HomeMy WebLinkAboutRE; storm damage to house J.H. Dahlmeier Engineering Inc.
June 17, 1998
Dan and Martha Cummings
3525 Ivy Place
Orono, MN 55391
Re: Residence
3525 Ivy Place
Orono, MN
Commission No. 98139
Gentlemen:
The purpose of this letter is to report the findings of a structural engineering review of this
residence.
ASSIGNMENT
J. H. Dahlmeier Engineering Inc. has been retained to provide a structural engineering review
and report regarding the storm damage to the residence located at 3525 Ivy Place, Orono, MN as
directed by Dan Cummings, owner of the residence.
BACKGROUND
Windstorms caused severe damage to this residence on May 15, 1998 and May 30, 1998.
The owners desire an independent structural engineering review of this damage.
DESCRIPTION
The residence is a single-family split-level with four levels and attached garage.
Construction is typical residential consisting of cast-in-place concrete foundations and wood
superstructure with plywood panel siding.
2434 Commerce Boulevard • Mound, MN 55364 • (612) 472-4746 • FAx (612) 472-4761
Dan and Martha Cummings
June 17, 1998
Page Two
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This residence has experienced significant wind and hail damage.
The garage frame is misaligned with severe damage. Portions of the garage roof have collapsed
damaging several trusses. The garage is not structurally sound at this time. Occupancy and use
of the garage should be limited until repaired.
Portions of the house roof have collapsed damaging many of the roof structural members.
Portions of the house are misaligned with some major defects.
Substantial corrective measures and repairs will be required to return this structure to a
structurally sound condition.
OBSERVATIONS AND COMMENTS
1. A site visit was conducted by John H. Dahlmeier of J. H. Dahlmeier Engineering Inc. on
Sunday, June 7, 1998 to review existing conditions.
2. Detailed observations of the structure were obtained. These details will be kept in my
permanent file.
3. Consideration should be given to installing angle connectors between each roof truss and
the top plate to increase resistance to wind. A Simpson H1 connector is suggested. This
does exceed the Code requirement of three toe nails from each truss into the top plate.
However, it is good practice. The catastrophic damage to the roof structural system of
the garage dictates removal and replacement of the entire garage in order to provide a
smooth acceptable roof system.
4. The roof structural system over the south half of the house is severe with broken
members in every truss and/or supporting member. The roof portion over the dining
room and kitchen is currently supported on a non-bearing, non-structural wall with most
of these members damaged. The overhang is severely damaged along a good portion of
the rear of the house. Replacement of the entire roof structural system except the living
room is mandatory. Economic consideration may make it more suitable to replace the
entire roof structural system of the house.The rake is not constructed in accordance with
good engineering practice and should be corrected during this repair process.
Dan and Martha Cummings
June 17, 1998
Page Three
5. Wall systems of the garage and house have both been racked by the falling trees,
particularly the rear corners of the house and garage. Due to the existing severeness of
misalignment and out-of-plumbness, the structural capability of the current nailing of the
insulating board sheathing to the existing stud is minimized. Therefore, placement of
new structural wall wood panels to provide diaphragm and rigidity to the resist wind is
mandatory.
6. Severe water damage occurred in the rear wall of the house causing damage to the wall
system including misalignment, penetrated vapor barriers, wet insulation and wet floor
sheathing. Repair of these items must be addressed.
7. Misalignment of the wall systems has caused windows to bind and operate improperly.
Repair will be required.
8. Sheetrock and other interior surface finish damage has occurred and will require repair.
Some further damage may occur during repair of the structural frame system.
9. The wall supporting the roof system between the dining room and kitchen is a non-load
bearing wall. Installation of a beam at the roof is not practical since the fireplace system
cannot support wood structural members.
10. The floor in the kitchen and dining room slopes to the fireplace. Further structural
investigation of the floor support system will be required. Repair of this will be required.
CORRECTIVE MEASURES
11. The following corrective measures aze required to provide a structurally adequate and
sound structure in accordance with the Code:
a. Shore structural elements as necessary.
b. Remove damaged gazage roof.
c. Remove house roof structural system except living room roof (it may be more
economical to replace entire roof of house and garage).
d. Construct new roof system with clear span trusses with overhangs to match
existing on existing bearing walls. (Wall between kitchen and dining room is
non-load bearing.) Use H-1 clips for all roof plate connections.
e. Ensure proper connection between roof trusses and top plate throughout entire
structure.
f. Repair masonry foundation as necessary and ensure proper connection between
wall and plates at garage.
Dan and Martha Cummings
June 17, 1998 �
Page Four
g. Remove and install new vapor barrier in roof to ensure continuous lapping of
vapor barrier.
h. Remove and replace all wet insulation.
i. Remove corner panels 4 feet wide each corner of gazage.
j. Realign garage wall system.
k. Install 4 foot wide structural wood panel at each corner of garage (thickness of
existing sheathing). Nail with l Od nails 4" @ edges and 10" in the field.
