Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Steel Frame/Cinder Block House

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Structural
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 28 Nov 2002
Time: 12:20 AM

Comments

A 2nd story can be added to most homes so long as proper structural engineering analysis has been performed for all load-bearing elements, such as foundations, exterior and interior load-bearing walls, beams, joists, etc. However, depending on how your existing home is actually constructed (just saying it's steel and cinder block isn't enough information by itself), the cost to retrofit it to support a 2nd story could be prohibitive. The concrete blocks themselves have excellent compressive strength, but if they're not properly reinforced with rebar and filled solid, this could be problematic. In construction, almost anything is possible to achieve, including even in cases where the existing walls and foundation are insufficient. There exist methods to transfer loads to key points, such as beams and columns. So long as all loads are taken into account, including wind, seismic, as well as other live and dead loads, then saying it's impossible to add a 2nd story is ludicrous from a purely engineering perspective. The issue always comes down to real costs...and whether the incremental costs involved, given your particulars, justifies the investment. Don't give up just yet. Consult with a licensed structural engineer who can evaluate the property first hand and make some preliminary judgments about the existing structural limitations and considerations. From here, you'll have a better understanding of the structural implications and potential costs involved in retrofitting the home for an additional story.

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