Any damage that can compromise your house’s integrity and stability can be considered structural property damage. You must understand how to identify structural damage to properties when looking for a new home to buy. Understanding what to look for may also prove effective in your existing home, as you can take the appropriate corrective measures before the damage becomes extensive. This article focuses on the little things you can focus on to ensure your property is steady and you can evade costly repairs because of severe maintenance.
Cracks on the Walls and Ceiling
Your house is likely to experience structural complications if cracks on your walls and ceiling. However, not all wall cracks indicate structural damage; you must contact a remodeling contractor if you observe deep cracks. Cracks above the doorway and a sagging ceiling should also cause alarm for every property owner, since they indicate a severe construction issue.
Sagging and Cracking Floors
Your floors can also prove effective in alerting you of structural damage in your house. The ideal floor configuration should be fine, leveled, and free from cracks. Sloping, sagging, and cracked floors indicate a shifted foundation, which is a severe complication that requires professional building contractors.
Crumbling Concrete
Crumbling concrete is also a useful indicator of structural complications in most modern houses. If your concrete comes into contact with excessive moisture and chemicals, it may begin to erode. The chemical reaction from these foreign elements weakens the materials bond, and the concrete crumbles down to your floor gradually. You must have a professional check the issue out early before it transcends into something more serious.
Soil Moving Away from Your House Walls
It is usual for soil to contract and expand with seasons. However, you must reach out to a building contractor if you observe dirt pulling away from the house. It may indicate foundation complications that result in a weak property; your home will be at risk of collapsing during an earthquake or ground movement.
A common cause for this issue is not laying the structures correctly. The contractor may have compromised quality by using cheap materials or hiring an incompetent team to handle the task. You also need to check the deck, porch, or patio areas for soil movement to identify structural damage.
Roof Leaks
You can also identify structural damage by observing leaking and sagging roofs in your home. Apart from exhausting its lifespan, there is no other reason your roof should hang or even have an uneven roofline. There are several issues we can associate with roof structure complications, and they are:
- Timber frame movement
- Termite damage
- Insufficient Maintenance
- Weather damage
Uneven Window and Door Gaps
The holes cut into your walls for the windows and doors make the wall vulnerable to extreme pressure. If your construction team was not thorough in their work, you might begin to notice uneven window and door gaps. These areas are more likely to show structural damage, and you need to pay close attention to the involved surfaces.
Can You Fix Your House’s Structural Damage?
Yes, every homeowner should aim at identifying and fixing structural damage to their houses early to avoid further complications. Your repair approach will significantly depend on the severity of your damage and your expectations as a property owner. DIY approaches can fix minor damage, while complicated repairs require professional contractors for quality work.
Every property owner must understand the importance of identifying structural damage early and how. This article mentions some common signs you can employ to determine if your house requires a professional assessment. Specialists recommend contacting a remodeling contractor if you observe any of the mentioned indicators of severe damage to your structure.