Structural Engineering Company

Started by ArtN • 4 replies • 1354 views

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ArtN (Massachusetts)
Posts: 48

Posted:

HI, I would like to know if anyone has used a Structural Engineering company, to evaluate Complex buildings roof situation, to provide a written informative need whether our roofs are in fact need of replacement or can repairs be made to circumvent the Ice Melting/Dams situation we have been having the past two years, as others have experienced the same. My feed back is not only was this a problem in New England,Pacific Northwest and other parts of the country.

My question is can Structural Engineering Company's give us a detailed information as to whether we need out roofs replaced and if there are other problems, caused from our previous Siding project, which I feel is the main reason for some of out problems.

SusanW1 (Michigan)
Posts: 5,202

Posted:

Back-up daming that leads to leaks can be caused by inadequate insulation in the attic area, or not enough vents. The attic is too warm, heating up the roof, melting snow and there's not a place for the melted water to go.

Believe me, I know this!! After spending $$ for a new roof, I STILL had this problem! Leaks 15 feet from the edge of the roofline, into the bedrooms!

Get a good roofing contractor first to take a look at your shingles or roof. Then ask him/her for a referral for an insulation company.

I don't think you need a "structural engineer" for this kind of problem.

ArtN (Massachusetts)
Posts: 48

Posted:

Susan thanks for your reply, did you experience this in a Condo Complex or was this your private home?
the reason I am interested in a Structural Engineer Company, as after siding was installed, chiminey problems started happenning that do to shoddy workmanship by the siding company. We need to get it right the first time, we have invested too much money to have another project go sour.......Thanks

JosephW (Michigan)
Posts: 882

Posted:

Art,

The way I look at answering a question like yours about using professionals is to ask yourself how you would sound on a witness stand describing how the board went about making the decision they will be making. It's your business judgment that will be on trial if you screw it up. If you don't know the answer to the problem, then hire the people that will give you the best answer based on expertise, not just wanting the job. For example, if you wanted to bring a roofer in to analyze the problem and draft specs for repair, I would make sure they understood they would not be allowed to bid on the job, otherwise, the report would be suspect at best. In your situation, either a structural engineer or architectural firm with engineering credentials would be the best (and of course, most expensive) choice.

Joe

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ArtN (Massachusetts)
Posts: 48

Posted:

Joe, thank you, that is exactly how I feel, the Board or whoever handling monies for owners/others are in the position to make an decision based upon their own expertise or a Certified Professional, opposed to a Contractor/supplier providing product and service without the certified creditials to back them up, relying upon their capability of workmanship of installation. With that said, I can only hope powers to be can see the best procedure to provide for those they represent.

As you say it is expensive, but the way I look at it, without it, it could cost a lot more on the other end when the project is finished or while it is being finished.........You get what you pay for....

Thanks again,

ArtN

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