A wall teeters off balance. It’s only a couple degrees, but that makes all the difference when it comes to structural integrity. Houses are relatively simple creations, but things stack on top of each other from the ground up.
So when something on the ground goes wrong, you could be looking at a total collapse.
The Mistake
Issues that will lead to your whole house falling apart are pretty easy to spot.
When you’re looking at a blowout like the one described above, you’re probably going to know what’s coming and be able to call a professional. But it’s still a costly fix, and one that’s going to take some time. That’s why you should always be sure that the home you’re moving into is built up to specifications.
Or pretty soon, you might be a wall short.
Not paying attention to structural integrity leads to the following negative outcomes:
- Instability: Creaking is a natural part of a settling home, but excessive noise or instability can result from structural issues.
- Roof problems: Sagging walls can lead to an uneven or splitting roof, letting water and moisture into your home.
- Total collapse: If worst comes to worst, not paying attention to the structure of your home can result in the whole thing toppling over.
What to Look For
Thankfully, there’s plenty you can do before your whole house blows over like the Big Bad Wolf got a hold of it.
There’s a few telltale signs of structural issues that can show up visually. While many of these are purely cosmetic, a greater number of these can be a sign of a bigger problem. Getting on top of it early can save you thousands of dollars and a major headache later on.
One that a toppled over wall would certainly cause.
Here’s a few things you should look out for:
- Large cracks: The most telltale sign of structural issues, cracks in concrete or other foundations are the biggest indicator that something’s wrong. Hairline cracks are okay, but large splits or unlevel ledges are a big red flag.
- Changes in temperature: The shrinking and expanding caused by seasonal weather changes can lead to damage to the structure over time. While this is a natural process, it might be worth considering how to lessen this impact, and pay more attention to external areas and other places where temperature changes more rapidly.
- Roof issues: While good old fashioned roof damage can always be its own problem, issues without an obvious cause could be a hint to take a closer look at how your structure is holding up.
Results
Paying attention to structural issues is the first step, but you can’t do it alone.
With our extensive construction experience and knowledge of contractors, The Zachos Team is the obvious choice when it comes to finding a new home, as well as dealing with problems down the line. We’ll lead you to homes that have a minimal chance of causing you issues later on, as well as to the people that can help you fix up those problems when they do arrive. By taking into account the entire homeowning process, we put you in a position where you have the knowledge, resources, and connections to make the right choice for you.
How’s that for integrity?
If you’re ready to take the next step, give The Zachos Team a call today.
Written by Paul Zachos III