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CabinLady7
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# Posted: 24 Jan 2021 02:17pm
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We've had a little cabin for 15 years in N Ga, right beside a small creek. About five years or so ago, I noticed that an area to the right of the center beam began to widen. I noticed because I was feeling air and could see areas where there was no "caulk." Short story - "suddenly" this year, there is separation on both sides. Someone just went under and told me that the beam behind the deck (at about the same place the original problem started - if one made a line) is rotted and that there are signs of rot in two places. Seems the outer walls are sinking. And there are two large cables from one side to the other side, one front and one center/back - rod trusses and turnbuckles. I always wondered about the turnbuckles - should they be adjusted here and there? Anyone out there familiar with that type of thing? Thanks so much!
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ICC
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# Posted: 24 Jan 2021 04:28pm
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Pictures would help. The turnbuckle adjusters are a past attempt at a fix I assume as one does not usually install such devices in new construction. You've had it for 15 years... is it older than that?? What type of construction? Again, pictures would help
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gcrank1
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# Posted: 24 Jan 2021 06:13pm
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If those cables had been periodically tightened it may have helped keep it from opening up, or as much, but this is an old time stopgap (pun?) for a long existing problem that was apparently not disclosed to you.
Now you have real structural damage that needs to be addressed.
This cabin is greatly compromised.
The practical side of me says to look at as much of the structural support to see if tightening it up now to stop, and/or pull back in the spreading that has taken place is a viable idea. That is typically done bit by bit over some time rather than all at once. It may not be viable.....
But, if so, you may be able to hold it together, get it blocked safely high enough to get under and replace/rebuild the rotted out members. This is not quick and easy work.
Something else you may need to check. Some places require permits and perhaps the local building inspector to be involved with serious 'rebuilds'. This is past routine maintenance.
Good luck saving your place!
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gcrank1
Member
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# Posted: 25 Jan 2021 03:44pm
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Thinking more on this one, and shy any pics, Im inclined to believe that the ever widening gap means that whatever the previously installed cable and turnbuckle set up held together has rotten out.
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