Feedback needed

[Bryant16e]

This photo was taken of a two story home the crack was from the header of the first floor window going to 2nd floor. Home built in 1971. Other than recommending a structural eng. Is there more I should say? Any feedback would be great help.

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[charlieb]

Tell them why you believe it is important. It is a symptom of a problem (movement). Do not diagnose the problem. Unless you have the credentials to do so!

Inform them of any other signs of movement you found.

[Bryant16e]

Thank you Charlie.

[StevenT]

It's hard to tell for sure from the picture, but if that is the lintel protruding above the window frame, unless it's part of an engineered lintel that is larger than the window frame and all that can be seen is a "brick shelf", then in essence the weight of the brick is being supported by nothing more than the window frame itself. If this is so, then it is the reason for the crack.

[hausdok]

Hi Steven,

Click on the picture to enlarge it. It's definitely a steel lintel but it's hard to tell whether the ends of the steel are sitting on top of the bricks or against the sides.

OT - OF!!!

M.

[inspect4u]

I agree with Mike, from the picture it looks like the top of the lintel is even with the top of the brick and not being supported. The lintel looks like it is sagging a little also.

Mike M

[StevenT]

I think we all agree.

However or whatever, the bricks are not being supported adequately.

If all that is there is what we can see, I'm suprised there is not more damage to the window frame.

The brickwork itself really doesn't look bad and I find it hard to believe that the mason installed the lintel as it seems he did. Maybe it is notched and sitting on block behind the veneer.

Whatever it is... it isn't good.

Do you think you need a SE to tell to that it is bad?

I would have no problem recommending that it be repaired by a reputable, experienced mason. You could say licensed or qualified or anything else that will let the folks know not to get some Mickey Mouse idiot, like the guy who did it the first time.

That means removing the bricks that are damaged, the window and the lintel. It means putting the proper lintel in, replacing the bricks and reinstalling a window.

Of course, I'm sitting here looking at one picture. What does the rest of the house look like? If all of the windows and doors are as this one is. I think I would call the National Guard... or maybe the National Enquirer.