September 29, 2017 TO: REF: CONDITION OF PROPERTY SURVEY Structural Integrity of Framing. Dear Ms. : HEDDERMAN ENGINEERING, INC. performed an inspection today on the property located at, Houston, Texas. The purpose of the inspection was to view the evidences of water penetration, and give our professional opinion on the structural integrity of the framing members of the house that were affected by the flood. Observations were made at both the interior and exterior of the structure. The scope of the inspection was limited to only those items that were readily visible and accessible at the time of the inspection. Any items causing visual obstruction, including, but not limited to, furniture, furnishings, floor or wall coverings, foliage, soil, appliances, insulation, etc., were not moved. The basis of our opinions will be the apparent performance of that portion of the property actually visible at the time of the inspection. Disassembly or removal of any portion of the structure is beyond the scope of this inspection. There is no warranty or guarantee, either expressed or implied, regarding the habitability, future performance, life, merchantability, workmanship, and/or need for repair of any item inspected. We make no representation regarding the condition of this property other than as contained in this written report. Any verbal discussions concerning this property that were made at the time of the inspection, and not contained in this written report, are not to be relied upon.
Excluded from the scope of the inspection are any and all items related to mold and/or all microbial substances. Due to the current limitations of coverage on most homes by the insurance industry in Texas, where damages due to mold and/or other microbial substances may not be covered, we recommend that you have a mold inspection by a qualified professional if mold is a concern. Observations 1. It was observed that the flood water has entered the house, and the water level was approximately three feet above the first floor. The floor coverings were removed along with the sheetrock on the interior walls on the first floor. The exterior wall sheathing in the flood affected area has been partially removed from the exterior wall.
2. We checked the moisture levels of the exposed framing members and structural sheathing on the walls and found
3. We observed evidence that the wood floors have swelled in the flood water and expanded, and have moved the exterior wall off the foundation at seven locations around the house. The damaged walls need to be restored to their original position on the foundation and to do so will require removal of most, if not all, of the brick veneer around the house to expose the damaged framing members, and to move them back into place. In addition, the damaged and missing exterior gypboard sheathing needs to be replaced. Further investigation with a contractor is recommended concerning these extensive repairs and to obtain a cost estimate for the repairs. Obtain Cost Estimate a. Front wall of Living Room The front wall of the living room has been pushed outwards approximately 1-3/4 inch by the wood floors in the house, causing extensive damage to the brick veneer. The original chalk line from when the house was built was visible on the concrete foundation.
b. Front wall of Dining Room The front bay window area of the dining room has been pushed outwards approximately 1-1/4 inches by the flood waters, causing extensive damage to the brick veneer and window assembly. It is our opinion that the entire bay window area needs to be rebuilt.
c. Exterior wall of Front Bedroom d. Exterior wall of Master Bedroom
e. Other Exterior wall of Master Bedroom at Closet The exterior wall at the master bedroom closet area has been pushed outwards approximately ¾ inch, causing the bottom plate to crack. The movement of the wall was reflected in the siding shown below being pushed out.
f. Rear wall of Family Room
g. Rear wall of Breakfast Room
Structural Integrity Conclusions Based upon the above observations, it is our opinion that the structural integrity of the first floor wall framing members has compromised by the flood waters, with the exterior load bearing walls being moved out of their original position. Extensive repairs will be needed to move the walls back to their original position, along with replacing the damaged gypboard sheathing behind the brick veneer. Further investigation with your insurance adjuster and/or a contractor is recommended to obtain a cost estimate to make all the needed repairs. CLOSE Thank you for asking HEDDERMAN ENGINEERING, INC. to perform this important inspection work for you. If you have any questions after reviewing this report, please feel free to call me at my office. At your service, Tim Hedderman Registered Professional Engineer #51501 Texas Firm Number: 7942