Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Leveling Foundation After Hurricane Katrina

From: pikinuptrash1@bellsouth.net
Category: Structural
Remote Name: 68.222.33.221
Date: 05 Feb 2006
Time: 04:52 PM

Comments

Question: I live in southeast Louisiana. Hurricane Katrina caused major damage throughout our town of Slidell. My house is a wood frame of 1850 sq. ft. It is a single story and I have lived here 37 years. It was racked by Katrina and had two large trees fall on one end. There is roof damage and water damage inside. It seems to have shifted on the blocks, because some are straight and some aren't. It is two blocks high with a 5'' footing. Almost every top cinder block was busted. I've managed to replace the blocks but can't get it level and I'm not sure what I'm not doing. A professional will take nine months or more to get to me. There is a long waiting list. The hurricane damage in this area was catastrophic, and wide spread. I have several cracked walls and other rooms had to be completely gutted. We are also fighting with insurance companies for coverage of damages. There is a blue roof on my house and I'm trying to get it leveled because a contractor told me that was the first thing to do, before the rainy season starts. I would appreciate any advice you can give. I am doing ths by myself as I can't find any help. Thank You. James Blanc, Slidell Louisiana.

Builders Websource® Answer: Dear James. First, our hearts go out to you after you've suffered such severe structural damage to your home from the brutal hurricane that ravaged so much of the Gulf region. We empathize with your state of frustration caused by the bureaucracy in the storm's aftermath, coupled with an apparent lack of available resources to rebuild and restore your home in a timely manner. With this, we understand why you're taking matters into your own hands. Having said this, a home's foundation is the most important part of the structure. If your foundation is compromised in any way, everything built on top of it will be compromised as well, further amplifying the effects of an uneven foundation. Leveling a foundation is no easy task that requires skill, equipment, and know-how. It often requires steel or wood beams with a hydraulic jacking system to raise the existing home so the foundation can be properly repaired and leveled. After the hurricane, it's also possible that there may have been some disruption to the soil, causing an uneven strata upon which to build. If it's possible to find such a resource given your situation, we would recommend that you first consult with a licensed structural engineer who can evaluate all aspects of your home, including the foundation. Do this before you talk to any contractors. This may lead to specific recommendations that you'll need to incorporate into your thought process.

If you cannot find any local resources whatsoever, you may have to try an out-of-state company that is licensed to practice in Louisiana. This will be more costly for sure, but it beats throwing good money after bad and possibly injuring yourself in the process.

Depending on the extent of the structural damage (coupled with possible water and mold problems), your best choice may be to rebuild your home from the ground up -- this time with a proper foundation that will stand the test of time. Hopefully you won't have to go to this extreme, but may unlucky people are finding this to be the right long-term decision even if it costs more initially.

I wish we could snap our fingers and make it all better. As you point out, the damage was so widespread, it's taxing available resources to rebuild. Furthermore, you need to beware of shoddy workmanship from companies that may come and go, capitalizing on the devastation at your expense.

Builders Websource is appealing to all our patrons on BuildersTALK to help this man rebuild his home. If his email address above isn't a clue enough to his plight, please feel free to contact Builders Websource directly with any offers of assistance or referrals.

Builders Websource®
 

Article Tools

Builders Websource® is a corporate member of ASTM International—a non-profit engineering body dedicated in part to the standardization of building materials specifications, products, systems, and test methods for improved health, safety, and reliability of residential and commercial structures.

Copyright © 1999 - 2008 Builders Websource®, an InBuild™ company. All rights reserved.