BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS BLOG

A structural inspection is a close visual examination performed by a licensed engineer. Their mission? To assess the health of your home’s load-bearing components, such as the foundation, joists, trusses, columns, beams, and more.

It is recommended to inspect your deck annually to identify any issues that need attention. Ideally, the inspection should take place before the time you use your deck the most. To assess the deck’s overall safety and compliance with building codes, focus on the five key areas listed below...

What Are Ice Dams? Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof, preventing melted snow from properly draining off. This trapped water can seep under shingles and into your home, leading to leaks, mold growth, and structural damage.

Cracks in walls can be a confusing sight for homeowners, as they may wonder if the cracks are harmless or indicative of structural problems. The key to proper repair and prevention lies in understanding what type of crack it is and its cause. Not all wall cracks should raise equal levels of concern. Whether hairline or larger, vertical or diagonal, each crack tells a unique story about the state of your house’s structure and the external factors affecting it...

This project involved the asphalt milling and overlay of all internal roadways and parking areas within the community, pavement line striping, inlet top replacement, curbing and flatwork replacements, downspout tie-ins to stormwater roadway inlets, and the installation of concrete dumpster pads...

The BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS Inc. project that we are highlighting this month is CMP pipes that deteriorated and caused a portion of the pipe to collapse, and the necessary funding to complete the project. These four pipes were initially installed to allow for an existing creek to continue flowing underneath a roadway. The project was pertinent as one of the four had already collapsed and the remainder of the pipes were in a similar disrepair. The cost of replacing the 400 linear feet of pipe was a significant undertaking but made possible with the assistance in the form of a loan received from Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST).

From the initial site analysis to the final inspection, professional engineers ensure that every aspect of a residential renovation is structurally sound, safe, and compliant with all relevant regulations. Engineers also contribute to modern energy efficiency goals by designing systems and structures that reduce environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency. Their role is not only about ensuring the technical aspects of the renovation but also about providing peace of mind to homeowners, knowing that their home is in capable hands.

Any impervious surface, including items such as roads, roofs, or sidewalks, does not allow water and snow to drain into the soil and thus increases the amount of stormwater runoff. Common practice is to prevent the stormwater runoff from traveling off the developed site, making detention or retention basins necessary...

Understanding the permitting process is crucial to ensuring your project proceeds smoothly, without legal hiccups or delays. This guide aims to demystify the world of residential construction permits for homeowners, offering a roadmap through the bureaucratic maze...

On January 8, 2024, New Jersey passed legislation to help protect and maintain the structural integrity of certain residential building structures. This legislation is effective immediately.

Embarking on a residential construction project is both an exciting and daunting task. As civil engineers with years of experience in construction oversight services, BUSTAMANTE ENGINEERS has seen how costs can escalate quickly if not properly managed.

Are you thinking about updating or expanding your driveway - or constructing a new one? Let’s take some time to deep dive into the benefits of each type of common pavement material: ASPHALT, CONCRETE, GRAVEL/STONE & PAVERS. This article will talk specifically about gravel driveways and the various types of pavers available...

Are you thinking about updating or expanding your driveway - or maybe constructing a new one? Last year, I decided to take the plunge and update my gravel driveway. I took some time to deep dive into the benefits of each type of common pavement material: ASPHALT, CONCRETE, STONE GRAVEL & PAVER BLOCKS. This installment will talk specifically about Asphalt and Concrete pavement surfaces. Gravel and the different types of Concrete Paver Blocks will be discussed in the next installment...

From a structural engineer’s point of view, it was overwhelming to imagine how they built such beautiful, ornate masterpieces without all our modern technologies. Today as engineers, we are required to provide drawings, documents, material, and design specifications before a project begins.

Maintain Your Home’s Exterior. As the seasons change, so should your home maintenance tasks. Now that winter and spring are through, you can tackle exterior maintenance projects you couldn’t do during wet or frozen weather. These maintenance tasks will prepare your home for summer when the sun is bright, and the temperatures are high.

Contrary to popular belief, “100-Year Flood” does not refer to a flood that happens every century. Rather, the term describes the statistical chance that a flood of a certain magnitude will occur over a 24-hour period, in a certain area, once in 100 years.

Home Inspectors look at the home in general terms evaluating conditions that may cause the house to be unsafe, function improperly, or have major mechanical issues. A structural inspection often takes place after the home inspector submits their recommendations and points out possible structural issues that the homeowner should take a closer look at. A licensed engineer is the only professional that can provide an opinion on the structural integrity of a home.

Does It Make More Sense to Replace the Roof or Repair It? Over time, your roof will start to show indications of wear and tear. While there are a few things that can indicate your roof is no longer in its best shape, any one sign on its own doesn’t necessarily mean your roof needs replacing. Proper upkeep of your roof helps ensure that it stays in good condition to maximize future resale value and keeps you and your belongings protected from weather in the meantime...

Retaining walls are primarily built to protect from soil erosion and retain soil to provide necessary space. Retaining walls are utilized all around the country for a multitude of reasons. From improvement projects for a homeowner who would like to provide more flat space on their property, to the Federal Highway Administration to allow for overpasses and underpasses to be built...