Whether you’ve just purchased a new home or have been living in your house for many years, signs of structural damage should never be ignored. Something that might initially appear insignificant could evolve into an expensive and possibly dangerous problem. If you notice any of these signs of structural problems, hire a professional to make repairs and keep your home safe.

Signs of Structural Issues: Problems with Doors and Windows

Walls that have doors or windows in them are more prone to developing structural problems because the weight of the ceiling and roof must be supported by a smaller wall area. That’s why signs of structural issues will often appear around doors and windows.

Look out for the following issues.

• windows and doors that do not open or close properly
• doors with uneven gaps around them
• doors that open by themselves after they’ve been closed
• window and door frames starting to separate from the wall

Uneven Flooring

If there has been a shift in your house’s foundation, one of the first signs might be cracking tiles, sloping floors, or sagging spots in the flooring. The likely cause of these issues is deteriorating and/or cracked structural joists beneath the floor.

Cracks in Walls

Not every crack is a warning sign that your home has structural problems. However, if a crack isn’t repaired, it can become worse. Large cracks developing above doorways and cracks that run in a zig-zag pattern should be investigated because they could be a sign of something more serious.

Sagging Roof

If your home’s roof is only a few years old, there is no reason why the roof lines should appear uneven or start sagging. Sloping or sagging rooflines could be a sign that there are problems with the roof structure. This type of issue might be due to timber frame movement, termite infestation, or damage caused by bad weather.

Signs of Structural Problems: Crumbling Concrete

Brickwork that’s exposed to excess moisture or chemicals may start to crumble. If the concrete absorbs salt or chlorides, a chemical reaction takes place that makes it expand. Look for areas of broken concrete, brick, and mortar around your home. It’s a good idea to hire a professional to assess the situation and determine the cause of the damage.

Maryland Home Inspectors provides inspection services in Washington DC and Baltimore. Contact us to schedule an appointment.