HomeMy WebLinkAbout601 ENDICOTT ST - SPECIAL INSPECTIONS - 2/19/2009Robinson Engineering, Inc (970) 217-4960
105 South Meldrum Street #4
Fort Collins Building Department
and
Steve Josephs
Craftsmen Builders
319 East Magnolia Street
Fort Collins, CO 80523
Dear Sirs,
PO Box 2459, Fort Collins, Colorado 80522
February 19, 2009
RE: Feasibility of widening basement windows Manvel House, 601 Endicott Street, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
I met with Steve Josephs of Craftsman Builders on site to evaluate the feasibility of widening several windows in
the basement of home at 601 Endicott. I looked at four basement window locations, 1) under the brick planter
under the living room window on the east wall, 2) and 3) were in the north end of east wall and 4) was in the west
wall. The window size discussed was a 3' wide window. It appears that for each of these window locations that
roof load is not critical. The window under the living room may carry up to 6' of floor load while the others appear
to only carry a nominal floor load and possibly a minor end wall roof load. The new window sizes discussed were
3' wide windows.
The following is based on the the assumptions that the window under the living room window carries 6' of floor
tributary and no roof tributary since the window above spreads the load laterally. I saw no indication of point
loads. The rim joist appeared to be a 2x8. One 2x8 would be functioning at approximately 30% capacity with
those load conditions. The windows under the end wall loading is less as the header would only support about 1' of
floor tributary and 1.5' of roof tributary. In these cases, the loading is low enough that the existing rim joist is
adequate to laterally distribute the applied loads. That rim joist must be continuous with at least 3" of bearing on
the sill plates each side of the opening. For windows 2), 3) and 4), add blocking between the rim joist and adjacent
joist at the edges of the window opening, or add a doubler to the inside of that rim joist. Window 1) should be
laterally stable due to the floor joists perpendicular, but add a face -mount hanger to joists over the opening. I do
ask that if the work is done, when the framing is exposed, that the contractor contact me to verify the floor joist
directions.
The foundation appeared in reasonable shape for a home built in 1952. I saw no indication that cutting the
foundation for the windows would cause any structural compromise. It is my opinion, as a structural engineer,
having physically visited the site, that cutting the foundation to widen the windows will not be a problem and that
the loads from the existing system can be transferred laterally by the rim joist system.
Please call if there are further questions.
Sincerely, �0 REG�"
O o C. .'
C) : C GN
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CS
Geoff Robinson, PE
Civil / Structural Engineer
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The inspection and comments in this letter are specific items as presented and in no way imply a certification or complete inspection of the
structure, its systems or site work. No liability is assumedfor future loss ofvalue, marketability or any other loss claims.
Craftsmen 2-19-09 601 Endicott.odt Project: 9-009