Foundation failure due to incorrect egress window installation - finishing a basement (part 1)

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  • Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024
  • Video 1 of our 3 part series on Egress windows installation and the effects it has on your home’s foundation.
    Foundation failures due to incorrect egress window installation. Why it happens and what to do instead.
    What are the impacts of soil on your foundation wall?
    In this 3 part series, we’ll use models as well as an actual project to show you how to correctly and safely install an egress window.
    This is mostly done when we decide to finish a basement that was originally uninhabitable.
    Contact your local structural engineer before making structural changes such as installing an egress window.
    Subscribe to watch the rest of the series.
    www.levelengin...

Комментарии • 91

  • @jamesvickie
    @jamesvickie Год назад +11

    Since you are cutting out for the egress window. You would have less pressure on the wall because of volume of earth you remove. Totally disagree with this video. I am 74 Years old and put in many block basements . Just a scare tactic so people won't attempt this project themselves

  • @Curious_Skeptic
    @Curious_Skeptic 2 года назад +13

    You are the expert. I believe you. Except, please show us case study. How to prevent this. What about making the well opening to clear soil away from sides of new window opening to avoid additional pressures? Is it better to clear a larger portion of soil across the whole foundation wall the window is added to vs. a well? It is helpful to have solutions vs. scaring everyone to death there house is going to collapse, LOL.

    • @levelengineering
      @levelengineering  Год назад +1

      Point is, call your local engineer before doing this. Part 2 coming soon, thank you!

  • @jonadams2154
    @jonadams2154 2 года назад +10

    Demonstration didn’t take in account the egress systems well. They can be made out of different materials. But the purpose is to retain said soil and or side load you mentioned around cut location.

  • @JayLenko
    @JayLenko 8 месяцев назад

    We're having a large window company install our windows as part of a "greener homes" program. We have an older bungalow (early 60's) that is pretty much identical to the box in this example. They said to just "go for it" if I wanted to save some money to dig the wells and cut the egress windows out myself...so I did. I asked them about whether I should install a lintel, etc after my step-dad expressed concern. They said not to worry about it and that "cutting down doesn't require an engineer or impact the structure of the house". Needless to say I'm looking forward to seeing part 2 and the example videos you discussed in this vid. Great video btw. Very informative and made a lot of sense in simple terms. I think a lot of viewers out there that are DYI'ing this because of inflation, etc. would benefit from seeing this and future videos on the subject. Thanks!

  • @Ceba551
    @Ceba551 2 года назад +18

    Hope part 2 is on its way! Getting ready to put in an egress window and don't want to regret it.

    • @justinjonesmusic
      @justinjonesmusic 2 года назад +1

      There’s a part two? Holy moly.

    • @levelengineering
      @levelengineering  Год назад +1

      We've been super busy, but hope to get part 2 out soon!!

    • @levelengineering
      @levelengineering  Год назад +1

      Call your local structural engineer before moving forward with your egress project.

    • @levelengineering
      @levelengineering  Год назад +1

      Coming soon! Thank you!

    • @phillipfehr7978
      @phillipfehr7978 8 месяцев назад +2

      post the video pleeeaase @@levelengineering

  • @matrixmann7954
    @matrixmann7954 Год назад

    The way you explain this is simple to understand. I appreciate that.

  • @chrisloesch1870
    @chrisloesch1870 6 месяцев назад +1

    Simple solution. If you’re worried this COULD happen, just install heavy duty angle iron above the window and below and enclose within the stud wall against the foundation wall problem solved.

