Friday, June 27, 2008

Crisis Averted!

The structural engineer came out and didn't seem TOO worried. He said he's seen worse. And... the fix doesn't seem too expensive (and it sounds like we can do it ourselves if needed)...

We are going to drive 8 inch stainless steel corkscrews into the mortar to bring the two walls together. They shouldn't cost more than $5 each, are driven in with a hammer drill (which we have), and are needed every 16 inches or so sideways and up and down. We'll countersink them, and then fill in with a dab of mortar to patch. We will need to move the wall back into position using 4x4's and a masonry jack, as well.

We are going to have our mason bid on the new work, too... if it's reasonable, we'll let him do it. If it's a little much, we'll drive them in ourselves. Unfortunately, he is headed out on vacation this weekend, and won't be back until next week.

Crisis averted!


15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Yay, something good DID happen this week. That's great news!

Amalie said...

Huzzah!

Greg said...

Whew!

modernemama said...

three cheers for $5 corkscrews.

Jen said...

YAY !!!Maybe you can use a corkscrew to open a nice bottle of wine to celebrate.

NV said...

That SO rocks and I'm relieved FOR you. CONGRATS!!!

Jayne said...

WONDERFUL news!! And I agree with Jenni. A celebratory bottle of wine is definitely in order.

Anonymous said...

That's great! I've never even seen the Tiny Old House in person, but I've been worried for you all day. I'm glad it's not a hard fix!

Joanne said...

Whew...what a relief. I was worried about you guys today. I second modernemama: three cheers for $5 corkscrews.

Stephanie said...

Phew! Such great news!

Allie said...

Phew! That's awesome!

Anonymous said...

That's awesome... especially because now that we've all seen the brick, you absolutely must proceed :-) !!

Anonymous said...

WOOHOO

Chile said...

Whew!

Christine said...

Whew!!! Man am I ever glad your walls aren't falling!

BTW, I'm tagging you. Stop by my place to play the game.