9 telltale signs you need a structural building survey
Let’s suppose a crack has developed in a structural wall. Would you have any idea what caused it? Do you know whether it is a serious problem? Do you know if it can be fixed? And most important of all, how much will it cost?
It takes a building professional such as a Chartered Surveyor to give you independent, reliable answers to all these questions. Answers on which to base your next course of action.
For the average property buyer, the same is true for a host of other issues beyond cracks in the wall – all of which liable to afflict properties both large and small. Here are 9 telltale signs you may need a structural building survey.
Cracks
Cracks in walls, ceilings and tarmac or concrete driveways can be caused by a range of different things:
- building materials naturally drying out after soaking or flooding
- foundations built on unstable made-up ground
- subsidence (ground dropping) or heave (ground lifting) associated with clay soils
- tree roots
- erosion of foundations due to excessive damp
Uneven or sloping floors
Sloping, sagging, bouncing or noisy floors could be a sign of:
- loose floorboards – usually not serious
- problems with subsidence/heave or with the property’s foundations
- rotting floor timbers caused by damp or insect attack
- inadequate structural support below floorboards
- poor construction e.g. inadequate or no reinforcing rods in the concrete floor slab
Bulging or bowing walls
Bulging (outwards) or bowing (inwards) walls represent a serious structural problem, probably requiring a rebuild of the affected area. Possible causes are:
- poor construction with either failed or an inadequate number of wall ties
- excessive moisture, resulting in damage to the wall.
- foundation problems
Poorly fitted windows and doors
Problems with windows and doors could be minor, simply sorted by shaving a sliver off the offending openings. But in more serious cases, it could be due to:
- frames warping due to excessive damp or structural pressure
- movement in the foundations, affecting the alignment of the openings
Gaps between walls, ceilings and floors
Issues with walls, ceilings or floors could suggest structural instability caused by:
- movement in the foundations
- problems with load bearing walls
- problems with construction, or wrong choice of building materials
Roofs
A sagging roofline is often indicative of problems, which include:
- missing roof tiles – may be due to failing battens, high winds, or impact from above
- failing roof timbers due to damp or insect activity
- leaks, causing ceilings to crack or damp patches to appear. May result from dislodged or damaged roof tiles, or failing water pipes in the loft space
Damp and mould
Often caused by poor ventilation, in which case the problem can often be sorted relatively cheaply by fitting trickle vents, installing an extractor fan, or opening windows when humidity is high.
Causes of excessive damp and mould (a serious health threat) can be:
- a failing damp course
- roof or gutter leakage
- rotting skirting boards and beams
- wrong choice of building materials
- waterlogged ground due to long term poor drainage
Chimneys
Chimneys are exposed to the elements, weathering means wear and tear, and worn out chimney stacks are dangerous. Tell-tale signs are:
- visible tilting
- cracks around the base
- loose brickwork and worn, defective mortar.
Run down, poorly-maintained properties
If a property looks poorly maintained, questions arise about:
- age and condition of the central heating boiler
- age and condition of the electrics
- whether alterations or extensions comply with current Building Regulations
Make your next move a smart move
Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or already own a property with potential problems, it will pay you to spend a relatively small amount to know exactly where you stand, how to deal with it, and the costs involved.
To find out how we can help, call our team today on 01273 031646. Or click here to get an instant estimate for your survey.
