The walls of a house are not just upright barriers that separate the interior from the outside, or one room from another. They are vertical load-bearing structures that must support the roof, the floors, everything that’s on them, and carry that weight down to the foundation. They must be able to resist the forces of wind, driving rain, and sometimes even seismic events. Openings such as doors and windows must be constructed properly so there are not any weak points that would allow sagging, racking, or failure.
It is vital to inspect the wall structure from the exterior. There you can view from a distance and more easily see any leaning or bowing. If a wall is not plumb, the downward forces will cause stress and lead to failure. Water can enter a house anywhere and damage the structure, but this is most likely at the top and bottom, and at openings. Always report stains; measure for moisture and connect the dots for any implications. Every effort should be made to view the sill plates and studs in the basement or crawlspace, and the top plates in the attic. Look for sagging or displacement at windows and doors. Inspect for and report cracks.
The bearing wall is bowing. This indicates a structural failure. The cause for this should be identified. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to provide repairs as needed.
The bearing wall is cracked and shows lateral movement. This can affect its ability to carry the necessary structural loads. The cause for this should be identified. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to provide repairs as needed.
Studs in the bearing wall have been cut. The repairs are unworkmanlike, and will affect the wall’s structural integrity. Hire a contractor for repairs as needed.
The bearing wall’s top plate has been notched beyond acceptable limits. This affects its load bearing capacity. Hire a contractor to provide repairs as needed.
The sill plate is deteriorated. This can affect the wall’s ability to carry the necessary structural loads. The cause for this should be identified. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to provide repairs as needed.
The top plate is deteriorated. This can affect the wall’s ability to carry the necessary structural loads. The cause for this should be identified. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to provide repairs as needed.
The bearing wall is deteriorated. This can affect its ability to carry the necessary structural loads. The cause for this should be identified. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to provide repairs as needed.
The bearing wall is bowing. Horizontal cracking is evident. This indicates a structural failure. The cause for this should be identified. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to provide repairs as needed.
The bearing wall is cracked and shows signs of lateral movement or settlement. This indicates a structural failure. The cause for this should be identified. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to provide repairs as needed.
The lintel over an opening is missing or deteriorated. This will allow settlement and failure. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to provide repairs as needed.
The bearing wall is deteriorated. This can affect its ability to carry the necessary structural loads. The cause for this should be identified. Hire a contractor for an evaluation and to provide repairs as needed.