  • @devin8721
    @devin8721 11 месяцев назад +1

    Great information! Just subscribed. Very interested in seeing rest of this series. I have recently started my own foundation repair company doing waterproofing and am installing egress windows as well. I have previously worked with another foundation repair company for several years doing this and I myself have spoken with the local engineers for this exact service discussing the structural concerns and none have mentioned the lateral load from expanding soils.
    It’s a no brainer in the foundation repair business, we call it a foundation wall experiencing inward deflection due to excessive hydrostatic pressure. I would argue that all exterior water mitigation should be maintained at all times to avoid excessive saturation and prevent this foundation failure. The lateral support system for the average foundation wall will never hold up to this level of excessive soil saturation for an extended period of time as we see this deflection on foundation walls without egress window installations all the time.
    However, I do understand the world isn’t perfect and you can’t keep the soils around a foundation dry forever, and I see the compromise of lateral support in cutting out the additional concrete because typically there is a section of rebar running horizontally through the cut piece. Very interested in seeing how to compensate for this compromise.

  • @dannydarling3656
    @dannydarling3656 11 месяцев назад +4

    Well, it's been over a year and this guy hasn't posted parts two or three. It seems to be a fear-mongering move. I've been a carpenter for over 30 years. I understand his premise of remaining wall areas able to pivot. But when you don't offer solutions to problems you point out, in a timely manner, after saying you will, your credibility comes into question. I have dealt with engineers who try to require reinforcements that exceed available space. This guy should have had all these videos available prior to releasing the first.

    • @elohimbeans4539
      @elohimbeans4539 10 месяцев назад

      he talkin out of his bung hole in this vid

  • @brianmclaughlin7070
    @brianmclaughlin7070 2 года назад +3

    Great video! Very much looking forward to part II. TY!

  • @paulkelm6550
    @paulkelm6550 2 года назад +4

    You share very important information and clearly know what you are talking about. I would suggest a making a script for your presentation and speed it up a little. Too slow.

  • @Trentfully
    @Trentfully Год назад +2

    Super helpful illustration

  • @JonShively-dl6pz
    @JonShively-dl6pz Год назад +1

    It would be great to know how to reinforce for putting a bigger egress window in for those of us who don’t have a structural engineer available. I don’t think I could even get one to show up let alone show me what needed to happen. I’m just too far away. I definitely like the information on the first one. Really hope part 2 and 3 can come soon!

  • @nebraskaninkansas347
    @nebraskaninkansas347 Год назад +1

    Can't wait for part 2 and 3. I am doing a project where I will have to add an egress window to comply with the code. I am also hiring a structural engineer to look over my plans as well.

  • @64maxpower
    @64maxpower Год назад +6

    you told us the sky is going to fall and left us hanging

  • @bin-iamx4437
    @bin-iamx4437 2 года назад +9

    There is no soil where the door is installed, maybe you should remove the soil from your model and see if there is pressure; guarantee there won’t be pressure. Your Theory is debunk.

  • @civicfire99
    @civicfire99 Год назад +5

    Very informative, and now we're left hanging!!!

  • @davebrittain9216
    @davebrittain9216 Год назад

    This is an excellent point! I wish you had continued with the series.

  • @Francisconeto67
    @Francisconeto67 2 года назад +8

    BS. if you use a metal container instead a very thin plastic container it will have different result. where are the calculation for the soil force against the walls? none.

    • @levelengineering
      @levelengineering  Год назад

      Thanks Francis. We're just trying to show the stress caused to the walls from lateral soil pressures and where we typically see cracking and movement. This happens very slowly over time, so using metal wouldn't demonstrate our immediate point, although, maybe over a few years, you would see the metal start to bend? It's not okay to just remove the window and you can see what happens to the plastic immediately. I am working with Scott to publish the next video where we can show calculations. This is just a high level example. Thanks :)

  • @georgequalls5043
    @georgequalls5043 7 месяцев назад +1

    Thank you for discussing the problem. When will you be discussing the solution?

  • @GamesWithSpawn
    @GamesWithSpawn 2 года назад +5

    Can you reinforce the corner of the egress with a lateral ceiling bar that presses out from the center of the house to counteract those forces compressing from the outside of the foundation?

