Best Methods Of Assessing the Structural Integrity of Your Home

The structural integrity of your home is important. If you start having an issue that affects the structure then you’ll want to take action quickly. In most cases, when the issue is spotted early it is possible to rectify the problem.

Unfortunately, if the issue is left then it can quickly become more serious and even cause part of your house to collapse.

The simple truth is that most people don’t think about structural integrity after they have purchased their home. After all, properties are designed to last for many years, it is relatively reasonable to assume it will outlast you.

 But, problems do happen and you need to know how to assess the structural integrity of your home.

Expert Reports

One of the best approaches is to get the professionals to inspect your home every few years, or sooner if you suspect there is an issue. They will visually inspect the property and use a variety of techniques, such as dye penetrant testing, to verify the integrity of your walls, foundation, roof, and other areas of your home.

The experts don’t just have the experience and tools to identify the issue. They can also tell you how serious it is, how quickly you need to take action, and they may even offer advice regarding the options available to you.

It’s important to remember that architects design buildings based on the weight of the building. They may forget to account for the weight of items inside. This can encourage the building to sink and eventually it will need to be replaced. Regular inspections will help you to identify issues and resolve them.

Experts are also full of knowledge regarding how much weight different materials can support and the way this changes as materials age. It helps to ensure you have an accurate picture of the structural integrity of your building.

Visual Inspections

The experts will come as often as you ask them to. Of course, you’ll need to pay for their services. That’s why it’s a good idea to undertake your own visual inspection regularly and be aware of common signs that you have an issue.

If you spot anything it is advisable to note the size of the issue and monitor it to see it if is increasing in size.

The most common sign you have a structural issue is cracks on the exterior walls. They will usually run horizontally or diagonally following the cement lines. This is because part of the building is sinking and effectively separating from the top half.

Other key indicators are cracks and gaps around doors and windows, especially if they are becoming difficult to open or shut.

You may also notice cracks appearing in your internal basement walls or even cracks in the foundations of your home. While every home settles after being built, any cracks caused by the settling should stay the same, if they increase in size or length you probably have a structural integrity issue.