Structural

Frost Protected Shallow Foundations: Ensuring Structural Integrity in Cold Climates Properly placed foundation insulation can protect homes from costly damage. Soil Stabilization Techniques Even a well made foundation will fail if its built on unstable ground Which Stucco Cracks Are Serious And A Structural Concern Structural stucco cracks can be serious and costly, but don't be fooled, they're not all big in appearance. Surfside building collapse | What to look for in your Condo or Apartment Building Warning signs of structural issues in condo, apartment or high rise buildings. Identifying early warning signs is key to building safety. Is wood shrinkage causing drywall cracks and structural damage to your house? Is there hidden structural damage or drywall cracks craused by wood shrinkage in your home? What Magnitude Of Earthquake Causes Structural Damage When should you be concerned? How To Tell If Your House Is Safe After An Earthquake WHAT TO CHECK Know what to look for outside and inside after an earthquake. Earthquake “Magnitude” verses “Intensity” Be careful about going by the numbers. Chunks of Concrete Falling Off Exposing Rebar | Seriousness of Spalling Rusting rebar and moisture intrusion through concrete cracks are two key causes of concrete spalling. Rebar Problems In Concrete Foundations, Slabs, and Walls Rebar problems can be a structural concern for homeowners and some problems weaken the concrete or cause cracks. Why Concrete Shrinks and Shrinkage Cracks Fresh concrete shrinks as water dissipates from the concrete, causing cracks, and if too much water was added, then the concrete is weaker. 7 Warning Signs a Basement Wall Crack is Structurally Serious Which Basement Wall Cracks Are Structural, Cosmetic or Just Normal? "V" shaped cracks and cracks that are offset are often more serious than other types of cracks. Frost Heave & Ice Lenses Damage Foundations and Basements Foundation damage and basement wall cracks may result from frost heaving and ice lenses, especially homes with poor drainage. Pumping Flood Water Out Of Basements Too Soon May Cause Structural Damage Basement walls may crack or even collapse if flood water is pumped out of a basement too soon; Know what to look for. Checklist For Discovering Structural Flood Damage To A Home Houses and their foundations are often damaged by floods, but often key damage is missed because of all that's going on. Flood Damage to Foundations and What to Check Foundation issues often get over looked after a flood because they are less visible than most other damage. Foundation Types and Warning Signs of Problems Can you name the type of foundation that you have? Sagging, Bowed or Wavy Roof – Check the Attic for 6 Things The structural integrity of a roof is critical and one of the key areas to check is the attic Slope Creep: Warning Signs, Causes And Structural Damage To A House Foundation and structural damage can result from slope creep and settlement. Know why. Unexpected Trigger Mechanisms can cause Slope Creep & Settlement A Trigger Mechanism or big event may be the cause of your structural issues, even 10 years after the fact. Sloping and Sagging Floors: What’s Acceptable and When A Structural Concern Sloping floors are often one of the warning signs that structural engineers look for when analyzing a house. How To Measure If Your Floor Is Sloping, Level Or Sagging: When Serious? Don't guess if a floor is sloping or out of level, because there are five quick and easy ways to measure. Control Joints, Expansion Joints and Cold Joints in Concrete Control joints reduces random cracking and damage to concrete. Having them in the right place is important. Mold Causing Structural Damage Referred To As “Building Cancer” Molds, like serpula lacrymans, can destroy the structural strength of a building over time. Is Efflorescence Serious? Its White, Chalky, or Powdery Looking Efflorescence can be ignored at times or may be an indication of moisture issues and occasionally a structural warning sign. Cracks In a Concrete Garage Floor: When Are They Serious There are a few times that cracks in a garage floor are a warning sign of foundation or other problems; can you recognize them? Gaps At Bottom of Garage Door Indicates That Slab Has Cracked Or Moved Does your garage door have a gap at the bottom? If so, how big? How to Minimize Home Damage from Expansive Soils One of the most common problems homes have is expansive soils, however the damage can be minimized. Insurance: Cracked and Damaged Foundations, Are You Covered? Home owners often discover too late that their damaged foundation is not covered. Wavy or Sagging Roof May Be a Foundation Problem: 5 Things to Check Wavy or sagging roofs can be a warning sign that there are foundation problems with a house. Rock Pockets In Foundations and Basement Walls Exposed rocks (aggregate) are voids that are generally cosmitic, but there are exceptions, especially if rebar or rust is visible. Foundation Settling – Signs that a House is Settling Settlement may cause damage to a house, but some settlement can be prevented or reduced. Life Expectancy Of A House: Will It Last 50, 100 or 200 Years? How long will a house last is a question that many wonder about when they buy a house. Tree Roots Crack & Damage Foundations: Transpiration Is The Major Cause Tree roots near a foundation suck moisture out of the soil, often causing a number of problems. Foundation Cracks: Causes, Seriousness and When To Worry If your foundation has a crack or cracks know what to look for to determine if they are major or minor. Ceiling Cracks: A Structural Warning Sign or Cosmetic? Know which ceiling cracks are serious and which ones are just cosmetic. Load Bearing Walls: Removal Issues & Warning Signs If a load bearing wall is removed, there are structural issues and risks that homeowners and buyers should be aware of.