  • @christopherhall1216
    @christopherhall1216 Год назад +7

    It's been a year. You all doing part 2 and 3 any time soon?

    • @levelengineering
      @levelengineering  Год назад

      Coming soon! Thank you!

    • @OtherDalfite
      @OtherDalfite Год назад

      @@levelengineering Looking forward to it! I'm wondering how extensive of a modification you would have to make to prevent this.

  • @webherring
    @webherring Год назад +1

    So how I understand your video is that the foundation wall is a vertical cantilever on either side of the window opening, for the height of the opening. When we enlarge the window opening, the cantilever get bigger and it can be too weak to withstand the lateral load from soil.

  • @chriserickson4417
    @chriserickson4417 4 месяца назад

    In reality though, there will be a joining support member overhead, but of course, if there's not, your example makes sense. Thanks for the Info/Video.

  • @lightning9279
    @lightning9279 Год назад +2

    Yur killin me smalls! Part 2.....Part 3. ???
    I'm going to hold my breath until pt 2 comes out. 🤢

  • @umarabd-fatir8914
    @umarabd-fatir8914 Год назад +4

    You have not indicated how to correct during express install?

  • @sergiobalino836
    @sergiobalino836 Год назад +5

    The side with the bigger window has more sand than water. The other side has mostly water. I don't think this is an accurate model.

    • @levelengineering
      @levelengineering  Год назад

      The model is far from perfect and not to scale. It is simply a visual tool to help explain the overall challenges with egress window installation. We appreciate you watching and commenting. We'll take this in account for our future videos! Thank you Sergio!

    • @tcmazz
      @tcmazz Год назад +1

      ​@@levelengineeringwhy isn't the window well taken into account?
      Where's the extra load coming from?
      Can you finish the video Where's part 2

    • @elohimbeans4539
      @elohimbeans4539 10 месяцев назад

      @@tcmazz this whole vid and the guy tht made it bs

  • @user-rf9ut5ij3b
    @user-rf9ut5ij3b 11 месяцев назад +1

    Great video… is part 2 uploaded??? Have not found it…😢 I am looking to add an egress and this sounds like information needed beforehand. Thanks in advance!!!

  • @leedchristensen
    @leedchristensen Год назад +1

    I plan on using steel i beams similar to "PowerBrace" on the sides of my new window opening, and then use carbon fiber reinforcement every 4 feet as a preventative measure for the rest of the walls.

  • @fox156
    @fox156 2 года назад +4

    Oh come on, finish the series please! Show those examples!

  • @ldd7781
    @ldd7781 3 месяца назад

    Where is part 2 and 3
    Want to learn about the support

  • @marciasantana3807
    @marciasantana3807 2 года назад +5

    Where is part 2 and 3?

  • @pierregagne5581
    @pierregagne5581 Год назад +2

    I watched this at 1.5X speed and still wasted my time. Let me summarize: You might think it is OK to enlarge an existing window in your foundation in the vertical axis only, but it's not. You are weakening the foundation's resistance to soil pressure and the walls can bow in, causing enormous damage to your house. You must reinforce the foundation when making this window enlargement. How do you do that? Wait for parts 2 and 3! Since this part 1 was posted 18 months ago, I'm not holding my breath.

  • @abl5516
    @abl5516 2 года назад

    Seems like vital info…I know a lot people DIY theses projects.

  • @bsinger10
    @bsinger10 2 года назад +2

    What questions should someone ask a contractor or foundation company to ensure your wall will be able to support the pressure of denser, more-liquid soil even after the window goes in?

  • @IRSavage303
    @IRSavage303 Год назад +1

    Put a c channel to reinforced the foundation

  • @oaklandermovingpictures9632
    @oaklandermovingpictures9632 15 дней назад

    What happened to parts 2&3?

  • @jeadie8131
    @jeadie8131 10 месяцев назад +1

    Did you ever complete the other two parts of the series?

