Signs of structural damage are a major concern, whether you’re buying your first house or noticing something unusual in your current home. What may seem like a small problem can turn into a large and potentially dangerous issue that could lead to expensive repair costs.
- Walls and ceilings may have cracks or bulges
You should be aware that not all wall and ceiling cracks indicate structural damage. For Plasterers Gloucester, visit pureplasterers.co.uk Small cracks may become more serious over time. If you have large cracks and a sagging roof or cracks in the doorways that are in a step-like pattern, this could be a sign of a larger problem.
- The soil is pulling away from the walls of the house
The soil expands and contracts with the changing seasons. It is possible that the foundation of your home was improperly laid if you see soil moving away from it.
- Chimney cracks
From the exterior of your house, it is easy to see cracks in your chimney’s mortar or bricks. Cracks on your chimney, like other exterior walls, are signs that the home has shifted and is putting excessive pressure onto bricks.
- Gaps in windows and doors
The holes cut in the walls around windows and doors make them more susceptible to pressure. Areas around your windows and doors may show structural damage sooner than other parts of the wall:
- Uneven gaps around doors
- The doors and windows will not open or close properly
- The locks on the doors and windows don’t work properly
- The walls and doors are separated.
- The floor may be sagging or cracking
When inspecting the flooring of your home, you will notice sagging or cracking. Your floors are more likely to show structural defects if they move.
- Roof leaks and sagging roof
Roof damage can be caused by many things, including:
- Timber frame movement
- Damage caused by weather
- Maintenance that is not sufficient
- Removal of a load-bearing wall
- Termite damage
- The wrong size of the framing woods
- Subfloors that are damp
If your subfloor is damp, it could be a sign that you are not ventilating the floor properly. Surface stains or signs of decay can indicate rotting timbers.
- Crumbling concrete/brick
Concrete and/or masonry that have been exposed to high levels of moisture or chemicals may begin to erode. The concrete crumbles due to the chemical reaction which breaks the cement’s bond. This type of erosion is most commonly seen at the bottom of the brickwork, below the waterproofing membrane.