A commercial property, a multi-family residential building, or a single-family home, all buildings requires regular Neglect to have buildings professionally inspected due to costly repairs down the line and potential safety hazards for occupants. While many buildings follow a recommended inspection schedule based on age, construction type, and location, some key warning signs indicate an immediate inspection before the next scheduled date.
Exterior cracks in walls or foundation
The most obvious indicator that something may be amiss is visible cracking in the exterior walls or foundation of the building. While some minor hairline cracks may simply be due to normal settling and expansion, large cracks or those that appear to be worsening over time could point to more serious structural deficiencies that require further investigation.
Interior wall or ceiling cracks
Similar to exterior cracking, any significant cracking or separations appearing on interior walls or ceilings is cause for concern. These cracks may be a symptom of foundation settling, water intrusion, or other structural movement that should be evaluated.
Uneven or sagging floors
If you start to notice floors that appear unlevel, sag, or bounce when walking across them, this flexing could be a sign of failing supports, rot, or other issues affecting the floor framing and joists which warrants an vitalbuildinginspection.
Sticking doors and windows
They are doors and windows that suddenly become difficult to open and close could indicate that there has been some shifting or racking of the building’s framing which is putting added pressure on the openings. An inspector determines if this is simply a minor repair need or if it reflects a larger structural problem.
Moisture & water intrusion
Any signs of chronic moisture intrusion or standing water inside the building are a significant red flag. This could be in the form of water stains on walls or ceilings, musty odors, mold growth, or visible pooling water. Water intrusion leads to serious issues like rot, mold, deterioration of materials, and loss of structural integrity over time if the cause is not identified and addressed.
Termite or pest damage
While you may already have regular pest inspections, any evidence of termites, carpenter ants, or other wood-destroying organisms warrants an immediate structural inspection. These pests quickly undermine the integrity of wood framing members as well as finishes on the interior and exterior of the building.
Deteriorating roof
It’s easy to overlook the condition of your roof until it starts leaking. However, issues like widespread missing cracked, or deteriorating shingles/tiles, sagging roof lines, or growth on the roof surface could all point to potential greater problems with the underlying structure.
Deteriorating masonry and chimneys
Crumbling brick or concrete masonry, missing mortar, bulges in a chimney, or leaning are all indicators that further investigation is needed. Deterioration of the exterior envelope could allow water infiltration as well as represent a potential structural or falling hazard.
Excessive settling or sloping
While some minor settlement of a building over time is expected, excessive unevenness underfoot or notable sloping of floors reveal problems with the foundation, soils, or other major supports. If you notice new or worsening sloping, this should prompt an immediate call for an inspection.
