When a house is well built it is designed to last for many years, in most cases, it should still be standing long after you have moved on. However, if the house has been hastily or poorly put together, or if it is very old, there is a possibility that it has structural issues. If that’s the case, you’ll want to know as soon as possible to help you take the appropriate remedial action.
There are several things you can do to check a house for structural damage.
Get The Professionals
This should be the most obvious response. The professionals will use a variety of devices and specialist equipment, such as magnetic particle testing, to assess the strength and integrity of all the structures within a property.
They will then supply you with a detailed report listing all the issues or potential issues. This will allow you to take the appropriate action.
Cracks
It is worth looking at the various cracks in your property. A crack that is in the same place on both the inner and outer walls is likely to indicate structural issues. The most serious cracks are those that appear like stairs on the wall. This means the cement between stones is cracking and separating, suggesting part of the house is sinking.
Sticking Doors & Windows
Doors and windows should be designed to fit neatly into the property and open and close effortlessly. Of course, wooden doors and windows can swell and contract with heat and humidity. This means they may stick and cause issues.
But, if your plastic windows and doors start suffering the same issue, then the house is moving. The only question is whether this is simply settling or a sign of something more serious.
The Roof Is Sagging
A sagging roof can simply be that the roof is old. However, in all cases it’s a good indication that the roof needs to be replaced; that’s an expensive and time-consuming job. A sagging roof happens when the beams that support it are rotten. This can be through water ingress, a pest issue, or simply old age.
In all cases, you need to be aware of the issue and plan on replacing it.
It’s worth noting that some houses use the roof beams to tie the walls together. If that is true of your property then a sagging roof could quickly lead to problems with your walls.
Disrupted Floors
New floors are laid level, regardless of whether they are carpet, tiles, or even hardwood. If the floor starts to appear uneven or even shows cracks, then the house is likely to be moving. Of course, it could also be a result of a pest infestation n or even a leak causing wood rot.
One thing is certain, if you notice any of the above issues you need to get a professional in and have the property fully inspected. This will tell you whether you have an issue and how best to tackle it. Remember, structural issues need to be dealt with sooner rather than later.
