Disx
Structural
- Mar 1, 2007
- 12
Ok this is kind of complicated so bare with me as I attempt to communicate this as technical as I can.
The south wall line of this residential home has cracking indicative of wind or seismic damage. Around all opening are considerate cracking larger than what would be called "serviceable".
In particular is a 20-ft section of wall that is 15-ft in height from bottom plate to top plate. This 22-ft wall section is composed of two 8080 sliding doors with a 3-ft plywood shear wall on either side. The header above these two 8080 sliders appears to be out of plane, at least 10 or so degrees. Around these openings are what I would think are severe cracking (1/8" -3/8", sometimes even 1/4" wide) extending out diagonally from all corners of the openings, as well as cracks horizontal and vertical. There is spalling in areas. The wall also deflects/vibrates a fair amount when pressured by my hand.
The roof above this wall is a cathedral type. There are no ties at all - roof or otherwise. The 4x10 rafters simply land on the top plate.
Now, aside from the obvious lack of shear walls, and possible lack of ties anywhere on the 15-ft high wall, my question is thus; the interior of this wall (drywall) shows no evidence of cracking at all. The drywall interior side of this wall looks smooth with no cracking - I can't even see visual cracking. I asked if the interior drywall has been repaired or repaired recently, and I was told no.
Is it possible to have one side of a wall damaged considerably and the other side in perfect shape?
The south wall line of this residential home has cracking indicative of wind or seismic damage. Around all opening are considerate cracking larger than what would be called "serviceable".
In particular is a 20-ft section of wall that is 15-ft in height from bottom plate to top plate. This 22-ft wall section is composed of two 8080 sliding doors with a 3-ft plywood shear wall on either side. The header above these two 8080 sliders appears to be out of plane, at least 10 or so degrees. Around these openings are what I would think are severe cracking (1/8" -3/8", sometimes even 1/4" wide) extending out diagonally from all corners of the openings, as well as cracks horizontal and vertical. There is spalling in areas. The wall also deflects/vibrates a fair amount when pressured by my hand.
The roof above this wall is a cathedral type. There are no ties at all - roof or otherwise. The 4x10 rafters simply land on the top plate.
Now, aside from the obvious lack of shear walls, and possible lack of ties anywhere on the 15-ft high wall, my question is thus; the interior of this wall (drywall) shows no evidence of cracking at all. The drywall interior side of this wall looks smooth with no cracking - I can't even see visual cracking. I asked if the interior drywall has been repaired or repaired recently, and I was told no.
Is it possible to have one side of a wall damaged considerably and the other side in perfect shape?
