9 Signs Your House’s Structure Is Compromised

• admin
• September 15, 2022
• Elite Custom Painting And Remodeling Blog

Key Takeaways:

• House structure is compromised if there are cracks, sagging, and moisture issues.
• Wood frame rot, mold, drywall damage, or deck rot can also lead to damage.
• Structural damage can decrease the resale value of your home and make it unsafe to live in.
• If you see any of these signs, it’s important to call a professional for an inspection and repairs as soon as possible.
  

Signs of structural damage should be a major concern whether you are purchasing your first house or seeing something unusual in your current home. Things that initially appear to be minor issues can gradually become major problems. Homeowners must recognize the signs of structural degradation to treat the core problem before it gets expensive or irreparable. We’ll cover the signs that your house structure is being compromised in this blog post and how to spot them.

Sign 01: Cracks In House Foundation

One of your home’s most important structural components is the foundation. The foundation supports your home’s weight, so any cracks or instability can be a serious issue. Small cracks can grow over time, compromising your house structure. A major problem is if large fractures are above entrances in a step pattern or with a sagging ceiling. Many factors might cause problems in the foundation of your houses, such as water damage and tree roots.

Sign 02: House Sagging

Sagging is one of the most obvious indications that the structural integrity of your home is at risk. This may show up in several different ways, such as windows that aren’t level or doors that don’t match their frames. Three things usually cause house sagging:

• The first is poor installation or a lack of support for the structure.
• The second is damage to the foundation, often caused by water or shifting soil.
• The third is leaks or excessive moisture caused by severe rot in the substrate or saggy roof results. An expert examination is required for this issue.

Sign 03: Poor waterproofing in wet areas

Poor waterproofing of moist areas is among the most frequent causes of structural issues. Waterproofing is a method that stops water from penetrating your home’s structure. Having your washroom or laundry checked out by an expert as early as you suspect a leak is crucial. Long-term water exposure can cause structural damage, mold, and mildew.

Sign 04: Bulging Of Drywall

Interior curved or bulging drywalls indicate a weak or insufficient internal support system. Walls that are constructed too thin to support the weight of ceilings or upper levels might start to warp and bulge over time as the house’s frame begins to settle. These are telltale signs that something is seriously wrong with your home’s structure and requires an immediate investigation. At best, the property should be evacuated until it has been sounded & stabilized.

Sign 05: Sticking doors and windows of your house

Doors and windows that stick are frequently caused by frameshifting. Sticking windows and doors can cause many issues if they are not fixed. Your home may become drafty if your doors and windows don’t fit snugly. Because of this, it could be difficult to keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Similar to how it can damage the surrounding area more if water seeps through cracks in doors and windows.

Sign 06: Damp subfloor

The part of your house below the ground level is called the subfloor. It may indicate structural issues if this area starts to get damp. There are a variety of things that might lead to subfloor moisture, including poor drainage and cracks in the house foundation. It’s important to have your house subfloor assessed by an expert if you detect that it’s damp. Dampness in the subfloor, if ignored, can result in moisture-related issues and compromise your house’s structure.

Sign 07: Deck Rot

When it comes to your deck, moisture is the enemy since it fosters the growth of fungus, mold, and mildew. You can be in the early stages of dry rot if your deck has been exposed to condensation or any other constant water source. Under these circumstances, the wood-digesting fungus can quickly penetrate and start to jeopardize the integrity and safety of your deck. When your deck starts to rot, it could signal frame damage, ultimately leading to a dangerous and expensive collapse.

Sign 08: Cracks in The Chimney

Cracks in your chimney’s bricks and mortar may most easily be seen outside your house. Cracks in your chimney, like those in other external walls, warn that your house is shifting and putting too much strain on the bricks.

Sign 09: Wall Rotation

Wall rotation is not particularly frequent, yet it is still possible. In general, it indicates that the wall has moved from its original position, which causes walls to fracture and seriously harm your home.

If you suspect your property may have any of the issues mentioned above, you should speak with a structural engineer right once

It’s crucial to address worries that there could be a future structural issue to keep everyone in your home safe. Your home may suffer from certain structural problems that, at worst, might even lead to its collapse. Brushing the structural issue under the rug will make your pocketbook much worse.

What Is The Estimated Cost Of Structural Damage?

The cost of structural issues can be very expensive. It can be between $5000 and $10000 for small repairs and upwards of $100000 for larger repairs. Depending on the severity, damage to your house’s structure can make it uninhabitable.

How Can Structural Damage Affect The Value Of Your House?

Structural issues can have a significant effect on the value of your home. Suppose you are planning to sell your home. In that case, it is important to get any structural damage repaired before placing your house on the real estate market. A professional home inspector will be able to:

• Thoroughly inspect every nook and cranny of your home
• Determine if there are any immediate dangers
• Create a report with their findings and recommendations
• Help you find the right professionals to make the necessary repairs.
  

At Elite Custom Painting and Remodeling, serving Fairfax, we recognize the value of professionalism, quality, and service. We aim to infuse beauty and elegance into your daily routine without the anxiety or headache that typically accompanies home remodeling projects. Please do get in touch with us for more details on our services.

Request a free estimate today!

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