Glossary of Structural Terms

The repair, reinforcement, or replacement of a structural beam to restore strength, stability, and proper support to a building.

A foundation wall that bends or curves inward due to excessive pressure from the soil surrounding the home. This condition is often caused by hydrostatic pressure, expanding soils, poor drainage, or excessive moisture and can lead to structural instability if not repaired promptly.

High-tensile-strength woven carbon fiber fabric bonded to foundation walls with structural epoxy to arrest bowing, cracking, or lateral movement. Pound for pound stronger than steel, carbon fiber reinforcement requires no excavation, can be installed in a single day, and can be concealed behind finished wall surfaces.

The process of sealing a crawl space with a durable vapor barrier and other moisture-control components to protect it from humidity, groundwater, and outside air. This helps reduce moisture-related problems such as mold growth, wood rot, poor indoor air quality, and structural damage while improving the overall energy efficiency of the home.

Excess humidity, condensation, or water accumulation within a crawl space due to groundwater intrusion, poor drainage, plumbing leaks, or inadequate ventilation. If left untreated, crawl space moisture can lead to mold growth, wood rot, pest infestations, poor indoor air quality, and damage to structural components such as joists and beams.

Guidelines and standards that determine how high a structure must be elevated above the expected flood level to reduce the risk of flood damage. These requirements are commonly used in flood-prone areas and help homeowners meet local building codes, maintain flood insurance eligibility, and improve long-term property protection.

Refers to measures taken to reduce or prevent the risk of flood damage to a home or property. Common flood mitigation solutions include home elevation, improved drainage systems, foundation waterproofing, flood vents, and other protective methods designed to keep floodwater away from the structure and minimize potential damage.

The process of reinforcing, repairing, or replacing damaged floor joists to restore the strength and stability of a home's flooring system. Repairs are often necessary when joists have been affected by moisture, wood rot, insect damage, age, or excessive weight, helping to correct issues such as sagging floors, uneven surfaces, and structural movement.

The downward movement or shifting of a building's foundation caused by soil compression, erosion, or changes in ground conditions beneath the structure.

A drainage system that collects groundwater and directs it away from a home's foundation using a perforated pipe surrounded by gravel. It helps prevent water intrusion, flooding, soil erosion, and foundation damage by reducing excess moisture around the structure.

A primary horizontal structural beam that spans the length of a building's foundation, supporting the floor joists above and transferring their combined load down to foundation walls or support columns. Girders can be solid timber, engineered lumber (LVL or PSL), or steel I-beams. A deteriorated or undersized girder causes sagging or uneven floors.

A structural steel beam with an H-shaped cross-section, driven into the ground with an impact or vibratory hammer to serve as deep foundation support. H-piles are used in commercial and industrial applications where high axial loads need to be transferred through soft soils to bedrock.

Often used interchangeably with "helical pile," but technically refers to a helical pile installed specifically to underpin and lift an existing settling foundation. The pier is advanced beneath the footing, then a bracket transfers the structure's load from the failing soil onto the pier. The distinction is application: piles support new loads, piers repair existing settlement.

A steel shaft with one or more helical (spiral-shaped) bearing plates welded to it, mechanically screwed into the ground using hydraulic torque motors. Helical piles transfer structural loads to competent load-bearing soil or bedrock deep below the surface. Used for both new construction support and stabilizing existing foundations that have settled.

The process of physically moving an entire house or structure from one location to another. Specialized equipment is used to lift, transport, and place the structure onto a new foundation, allowing homeowners to preserve an existing building while relocating it to a different property or position.

The force exerted by standing or groundwater against a foundation, basement wall, or floor due to water buildup in the surrounding soil. Excessive hydrostatic pressure can cause cracks, water intrusion, bowing walls, and other types of foundation damage if not properly managed with drainage and waterproofing systems.

A horizontal framing member that spans between girders or bearing walls to directly support the subfloor. Floor joists are typically spaced 12 to 16 inches apart and made of dimensional lumber (2x8, 2x10, 2x12) or engineered I-joists. Damage from moisture, insects, or overloading leads to bouncy or sloping floors.

Horizontal boards, planks, or panels installed between vertical soldier piles to retain soil during excavation. Lagging prevents the earth face from collapsing inward as material is removed. Typically made of pressure-treated timber for temporary applications or precast concrete panels for permanent earth retention.

A small-diameter drilled and grouted pile, typically 5 to 12 inches in diameter, used in limited-access or vibration-sensitive conditions. Micro piles can be installed inside existing structures, in low-headroom basements, and adjacent to sensitive neighboring buildings. Load transfer occurs through a combination of skin friction along the grout column and end bearing.

A series of steel pipe sections driven hydraulically through a bracket mounted to the underside of an existing footing. The weight of the structure itself acts as resistance during installation. Once the pier reaches refusal (bedrock or load-bearing strata), hydraulic jacks lift the foundation back toward its original elevation.

The outermost framing member that runs along the perimeter of a floor system and connects the ends of the floor joists. It helps distribute structural loads, provides lateral support for the floor framing, and serves as a connection point between the floor system and the home's exterior walls.

Occurs when a floor begins to dip, slope, or feel uneven due to weakened or damaged structural components beneath it. Common causes include foundation settlement, deteriorating joists or beams, moisture damage, wood rot, or shifting support piers, and the condition can worsen over time if left unaddressed.

A system of temporary or permanent structural supports used to prevent collapse during construction, excavation, or repair. Shoring systems brace walls, ceilings, or earth faces while work is performed beneath or beside them. Types include hydraulic shoring, timber shoring, and engineered steel systems.

A new joist that is attached alongside an existing floor joist to strengthen or reinforce it. Sistering is a common repair method used when a joist has been weakened by wood rot, moisture damage, insect activity, excessive loads, or age, helping restore the floor's structural support and reduce sagging or unevenness.

A pump installed in a basement or crawl space that automatically removes collected water and redirects it away from the foundation to help prevent flooding and moisture damage.

A short-term support system used to stabilize a structure during construction, renovation, or foundation repair work. Shoring helps safely support walls, floors, beams, or other structural elements when their normal support is being repaired, replaced, or modified. These temporary supports prevent movement, settling, or collapse while work is being completed and are removed once the structure can safely support itself again.

A treated wood pile driven into the ground to support a structure, historically one of the oldest deep foundation methods. Common in older coastal and waterfront construction throughout New Jersey. Timber piles can deteriorate from marine borers, fungal rot, or fluctuating water tables, often requiring replacement with modern steel or helical alternatives.

The process of strengthening or deepening an existing foundation by extending it to more stable soil or bedrock. Used when the original foundation is no longer adequate due to settlement, increased loads from renovation, adjacent excavation, or deterioration. Methods include mass concrete, push piers, and helical piles.

A sheet material, typically reinforced polyethylene ranging from 6 to 20 mil thickness, installed across crawl space floors and walls to block moisture vapor from migrating into the structure. Prevents wood rot, mold colonization, and elevated indoor humidity. Functions as the primary moisture control layer in crawl space conditioning.