Structural damage refers to any type of damage that affects the core integrity of the house. When you property has structural damage, it means the foundation is no longer capable of supporting your home. It may be at risk of failure or collapse.
Recognizing early warning signs that may point to foundation issues will help you keep small concerns from becoming bigger, more complicated problems.
Here are 4 signs that indicate possible structural damage to your home.
Sagging roof
Your roof line should be arrow straight. Go outside and look at your house from across the street. If you notice a curve or dip on the peak, this could be a sign that your house has a foundation problem.
A sagging roof is a sign of a serious problem that shouldn’t be ignored. Often, it is an indication that there is an issue with the roof structure. Check and inspect your roof and address problems immediately. This will help keep your roof in top shape and prevent water damage that may cause structural problem eventually.
Cracks on the wall
New homes tend to move or settle somewhat. That means, hairline cracks on the wall are rarely worth worrying about. But if you notice that the cracks get bigger over time, it could be indicative of a serious problem that should be addressed as soon as possible.
The floor is sloping
When a level floor develops a slant, it’s a sign that something has shifted in the structure of your home. The problem is that a slight slope in the floor isn’t easy to spot - unless you spill a glass of water and the liquid runs to the same spot or you drop a marble and it rolls to one side of the floor.
The door and windows stick or won’t close
If your door used to close easily but now sticks or won’t close, it could be a sign that your foundation is settling. This is common in older properties and is usually caused by distortion.
Termites
Despite their size, termites can eat away at ceiling joists, wall studs or support beams, wreaking havoc on your home’s foundation. A house that is suffering from termite infestation can become unlivable. If you find termite exit holes, call the exterminator right away.
