structural repairs

Structural Repairs | Signs That Your Property is in Need of Structural Repair

Structural damage to properties is not unheard of, it actually occurs more often than you might think. Sometimes structural damage can be obvious and sometimes it’s not even noticeable at first glance. Here are some of the early warning signs that may be telling you that your property is in need of structural repairs.

structural repairs

Bowing or Bulging Walls

A decrease in wall stability can lead to the walls of a property bowing, leaning or bulging. This is commonly caused by the following;

  • Vibrations from heavy traffic or machinery over a long period of time
  • Increase in the load put on the floor e.g. extending the property to add additional floors
  • Walls that are too thin compared to the height of the property
  • Lack of restraints between walls and floor joists partitions and beams

Cracking to Window Lintels

Cracks in the window lintels are often overlooked, but they shouldn’t be. This is a clear sign of movement in the structure of the property and that the supports put in place above the window have failed. Due to this, a collapse may be imminent, so ensure you arrange structural repairs as soon as possible.

Cracks to Window Sills

Cracks in the window sill may seem pretty minor but they can be a sign of another major issue. This is commonly a sign of damp, moisture or water getting into the window sill through other means. Repairing this isn’t just as simple as replacing the window sill either, a full diagnostic surgery needs to be carried out to determine the root of the problem and treat it at the source.

Vertical and Horizontal Cracking in Walls and Floor

Vertical and horizontal cracking to the walls and floor may be a sign of subsidence. This issue can not only affect your safety but the resale value of your property. Structural repairs need to be undertaken as soon as possible to help prevent more, irreversible damage being caused.

Doors and Windows Stick When Opening and Closing

Distortion to a property – most commonly seen in older properties – can cause doors and windows to stick when opening and closing. This is usually caused by water in the soil or in the frames of the windows and doors. Again, this can be a serious problem and a full diagnostics survey will need to be carried out to figure out the problem and what structural repairs are required.

Bowing or Sagging in the Roof

Bowing or sagging in the roof is a very common sign of a structural problem. This could be extremely serious and structural repairs should be made as soon as possible to prevent greater damage and costs.

Think You’re in Need of Structural Repairs?

If you have noticed any of the warning signs listed above, then your property is likely in need of some sort of structural repair. Structural repairs do not get better on their own so the best course of action it to act now and save yourself time and money later.