5 min read
Whether you live in a multi-story house or a bungalow, home safety is naturally important for you as a property owner. You want to be assured that your dwelling is safe and secure for you and your loved ones.
Unfortunately, factors such as unexpected disasters, harsh weather conditions, and everyday wear and tear can cause significant house structure problems. If left unaddressed, these issues can cause physical injuries, become life-threatening, or even lead to a collapse.
Ensuring your home’s safety requires a professional structure inspection, but you also have a part to play. Watching out for these warning signs can help you hire experts promptly so you can catch issues early on and keep your house in good condition for the years to come.
Cracks on Walls, Floors and Other Surfaces
Small cracks or those found on your paint as your home’s foundation settles are usually not a cause for concern. However, if you notice these fractures forming on your foundation, walls, or floors growing wider than a quarter of an inch, it’s best to get in touch with an inspector to have them checked. These cracks can indicate an underlying structural instability that can lead to extensive and expensive damage down the road.
Water Damage
Water damage can happen as a result of different factors, such as floods, roof leaks during a storm, or leaky pipes. If you have recently had standing water inside your home from any of these events, it’s crucial that you call water damage professionals to inspect your building, address the water source, and repair the damage as soon as possible.
Continuous leaks can compromise the structures in your building and eventually cause them to crumble. Moreover, excess moisture can lead to other issues, such as microbial growth and reduced indoor air quality.
Plumbing Problems
Plumbing problems can disrupt your day-to-day activities and create an overwhelming mess inside homes. More importantly, they can also cause substantial home safety issues, especially if they introduce gallons of water into rooms and spaces where they shouldn’t be. Fortunately, most plumbing issues come with conspicuous signs, like water stains, swollen walls, visible microbial growth, and unexpectedly high water bills.
Taking preventive measures such as replacing worn-out hoses and pipes and enlisting regular maintenance for your water appliances and fixtures can help you prevent leaks and the damage they can cause.
Roof Issues
As the part of your house that keeps everyone inside safe and warm, your roof is regularly exposed to elements that wear it away over time. With this, you generally want to be on the lookout for damaged or missing flashing, clogged gutters, or water dripping from the roof. These can lead to structural issues in a house as they allow water to seep underneath the roof or flow into the building’s foundation.
It’s also a good idea to pay attention to your chimney as you look for signs of potential roof issues. Cracks can be an early indication of structural damage, while a chimney leaning more than a few inches is often a sign of foundation settling. Both of these must be checked by an inspector before the problem worsens.
Difficult Windows and Doors
Windows and doors not closing correctly or easily are not simply a nuisance. They could also be presenting early signs of subsidence and foundation movement. Other signs you may notice include cabinet doors that frequently open on their own.
Difficult windows and doors can signal significant home structure problems, so it’s best to contact professionals to get the problem inspected and fixed as soon as possible.
Sloping Floors and Uneven Finishes
Sloping floors are among those structural issues in a house that must be caught as early as possible but can be difficult to notice. This is because when the joists supporting your floor have broken down or rotted, they may cause the floor to sink slowly over time, making it hard for you to detect the movement.
If you’ve noticed spilled liquids or fallen objects flowing or rolling to one side of your floor, have your home’s structural support system inspected as soon as possible.
The Next Steps After Spotting an Issue – Getting Things Back to Normal
Structural issues in a house must never be ignored or downplayed, as they can lead to irreparable and life-threatening complications anytime. Instead, homeowners must stay on the lookout for the signs and symptoms mentioned above to be able to schedule a prompt structure inspection and get to the bottom of the issue. Getting expert advice on what’s happening behind your walls, floors, and ceilings can make all the difference in preserving your home and protecting your loved ones.
If any of these signs are making you uncomfortable and worried about home safety, know that you can always call experts like Restoration 1 for help. Our certified professionals perform property restoration using tried-and-tested techniques and modern tools to address any damage. Let us help you get your property back to how it was before. Contact us to get started!
