As a homeowner in Sydney, it’s no secret we always ensure that our properties are in tip-top shape. However, sometimes structural damage can be lurking beneath the surface and go unnoticed until they become major issues. Only then may it be too late. But still, you can hire Sydney Beyond Maintenance home renovations to get things done.
Did you know even minor damages can worsen over time if not addressed promptly? Therefore, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some of the telltale signs of structural damages in your home in Sydney, hoping you can take necessary action before things get out of hand. In this blog post, we’ll discuss four common signs that indicate there may be structural problems in your home. So let’s crack the secrets open.
Horizontal and Vertical Wall Cracks
Horizontal and vertical wall cracks are common indicators of structural issues in a home. These types of cracks can occur due to various reasons, such as foundation settling, moisture damage, or poor construction practices. Vertical cracks that appear on the walls are generally less worrisome than horizontal ones because they’re usually caused by natural settling over time. However, if you notice horizontal cracks running along your walls’ length or width, it may be a sign of more significant structural issues.
See the size of the crack. If it’s wider than 1/4 inch or continues expanding over time, then you can’t wait to call in a professional in Sydney right away.
Uneven Floors
Uneven floors can be a sign of structural damage in your home. If your floors are sloping or tilting, it’s time to investigate the cause. One common cause of uneven floors is foundation settlement. This occurs when the soil beneath the foundation shifts or compresses, causing parts of the foundation to sink. As a result, the floors above may become uneven and sloped. This sign can also occur due to water damage. Moisture can seep into floorboards and weaken them over time, leading to sagging and warping. In addition, excessive moisture can also cause subflooring to rot, which will result in an uneven surface.
Sagging Roof Lines and Leaks
Now, let’s go a little bit above our heads. See if your roof lines are sagging or uneven and if there are leaks. Poor construction, heavy snow or rain, or simply old age can lead this to occur in the first place. But if combined with the other signs here, it can be due to poor structural building quality. A sagging roof line occurs when there is an uneven load distribution on the supporting structure of the roof. This can cause stress in certain areas leading to cracks in walls and ceilings. You’ll encounter bigger problems, like collapsing roofs, if you leave them untreated.
Timber Rot
Timber is a common building material used in many homes Sydney and many other places on Earth. It’s natural, aesthetically pleasing, and durable when properly maintained. However, timber rot can occur if the wood is getting exposure of high levels of moisture for quite a long time. Timber rot happens when fungi grow on damp or moist wood, causing it to decay. The decay process weakens the structural integrity of the timber and may eventually cause it to collapse. The signs of timber rot include softness or sponginess in the wood, discoloration, cracking, and flaking. If left untreated, timber rot can spread rapidly throughout your home’s structure and lead to costly repairs.