Forum Archive: Structural

Renovating basement and discovered a termite-infested beam and some posts. A lot of damage to the beam (flaking wood). Who should I call to replace? As far as treating the termites, have a contract with Terminix but am getting the feeling they aren’t going to be much help. Just want to focus on the repair right now.

Forgive me if this is a dumb question, but is it possible to find the original “blueprints” for brownstone. If so, where do I start?

I have recently discovered that due to previous termite activity (not recent) a supporting beam in the basement is rotted and a temporary floor to ceiling beam which was set up a few years ago to secure things is looking rather wobbly. The damaged beam is one that goes into the side of the basement and is not reaching the side. Is it necessary to go through the structural engineer route or is a trustworthy contractor just as good? Any recommendations for either? Anyone with experience in this area or with a similar problem? Thank you.

I’ve experienced intermittent flooding in my basement (garden level in a converted tenement building, about 3/4 below ground). I thought the water was creeping in under the garden door due to a drain just outside the door that sometimes gets covered with debris (leaves and branches and the like). However, yesterday I did a through garden cleaning, so I was shocked to discover water in the basement during this morning’s downpour, and the drain was clear. It seems as if the water is seeping through or under the drywall and baseboard. Outside, of course, there is just mortar. So how is the water getting in? Could it actually be seeping through or under the mortar outside? I have no idea what kind of professional to call — an engineer? a foundation specialist (if there is such a thing)? someone else?

I’d be grateful for any suggestions and/or referrals. Thanks!

I’ve lived in South Slope in an old apartment that I love since 2006. I have no idea how old this place is, but I do have wide beam hardwood floors that slope down from the kitchen. That’s not my big concern. My big concern is the ever increasing cracks in my ceiling from the apartment above. Did I mention they are a rock band with an ass load of guitars, drums, and amps up there. Well they are. And their shit is heavy and I fear it will be collapsing onto my head in the near future. So what should I do? My landlord is a nice enough guy. But he is a tear down/build up kind of guy, and the only reason my place exists is that the family owned buildings that connect on either side of me refuse to sell to him. I fear my whole place is sinking and that I will be forced to move. What should I do?

Does anyone have any information on this ridiculously decrepit storefront at 648 Fifth Avenue? It’s been this way for a long, long time now and I’m wondering how the building hasn’t been condemned. It’s open to the elements as it has no front window (which has to be illegal). It borders a school. The wall is separating from the roof and is clearly going to collapse at some point. Meanwhile, all around it people are trying to elevate the quality of the neighborhood, but this place sits untouched. Someone MUST own this dump and be accountable for it, right?

The building next to me is vacant and undergoing a down-to-the-brick renovation. That includes carrying out yards and yards of dirt from the basement. Should I be concerned that they might be endangering the foundation?

We need more dunnage on this roof. Is it possible to use 2 existing chimneys to support the steel? The top picture shows current steel in a triangular shape in the upper left of the roof. There is a noise issue with that location that can only be solved with a very elaborate sound abatement system that will in all likelihood compromise if not void the warranty of the 2 existing 5 ton units plus a twin fan condenser mounted after the photo was taken. The other possibility is steel placed between the far right chimney and an elevator shaft. Span is approx. 20 ft. give or take. OR do we need to punch down through the flat roof and access the tops of the walls?

we’re planning on doing some permitted exterior work (adding windows, putting in insulation, residing the house). none of this is high concept design or rocket science.

do we need an architect or should we just hire an engineer? i’ve also heard that some expeditors can either do drawings or else subcontract to architects/engineers (who i imagine are cheaper?) what’s the best way to proceed (i.e., cheapest but still structurally sound)?

thanks