1. Install siding to match. Finish to pre-storm condition.
m. Remove corner panel on rear wall of house at dining room corner and at second
floor between garage and house.
n. Reconstruct corner similar to items j,k, l.
o. Realign reaz wall particularly at gable end. Construct overhang in accordance
with the Code.
p. Inspect and repair as necessary any damaged vapor bazrier and insulation (wet or
compressed) in rear wall.
q. Inspect structural condition of dining room and kitchen floor regarding slope of
kitchen floor. Repair as necessary.
r. Repair floor and walls behind kitchen cabinet. Remove cabinet as necessary.
s. Repair all sheetrock damage throughout house.
t. Repair main master bedroom closet floor and other water damaged elements
throughout the house.
u. Check all windows and realign as necessary andlor replace.
v. Repair any other interior finish damage by any storm related damage.
w. Repaint entire exterior of house to provide uniform matched color.
x. Repaint and finish all rooms on interior which have had finish repair work done.
12. All corrective work to be done in accordance with current Minnesota State Building Code
requirements. All work to be inspected by the local Building Inspections Department.
13. Construction to be consistent with Energy Code (additional insulation installed in roof
system to comply with current Minnesota State Energy Code requirements).
14. All construction to be with new materials except as specifically accepted by the owner or
engineer.
15. All work to be consistent with good industry practice and good workmanship.
Dan and Martha Cummings
June 17, 1998
Page Five
PROFESSIONAL OPINION
16. It is my professional engineering opinion that:
a. The garage is not structurally sound or adequate, however, limited occupancy with
precautions is recommended.
b. The house structure is structurally inadequate at this time. The residence may be
occupied with precautions until repairs aze commenced.
c. Substantial structural repairs as outlined will be required to provide a structurally
sound structure.
GENERAL
17. 'The observations and opinions expressed in this report were based on my professional
engineering judgment and professional practice as well as the visual inspection.
18. It is strongly recommended that structural engineering services be provided during the
repair phase of this project by a registered professional engineer.
19. J. H. Dahlmeier Engineering Inc. is available io provide additional engineering services
as needed for the reconstruction of this residence.
If you have any questions,please give me a call.
Sincerely, �
J. H. HLMEIER ENGINEERING,INC.
Jo H. Dahlmeier, P.E.
JHD:Im
I hereby certify that this plan, specification or report was
prepared by me or under my direct supervision and that I
am a duly registered professional engineer under the laws
of the State of 'nnesota.
�
r
Minnes ta egistration No. 9212
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`�'EggOg' 2750 Kelley Parkway P.O. Box 66
Orono, MN 55356 Crystal Bay, MN 55323•0066
June 26, 1998
NIr. and Mrs. Daniel Cummings
3525 Ivy Place
Wayza.ta, Minnesota 55391
Re: Repair of Storm Damage
Deaz Mr. and Mrs. Cummings:
After several inspections of your property,the City accepts the report of the structural engineer,John
Dahlmeyer. The City will require:
1. At the time of the required framing inspection, the structural engineer must also
inspect the property to assure that all the damage has been corrected adequately.
2. Further engineering inspections may be required if hidden damage is discovered as
work progresses.
3. After the roof is removed,the wa11s must be plumbed and the house squared to assure
proper operation of doors and egress windows, as well as structural integrity.
4. All new construction,windows,roof, etc. must meet current energy standards.
5. No drawings will be required to obtain a building permit;however,a plan review fee
will be collected and drawings may be required later on in the project. -
If you have any questions,please feel free to call.
Sincerely,
��c��o� �/C�'z-"
Bruce L. Vang ��'
Field Inspector
BLV/ch
cc: Lyle Oman, Building Official
Greg Gappa,Public Services Director
Telephone (612) 473-7357 • FAX 473-0510
J.H. Dahlmeier Engineering Inc.
MEMOR.ANDUM
July 7, 1998
TO: City of Orono
Attn: Bruce Vang
2750 Kelley Parkway
Orono, MN 55356
�
FROM: J. H. Dahlmeier Engineering Inc. \,
Re: Cummings Residence
3525 Ivy Place
Orono, MN
Commission No. 98139
The purpose of this memorandum is to update your department regarding this project.
1. Last week I attended a meeting at the Cummings residence. In addition to the Cummings
and myself,three representatives from State Farm were there including Susan Downing,
Adjuster for this project and Steve Steen, Trainer for State Farm.
2. The meeting went smoothly.
3. Susan Downing is awaiting your repori regarding this repair.
4. Specifically among the items are:
a. Your need to involve a special inspector for portions of the reconstruction.
b. Code update requirement for horizontal load at front corners.
Please give me a call so we can submit copies of your report to the Cummings and myself.
Cc: N1r. & Mrs. Dan Cummings
2434 Commerce Boulevard • Mound, MN 55364 • (612) 472-4746 • FAX (612) 472-4761