How to Find Structural Damage to Your Home
When something in your home looks or seems a little odd, it may not be anything to worry about, but something as simple as “settling” or “breathing”. But, on the other hand, it may be something small, but it is a sign of a more serious problem.
In an article for BobVila.com, Glenda Taylor provides some examples of the latter, and what can be done to fix problems before they get worse. Here’s how to identify possible structural damage to your home.
The door no longer closes properly
If at some point the door in your house opened and closed properly, but no longer closes (meaning it now sticks or doesn’t close completely), Taylor says it could be a sign that something has changed. in your home, and definitely an indication that it’s time to schedule a home checkup.
“One possible cause could be extensive clay soil, which swells as it becomes saturated and puts pressure on the foundation, causing it to shift,” she writes. “Or it could have been the result of normal settlement.”
Paint cracks or flakes
It might seem cosmetic – or a sign that you’ll need to paint better next time – but it can also be caused by excess moisture or leaks in the room, Taylor explains.
Sloping floor
Sometimes sloped floors are pretty obvious – for example, if water or any other spilled liquid always flows into the same place and pools, or if there is such a slope that it is clearly visible. Other times it is more sophisticated, and it’s only when you throw something round, like marble, and see it rolling on one side of the floor, that something’s wrong.
“When a slope appears on a previously level floor, it could be a sign that one or more of the beams supporting the floor have rotted or broken, causing the floor in that area to collapse,” explains Taylor . Either way, she says that if you suspect there is a bias, it’s time to call a civil engineer to take a look and find the best way to fix it.
A bunch of holes in wood or drywall
If you happen to spot a cluster of tiny holes 1/8-inch or less in a piece of your home made of wood or drywall, that’s not a good thing. Taylor says these are most likely holes where termites fly to chew to get out of the tree, and possibly a sign of active infestation. Given the potential for serious structural damage, she says it’s best to bring in a pest control officer right away for an examination.