House Settling Cracks Information

Literature for Settlement, Shrinkage and Foundation Problems

There are lots and lots of books out there about foundation settlement, cracks, expansive clay soils and lumber shrinkage. Most of them are somewhat technical. If you live in a town that has an engineering college or school, this is the place to start. Libraries will very likely have these books as well if they have a strong science section.

If you do have a college or university in your area, it is always a good idea to call and see if you can find a professor who is willing to talk to you. Most are very nice people who have an affection for books! This works to your advantage.

Two Winner Books

In talking with several structural engineers in my own town, both of them pointed me to a swell book about residential foundation problems. One of the engineers, Bob Becker P.E. said, "It is the Bible of the engineering industry."

The particular book is titled Foundation Repair Manual (McGraw-Hill Portable Engineering). It was authored by Robert Wade Brown. Mr. Brown's book is simply the best. Find a copy and read certain chapters if you have foundation problems. Some chapters are way over my head, but most are readable.

The other book you should look at deals with cracks caused by lumber shrinkage. It is titled Design of Wood Structures - ASD by Donald E. Breyer. It is also a McGraw-Hill book. This book is heavy into mathematics, but it tells you all about lumber shrinkage! Even at the steep price, it is a solid investment. Just one or two chapters of this book will possibly save you hundreds of dollars in consultant fees whose advice may lead you astray!

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