Damage to the structure of a building is not uncommon. It can range from being very obvious, like a huge crack in the wall, to being very hard to see. To find a cure, half the battle is being able to spot the early warning signs such as knowing if you need support beam replacement. In this post, we’ll talk about the six most common signs of a possible structural support problem so you can spot them early.
How Do I Know If My Support Beam Is Failing?
Some of these signs below are clear indicators that there could be structural problems in your home:
Walls That Bow Or Bulge
Walls that bow, lean, or bulge usually have less stability, which can be caused by any of the following:
- Vibrations that last for a long time from heavy traffic or plant machinery.
- An increase in the weight on the floor, like when more floors are added to a building that already has floors.
- Walls that are too thin for how tall the building is.
- There were no supports between the floor joists, partitions, beams, and walls.
- The need for beam replacement
Cracks In The Window Frames
Cracks in the window lintels are a sign that the building is moving and that the lintel that holds up the brickwork above the window has failed. In many situations, the threat of collapse is very real, and a crack in the lintel should never be ignored.
Window Sill Cracks
Cracks in window sills are often a sign that something else is wrong. Most of the time, this is caused by dampness or water getting into the sill in some way. This problem can’t be fixed by just replacing the window sill. Instead, a full diagnostic survey should be done to find and fix the source of the problem.
Cracks In The Floors And Walls
Cracks can be a sign of sinking, so you should fix them as soon as you notice them to stop any more damage. If you are worried about your home sinking, talk to one of our surveyors to learn more.
Sticking Doors That Are Difficult To Open And Close
This is very common in older homes, and like cracks in window sills, it’s usually a sign of a bigger problem. Again, this is usually caused by water in the soil or in the window or door frames. A survey will be needed to find out the exact cause and how to fix it.
Sagging Roof
When a roof bows or sags, it can be a very bad sign that should not be ignored. Before making any changes to your roof, you should talk to a professional because leaks are often caused by problems with the structure.
When structural problems start, most of the visible signs don’t seem like a big deal. However, if they aren’t fixed, they can turn into something much worse. If you don’t fix a structural problem, it will not only get worse but also be harder and cost more to fix.
Our advice is to deal with any problem as soon as you notice it. It might not be a big deal, but if it is, it can be fixed right away.
What To Do If You See Signs That You Need Beam Replacement?
There are many ways to fix structural problems, such as by removing trees, replacing wall ties, a support beam, adding lateral restraints, or underpinning. All of these things are meant to stop your property from moving anymore.
Talk to a member of our structural team if you’re not sure what to do next or if you’re worried about a structural problem and just want some advice.