When your building is new, there is less or no chance to see cracks on the walls. But, overtime when the building gets old and is exposed to different weather conditions, it starts to come up with different signs of structural damage. You should not ignore the starting signs of damage as it may lead to a huge concern.

You must take the right step and contact a building repair contractor for fixing the structural damages as soon as possible. And if you ignore them, the small-looking problems will evolve into potentially dangerous problems. So, if you want to save yourself from costly repair bills, be aware of the first signs of structural damage in your building.

Cracks on walls and ceiling

Over time you will get to see very small cracks on the building’s walls and ceiling. If the problem is more serious, you will find cracks above the doorways in a step pattern or a sagging ceiling. The exposed gaps between walls can also be caused due to foundation settling. Another main reason for uneven floors is improper construction. These signs are a sure indicator of structural damage and should be addressed by professionals.

Roof leaks

The roof of a building rests on the foundation and any slight movement or damage gets reflected on the roof. When you find sagging or uneven roof lines, it indicates structural damage in your building. The roof leaks can be due to weather-induced damage and lack of proper maintenance. The roof can also get weak because of the removal of load-bearing walls or the growth of termite within the building.

Damp subfloor

Generally, the subfloor of your building gets damp due to a lack of ventilation in the floors. If the floor is damaged, it allows moisture to settle and leads to rotting floor timbers, which can be spotted by surface stains. The dampness provides a perfect environment for the growth of mold. Uneven or cracked floors require immediate attention as the cracks also act as a great path for termites and other harmful creatures.

Crumbling concrete or brick

When your building is exposed to high moisture or any chemicals, then you will spot crumbling concrete and brickwork. Generally, a chemical reaction occurs within the concrete because of the interaction between salts and chlorides. Such a chemical reaction breaks up the bond of the building material and causes the concrete to crumble. If you find mortar erosion in the lower areas of brickwork, then better contact a professional building repair service so that they can explore other problems.

Uneven or cracked floors

When the ground shifts, then it directly affects the foundation of a building. Even small shifts in your building’s foundation can be found while inspecting your flooring for sagging, sloping, or cracking. If the movement is greater, your floors will show signs of structural imperfections. The Cribbing service in Edmonton works to jack up your building structure from its foundation. Cribbing involves building a crib of wood timbers in a special type formation in key spots underneath the building.

Remember

You should not ignore the long chains of soil on gaps in the wooden walls. These are the passage of termite which can cause significant structural damage to your building. They have the power to slowly eat the way the wall studs and support beams. So, do not mistake termite-induced structural damage like wall cracking for normal movement. Always look after the areas around windows and doors as they show the first signs of structural damage. A proper investigation into the cause of the cracks will need to be carried out and repairs carried out to prevent further deterioration.