Maintaining a building, whether a home or other property you own, can be challenging at times, especially when problems crop up. Sometimes, these issues can be minor and easily fixed. But others are far more serious, even jeopardizing the well-being of the building itself.
Structural issues can be among the more serious problems you’ll encounter and can destroy a building if not repaired. If you suspect that your building might have structural issues, you must take action. Here are three steps you should take if you believe you are experiencing structural issues.
1 – Assess the Building Yourself
The first thing you’ll need to do is determine whether there might be a problem. Give a thorough inspection of the property, looking for signs like cracks in your walls or brickwork, cracks around your windows, the window sills or the window lintels, bowing or bulging walls, a chimney that leaks or is leaning, and doors and windows that don’t open or close correctly, especially if they previously worked properly.
Any of these can be signs that you may have a structural issue. If you discover any of the above, you’ll need to get a qualified opinion from an expert.
2 – Contact a Specialist to Get a Qualified Assessment
If you’ve observed signs of a potential structural issue, you’ll need an assessment. A structural engineer is your best option, as they have the technical training and knowledge to determine whether you have a structural issue, its cause, and the possibilities for repairing it.
You can plan your next steps depending on what the structural engineer discovers. Assuming there is a structural issue, this will likely involve repairs, though in some severe cases, the building might not be reclaimable.
3 – Create a Plan for Repairing the Structural Issues
By consulting with a structural engineer, you’ll understand the scope of the structural issues, why they occurred, and how you can fix them. Assuming you believe the expense is worth it, you can create a plan for fixing your building.
Some solutions for structural repair are relatively inexpensive and noninvasive. A carbon fiber support system, helical tiebacks, and helical piers can all be viable fixes for certain structural issues. Still, it’s ideal to let a professional give recommendations and advice on the best course of action for a specific structural problem.
In more severe cases, replacing an individual wall or portion of a structure may be possible without completely demolishing and rebuilding it. However, this technique is more disruptive and costly and is a last resort for serious structural issues.
Once you’ve developed a comprehensive plan for addressing the structural issues, the next step will be to reach out to qualified professionals specializing in these types of repairs. These experts will have the skills and experience to carry out the necessary fixes effectively and safely. By working closely with these professionals, you can ensure that every aspect of the repair process is handled carefully, giving your building a chance at a full recovery.
Published by Emma N.
