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Will I have foundation issues?

3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago

New construction with filled block foundation. Barndominium build with no basement and 3 courses of block. Block is not level on the left corner. Slapped mortar to cover. Talked to contractor and said it was no issue and would be covered. Is this concerning? I am thinking the footer was not level and they had to make adjustments. Thank you.








Comments (10)

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Really hard to tell what's going on.

    My first thought is that someone hit that corner with machinery, knocking out the bottom of the blocks. So they "repaired" them by slapping on some mortar.

    As a builder, I wouldn't accept it. It's really no big deal for a block layer to knock out the damaged blocks and put in two new ones.

    If those blocks will be above the finished grade, it's certainly not acceptable cosmetics. But not likely a structural concern.

    If there is a basement, the lack of a plastic barrier dimple barrier or equivalent would be a fail where I am.

    But in many US jurisdictions pretty much anything goes.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I know a piece of machinery didn't hit it. It was purposely placed. Here is another picture. Thank you for the reply.



  • PRO
    3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    I think they didn't square off the footing forms, the block is probably square or the framing would be off. I'm sure the block is level and plumb (hopefully). That footing projection they should have floated so the water will run off but if they said it will be parged most likely they will take care of that.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Very difficult to tell from the images.

    Is the structure supported by posts or a stud wall?

    Do you have drawings that show a building section or wall section?

    My first thought was that it is a misaligned poured concrete footing that two courses of block are setting upon.

  • 3 years ago

    It would be unwise to rely on the opinion of an internet chatroom member regarding the structural capacity of a foundation from a photo.

  • 3 years ago

    That looks to have nothing to do with level (horizontal) and plumb (vertical). The first course (of your 3 course CMUs) was laid and for some reason didn't match the footprint dimensions. The mason cleared that up with the 2nd course. You now have a ledge. It would be nice if it was a mortar wash (nice even slope) instead of globbing on mortar like a cafeteria using an ice cream scooper to serve mashed potatoes. Easy enough to chisel off that blob and do a wash.

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    Better picture provided clearer explanations above.

    (THIS COMMENTARY IS STRICTLY CONJECTURAL AND ANONYMOUSLY PROVIDED. THERE IS NO REPRESENTATION OR GUARANTEE, IMPLIED OR EXPLICIT, OF THE EXPERTISE OF THE COMMENTATOR, AND/ OR THE STRUCTURAL AND/ OR BUILDING CODE COMPLIANCE THAT MIGHT BE DEDUCED FROM RELIANCE ON SAID COMMENTARY.)

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    My comments are for pure entertainment purposes

  • 3 years ago

    Mark.. it is a stud wall. I just wanted to make sure i wouldnt have any structural issues later down the road. Seeing something put together like that is scary. Especially when block should be on top of block. Thank you.

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    If you are very concerned, then get advice from an independent structural engineer who can view the issue in person. Relying on internet advice gives you no recourse if you have "structural issues later down the road."