Structural damage is a serious issue. It generally means that your house is moving and there is a high likelihood of parts of it falling down. If you have structural damage you’ll want it confirmed by the professionals. They will use a variety of techniques, including magnetic particle testing, allowing them to confirm the issue. They can even offer advice on how to deal with it.
Any house can get structural issues. Age is a factor but so is the level of care the house has received. For example, a house that hasn’t been regularly checked for pests can suffer from termites which can do a significant amount of damage.
In short, you need to react quickly if your house has structural issues. That means you need to know the most common signs of these issues.
Cracks In Walls
A structural crack will usually appear as a zig-zag crack up your wall. The reason the crack is diagonal is that it is most likely to occur along the joint lines. If you imagine your house is made of blocks, even if you can’t see them, the crack will move along the join line of the blocks, gradually moving upward. This indicates that one side of the house is sinking or moving outward. If left, part of your house is likely to crumble.
It should be noted that if the crack is on the interior and exterior then the problem is very serious.
Leaning Chimney
Chimneys are designed to stand above the height of the house, allowing smoke from fires to be pushed into the atmosphere without filling your home. However, this means there are relatively skinny structures heading straight up.
A quick way to tell if the house has structural issues is to look at the chimney. If it appears to be leaning or has several cracks running vertically then your house is probably suffering structural issues.
Doors & Windows
Doors and windows are designed to fit perfectly into dedicated spaces in your home. When the house starts to move you’ll find that the perfect fit is no longer possible. The results I cracks and gaps around the door or window frame. Alongside this, it’s likely that your doors and windows will no longer open and shut smoothly.
While this could be due to humidity, if it happens throughout the year it is more likely to be a result of structural problems.
Adjoining sections Pulling Away
Many homes have had extra pieces added on, such as a porch or even a garage. These extras are attached to the original walls. But, if your house has structural issues and starts moving, it’s likely that the extra piece won’t. The result is a gap where the extra piece joins the main building.
This will start small and gradually get wider. All you have to do is monitor it, if it appears to be getting wider then call the professionals in to assess the structural issues in your home. Remember, prompt action is the best option for your home and your wallet.