Wood Frame Construction
Wood frame construction is and has been the primary method of residential construction throughout the United States. Not only is understanding the fundamentals of wood construction essential to building a structure that will last, it is equally important in diagnosing problems and recommending repairs. Donan Engineering is often asked to determine the cause of damage to wood frame structures. Although settlement cracks in brick veneer or drywall often cause homeowners to become concerned about more serious damage to their homes, termites or hidden moisture can cause significant yet undetected damage.
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| Deterioration of floor framing not known to homeowner |
Donan Engineering is able to evaluate conditions on-site to determine if structural damage has occurred to a property and, if so, what caused it. We can also determine if the damage was sudden or ongoing.
Structural collapse can occur for various reasons and in various stages of a structure’s life. Often, structures will collapse during construction, but collapse can also occur well after the building has been completed. Donan’s structural engineers have the expertise to diagnose structural collapse at all phases of construction as well at any time after its completion.
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| Structural collapse during construction phase due to lack of bracing |
Oftentimes, improper or poorly constructed buildings will experience problems after construction has been completed. The structural engineers at Donan Engineering are familiar with local building codes as well as the National Design Specification for Wood Construction. Our expertise with structural codes allows us to quickly recognize when wood framing members are installed incorrectly. Our experience also allows us to quickly specify cost-effective repairs to damaged wood framing. Donan Engineering is equipped with state-of-the-art structural software that allows for quick analysis of the design and construction of wood framing members. This software has proven extremely useful in the analysis of wood trusses and allows us to design repairs for damaged trusses.
Whether a structure has become damaged due to improper construction, age-related deterioration, lack of maintenance, or a weather-related event, Donan Engineering has qualified and experienced structural engineers who are able to make accurate, well-informed decisions regarding the cause and origin of damage to wood framing, the appropriate method of repair, and the correctness of past repairs.