  • @OtherDalfite
    @OtherDalfite 4 месяца назад

    Any chance part 2 will be coming? Thanks for the video

  • @searez7251
    @searez7251 4 месяца назад

    3.7 sq-ft or 5.7 sq-ft of unobstructed opening?

  • @utahwhiplashclinic
    @utahwhiplashclinic 19 дней назад

    I’m assuming you didn’t make the other two videos because they would show people how to support their foundation walls after cutting out for egress… and then they wouldn’t need your services? It has been two years since you made this video, and you promised multiple people in the responses that the 2nd video was coming soon. Do you still plan on making the 2nd and 3rd videos? I just called your office to find out how much it would cost to have you draw up plans, and they said it’s $375 for a site visit, and $700 to $3000 or more to draw up the plans. There’s no way of knowing how high the cost could be.

  • @jverrelli1
    @jverrelli1 Год назад

    Very good information, glad I watched before I just went ahead and started cutting, I'll have an engineer review and draw plans, when will number 2 come out?

  • @tcmazz
    @tcmazz Год назад +2

    @levelengineering sure your theory may sound believable but since there's no window well or 2nd part to the 1st video.
    I think it lacks credibility

    • @levelengineering
      @levelengineering  Год назад

      Coming soon! Thank you!

    • @scottshanks3645
      @scottshanks3645 Год назад +1

      Yes also looking forward to part 2, ​@@levelengineeringare you guys still figuring out the details for the proper methods to re enforce these window openings ?

  • @isaiahhartwell9612
    @isaiahhartwell9612 Год назад +1

    Thank you,part 2?

  • @bryanmilne
    @bryanmilne Год назад +1

    This can't possibly apply for all foundation walls. A legite, well built concrete foubdation wall should have rebar throughout it and be "engineered" as a retaining wall to withstnd the lateral forces of the outside soil. Is this not true? I can see how this might be the case for a foubdation wall without adequate rebar or one made of concrete block, but even that should be built with reinforcement from stell rebar, no?

  • @munsters2
    @munsters2 Год назад +1

    Where are parts 2 and 3?

  • @anthonys7534
    @anthonys7534 Год назад +1

    Where is part 2?

  • @905guy
    @905guy Год назад +2

    But the lateral pressure is on the window well which transfers to the foundation wall not the egress window.

  • @tamiheffern3718
    @tamiheffern3718 Год назад +1

    Where are the rest of the videos telling us how to avoid this

  • @expozure360
    @expozure360 Год назад +1

    Where's part 2 ?

  • @beany7130
    @beany7130 2 месяца назад

    Part 2 is never coming lol

  • @freeffree4133
    @freeffree4133 Год назад

    How many egress windows can you add to a foundation?

  • @Stuglamp2009
    @Stuglamp2009 2 года назад +4

    so... slow... talking... man...

    • @levelengineering
      @levelengineering  Год назад

      Yes, PE, not a professional speaker. Thanks for watching on 2x speed haha

  • @ccs5292
    @ccs5292 2 года назад +1

    part 2???

  • @TT-ik3kd
    @TT-ik3kd 2 года назад +9

    Where the fuck is part 2
    Speed it up too

    • @levelengineering
      @levelengineering  Год назад

      Hey.. thanks for the warm comment :) We're working on it. Busy! Thanks for watching on 2x speed.

    • @anthonys7534
      @anthonys7534 Год назад

      😂

  • @chrisloesch1870
    @chrisloesch1870 6 месяцев назад

    I think you under estimate the strength of ALL those anchor bolts

  • @hlneira
    @hlneira 8 месяцев назад

    Nonesense , local engineer is who approves this . Useless vid

  • @ak9079
    @ak9079 2 года назад +4

    Snake oil salesman.

    • @levelengineering
      @levelengineering  Год назад

      Thanks for watching and for your comment. Scott is a PE, not a salesman. Thanks. haha

  • @Pathasher
    @Pathasher Месяц назад

    Come on man