SurfZone Engineering Consultants
Coastal, Civil and Structural Engineering Services
Wait! My house sway during high wind - What should I do?
By: Dr. Farzam Maleki, PE - SurfZone Engineering Consultants - 5/19/2022
Roof framing system should be designed to support the structure for gravity (snow) , lateral (wind), and uplift loads (mainly). Additionally, it would secure the exterior walls from outward/inward movement. Roof structural members can be rafters, trusses, ceiling joists, ridge board/beam, or collar ties. Often, improper roof framing members (size, number, or location) can cause significant deflections.
If you feel your house sways during high wind - depending on your roof type,/span/specifications- you may need to have your roof framing system assessed by a Professional Engineer.
Feel free to contact SurfZone Engineering Consultants for any question or concern!
Healthy Foundation - Healthy structure!
By: Dr. Farzam Maleki, PE - SurfZone Engineering Consultants - 5/8/2022
Different foundation types (fieldstone, reinforced concrete, cinder block) shows different signs under gravity and lateral loads. Foundation cracks (horizontal, diagonal, vertical, step-like, etc), foundation bulge or bow, and uneven settlement, should carefully assessed by a professional engineer to determine the cause and recommend proper course of action. The common reasons for foundation cracks are as follow:
Horizontal - outside hydrostatic pressure
Vertical (differential settlement) - insufficient footing specifications, lack of load bearing capacity of the soil, longterm water exposure
Diagonal - Non uniform soil profile, longterm water exposure
Depending on the foundation/crack condition, repair can be simple or complex.
Feel free to contact SurfZone Engineering Consultants for any question or concern!
The money you spend on structural assessment of your house is probably your best savings!
By: Dr. Farzam Maleki, PE - SurfZone Engineering Consultants - 3/6/2022
Regardless of the type of structure (residential, commercial, condominium, etc), your house/building is the most valuable asset that your safety and quality of life directly relies on. Structural repairs can be expensive, disruptive, and time consuming. Routine assessment of the building allows for early diagnosis of the structural issues which can significantly reduce the cost of repair. Most of the times, structural defective signs develop at the later stages of the process. Don't wait until you notice a concerning issue!
The frequency of the structural assessment depends on the age and condition, location (e.g., urban or coastal), type of the structure (e.g., wood, brick, etc), dwelling type (e.g., single-family, multifamily, condominiums, etc).
When should you reach out to a professional engineer for structural assessments?
Here are a few examples when you need to engage a professional engineer for structural assessment
Developing cracks (foundation walls, beams, joists, etc)
Rotting or boring insect damage
Progressive floor sagging
Framing separation
Unusual shifting
Not sure! Feel free to contact SurfZone Engineering Consultants for any question or concern!
Structural Inspection Services
Annual structural inspection of large scale condominiums
Façade/parapet structural inspection - required by city/town or insurance
Fire escape inspection - required by city/town or insurance
Affidavit certifications
Pre-purchase structural inspection
Structural Design Services
New construction
Remodeling
Addition
Retrofit and repair plans
Design-Build Services
SurfZone Engineering engages licensed, insured, and reputable GCs to build the designed structures based on the applicable codes. We guarantee the quality of the construction by providing construction administration, frequent site visits during construction, on-site troubleshooting, routine meetings with stakeholders, and certifying the job by issuing the final construction control document.
Civil Engineering Services
Stormwater infiltration well/system design
Erosion control system
Flood related issues
Technical Advice and Consultancy
Engineering Document and Contract Bids Review
Construction Administration
Project Management
(617) 299-0722
Contacts@SurfzoneEngineering.com
fmaleki@SurfzoneEngineering.com
SurfZone Engineering Consultants has registered professional civil engineers in the state of Massachusetts. Civil engineering registration allows structural engineering and civil engineering for residential applications and most commercial applications.
Our clients' satisfaction with our services has been the strongest testimony to our excellent technical expertise and insights and commitment to quality and reliability.