An old house can bring with it plenty of memories, a homely feel, and an appealing visual for those who enjoy an old-timey visual.
But with all of those advantages to an older property, it will also likely bring with it cracks, water damage and structural problems.
So, what can you do about structural damage to your home?…
Whether your property is as old as time or just not holding up over the years as much as you’d hoped, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ll look at the solutions to various types of home structural damage in this mini-guide.
Why Structural Damage Occurs and How to Spot It
Homes can suffer from structural damage for many reasons.
Until around the second quarter of the twentieth century, many buildings were constructed with lime and other materials.
This would allow the building structure to gradually shift somewhat over time.
Other potential explanations include that a structural element has failed, or the building has been poorly executed alterations in the past which have weakened the structure.
Springs and old mines beneath your property are other possible explanations. If you’ve doubts, hire a structural engineer to take a look at your home.
The same applies if you see any or more of the signs of structural damage which we’ll now look at.
Evidence of structural damage to your home:
- Windows and doors are binding.
- Cracks and bulges showing up in walls inside and on the outside of your property.
- Tapered cracks can be found running in a direction diagonal from the corners of your windows or doors.
- Sloping floors are a potential sign of structural issues such as subsidence.
- Cracks in render or plaster close to the top of a window may infer that the timber lintel is rotting at the bearing end.
- Cracks may be spotted between a given bay window and the rest of the building. This would suggest that the bay window isn’t tied to the structure as it should be.
Fixing Your Property’s Structural Issues
If you suspect there are structural problems with your home, you should get in touch with your insurance provider for a more detailed investigation. Professionals must fix most structural issues.
Here are some fixes to consider to structural damage for a home:
- Subsidence or Heave – If these issues are suspected, trial trenches may be dug while root and soil testing could be undertaken. Drains and pipes within the vicinity would also be checked for signs of leakage or blockages. Underpinning your house may be advised in this case although sometimes it’s just a matter of managing invasive trees/shrubs or fixing damaged drains.
- Cracked walls – The correct mortar, renders and plasters are needed to give a wall the ability to breathe and move without causing structural harm.
Regardless of the problem, you can have a professional identify the specific issues with your home and apply the necessary fixes. Unfortunately, this work will be expensive but ultimately necessary for your safety and totally worth it.