SEPARATION IN TRIM
Separation between exterior trim pieces due to foundation movement.
HAIRLINE STUCCO CRACK
Hairline crack at the interface of the exterior beam and wall at patio. Often, hairline cracks get wider over time.
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