No one wants to discover that their building has issues, but it’s better to know sooner rather than later. Often, the faults go undetected because no one knows to check. For this reason, if you’re purchasing a new building or an older one, it’s best to hire a structural engineer to take a closer look.
There are certain structural elements that are likely to be faulty in low rise buildings which engineers are aware of. They can inspect these issues and then provide you with a report that will give you the necessary information to prevent further disintegration and eventual instability.
Subsidence
This is one of the most common problems found throughout the UK. When the ground beneath the building shifts, it can cause the entire building to move and sink in some areas. Obviously, this has structural repercussions and you’ll need to fix the issue before it becomes too severe.
There are a few reasons this movement may occur, including underground caverns collapsing, poor foundations, erosion, and trees that have grown too close to the house. It may also be caused by clay beneath the foundation shrinking.
Subsidence is most often noticed because the floors of the home will begin to slant or a wall will crack. Doors and windows may no longer fit properly in their frames, making it difficult to open or close them. This is a big problem and quite expensive to fix, so it’s best to catch it as early as possible.
Wood Rot
If your building is made of wood, it must be treated wood and should be checked and maintained regularly to ensure there is no rot anywhere. It may not be obvious early on, thanks to the rot being hidden under the floorboards or in the wall, but it can rapidly deteriorate the house.
Wood rot can be caused by water damage, so if you have a leaking pipe, a crack in the wall or in the roof, it’s possible for water to get in and start the process of rot. Over time, it can expand and grow, reaching load-bearing beams and walls, and possibly causing collapse.
Underbuilt Structure
In older buildings, it is possible to find areas that have not been built according to the load they bear. This can be a serious issue and may require additional beams and supports. If this problem is not sorted immediately, it could result in collapse.
Underbuilt structures are most common in older buildings, such as Victorian townhouses, as they were built in a different era. However, it is always a good idea to have a structural engineer examine the building if you suspect something is wrong.
Do you need a structural engineer? At Integrated Designs & Associates, we offer top quality engineers to help you determine how safe your structure is. To find out more about the services we offer, get in touch with us today!
