Structural

Crack Monitoring

Structural · definition

Tracking a foundation crack's width over time (e.g., with a tell-tale gauge) to judge whether movement is active or stable before choosing a repair.

Source: InterNACHI — Inspecting Foundation Walls and Piers

Where this comes up

  • Foundation

    The structure (slab, crawl space, or basement) that transfers the building's load to the ground. Foundation condition underlies the feasi…

  • Crawl Space Encapsulation

    Sealing a crawl space with a heavy vapor barrier (and often a dehumidifier) to control moisture, mold, and wood rot affecting the structu…

  • Control Joint

    A tooled or cut groove that pre-determines where concrete will crack as it shrinks, keeping cracks straight and hidden rather than random.

  • Curing

    Maintaining moisture and temperature while concrete gains strength. Concrete reaches most of its strength over ~28 days; rushing it weake…

  • Collar Tie / Rafter Tie

    Horizontal members resisting rafter spread (rafter tie, low) or uplift (collar tie, high). Removing them to open a ceiling causes the roo…

  • Damp Proofing

    An asphaltic coating that resists soil moisture (not liquid water pressure). The minimum builder treatment — less protective than true wa…

  • CMU (Concrete Masonry Unit)

    A concrete block used for foundation and structural walls, often grouted and reinforced with rebar at intervals.

  • Dead Load

    The permanent weight of the structure itself — framing, finishes, roofing. The baseline load every member is sized for.

Where this term fits in a remodel

The pillar guides set terms like this one in context — what the work involves, what drives its cost, and where it sits in the sequence of a project. Pricing a specific house takes a defined scope and an on-site assessment.

Remodeling guides → Contact the publisher →