Several factors contribute to structural damage to your homes, such as water intrusion and faulty building practices. Knowing how to avoid these conditions will help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
Water intrusion
Keeping your home dry is very important. Especially if your home is located in an area with high rainfall throughout the year. Water intrusion is one of the most common causes of structural damage to a home. It can also cause health problems to the people living in your home.
If you suspect you have water intrusion, call a professional restoration company immediately. They will assess the damage and determine the root cause of the problem. They will also be able to provide remediation solutions. To check your compensation amount use the housing disrepair calculator that gives you an estimated idea for your compensation amount.
Water intrusion can cause varying degrees of structural damage to a home. The most common signs of water intrusion include leaking and mould growth. The underlying cause should be identified as quickly as possible to minimize damage and help prevent future issues.
Water damage can be very costly to repair. Leaks can occur around vents, joints, and roofs. Some causes of water intrusion include plumbing leaks, broken or damaged pipes, and clogged drains. These can also lead to mould growth, which can affect the health of people living in the home.
Windstorms
Several things can be done to reduce the damage that can be caused by windstorms. The roof of a home is the primary defence against strong winds. This is a particularly important aspect to consider if you live in a hurricane zone. It’s also a good idea to take note of where your home is situated and to take shelter in a small room inside the house.
If you live in an area where hurricanes and windstorms occur, it’s a good idea to invest in a wind-resistant roof. If you have trees, it’s a good idea to remove dead or dying limbs from them. Also, make sure that the limbs are well tied down to prevent them from flying into your home.
You can also protect your home from flying objects by doing yard work, such as trimming hedges and trees. Likewise, you should take the time to secure your outdoor television antennas and trash cans. These can become airborne missiles in a windstorm, as can your child’s toy.
Faulty building practices
Whether it is the big bang or the little brother, faulty building practices can lead to structural damage that is both expensive and potentially dangerous. Faulty construction can be found in all parts of the world and is particularly prevalent in developing countries where the cost of living is high.
The best way to determine the cause of a structural defect is to conduct a thorough investigation. In some cases, a simple inspection of the building can reveal the source of the problem. A structural surveyor can then make recommendations on the best course of action.
There are many reasons why a building is faulty, including poor materials, shoddy workmanship, and insufficient budgeting. A poorly designed structure can lead to a number of problems, including water leaks, cracks in walls and floors, and foundation shifts.
Faulty building practices can also be traced back to an architect’s failure to specify the appropriate materials. Faulty construction may also be caused by a contractor’s reliance on substandard materials to save money.
The time it takes for a house to settle
During the construction of a house, there are certain steps to take to avoid structural damage. One of these steps is knowing the time it takes for a house to settle.
House settling is a natural process that occurs as a new house finds its place in the soil. During this process, the house will sink and shift, but not cause any major structural issues.
In the early years of settling, small hairline cracks are normal. However, if you have cracks that are larger than 1/16 of an inch, it’s important to have an expert inspect your house.
Settlement can occur due to various factors, including the weather, climate, and geographic location. If you notice signs of settling in your home, you should repair them right away.
New construction houses usually take one to three years to settle. If you live in an area with extreme weather, you may notice a faster settling time.
If you notice cracks in the walls or floors, or if the windows stick, you might be experiencing settling. These small changes can be easily fixed, but they are not always indicative of major problems. If you have issues with your foundation, you should speak to a structural engineer right away.
