Bowing first floor walls

[abeller]

I'm looking for advice on how to stop bowing first floor walls (window sills separating from window frames) on my 3 story stucco and sandstone house. An engineer advised me to regrade along the affected (sandstone) walls and install a trench drain at the bottom of the newly graded incline. But masons have said the grade isn't bad enough to be causing the problem. Meanwhile I've had a dry basement for the last three years, after installing an interior French drain to a sump pump in the lower part of the basement, and buying a dehumidifer which works around the clock (3 hours on and 3 hours off.) What else should I be doing, and/or does anyone know a foundation repair expert in the Philadelphia suburban area?? (I can't run a jack from one side of the house to the other because the bulge is at the level of the window sills on the first floor.)

[Jamison Masonry]

Dear abeller,

It sounds as though you've had a number of people out to look at your situation. However, your question alone is not enough information to make a competent assessment of your problem. We have been in business a long while. We have worked with engineers, and Archetects on a number of projects, similar to yours. I would like to see the work if I may, and try to come up with a solution. We are in the Eastern Montgomery county, Chestnut hill/Mount Airy area. E-mail me @ mgalli@jamisonmasonry.com, to set up an appointment.

Thanks, Mario

[TJ1962]

Hello Abeller,

The grade is on every engineer report that I have seen. The bowing or movement upstairs is most likely being pulled for below grade. The first question would be if it is settlement or is it lateral load that is the cause. Are there major cracks in the slab of the basement floor?

Try calling Ross Pressman at Right Way Waterproofing he is in your area and can do a visual inspection to determine how to proceed. 215-427-1727