Our homes should be spaces where we feel welcome and where we can relax and unwind after a long day’s work. They are where we can spend quality time with our friends, family, and the ones we love.
Above all else, our homes should be safe. However, a home can be filled with many hazards, so as a homeowner, it is your responsibility to ensure that your home is safe for yourself and your loved ones. A structurally sound home generally doesn’t display many signs, but there are visual clues that can indicate your home has structural or material issues. Read on to find out more.
Are Cracks Appearing?
A crack in your home, whether it be on the walls or on the ceiling, can be an alarming sight. However, while cracks can sometimes be a sign of something serious, often they are relatively benign. It’s important to learn how to differentiate between the two, so you know the most appropriate course of action to take.
Cracks can appear on painted surfaces. This can happen as fresh paint settles or be caused by changes in climate and weather. These aren’t serious and can be easily addressed with a fresh coat of paint.
Larger cracks in walls and ceilings can sometimes be a sign of structural damage and instability. This can be serious, and it could mean you have to remove a wall through soft strip demolition or other means to get to the root of the issue. Speak to a professional as soon as possible, they’ll be able to correctly identify the cause of the crack and develop a plan for you as you move forward.
Signs of Water Damage
Water leakage can cause chaos in homes and buildings. It can promote the growth of mould and can even weaken building foundations and support structures.
Water can come from leaking pipes or from a poorly fitted roof that fails to keep out rain. If you have noticed puddles in your basement or water stains on your ceiling or walls, this is a clear indication that you have a water leakage issue. This issue should be addressed as soon as possible before more damage occurs by contacting a professional like Protegrity Restoration.
Are Your Floors Even?
If you notice that your floors have become uneven, this is another sign of possible structural damage. It could be caused by things like dry rot, wet rot, or damaged floor joists.
Call in a professional if you notice that your floors are uneven. They’ll have the knowledge and experience required to get to the root of the issue and advise you on how you should proceed.
If you’re having trouble closing doors, or windows are getting stuck, this could also indicate possible foundational issues. It’s imperative you speak to a professional before the matter gets any worse.
Conclusion
It’s important that we feel safe and secure in our homes. If can’t spot any cracks, signs of water damage or leakage, and if your floors are perfectly even, these are all good signs that suggest your home is both structurally and materially secure.
