Is Your Building Suffering From Structural Damage?

Once the construction is done, many homeowners and building managers assume that their property is solid and stable. Unfortunately, this is not always the case: any building can incur structural damages that endanger tenants’ lives and require costly repairs.

As such, it is critical to watch out for the early signs of structural damage. Read on to learn more about the problem and what you should look for.

What Is Structural Damage? 

In layman’s terms, structural damage is any damage that compromises the integrity of a building’s construction.

Some common causes of structural damage include:

• Poor construction quality.
• Lack of regular maintenance.
• Harsh weather conditions.

1. Termites 

If you’re not careful, a termite problem may quickly result in significant structural damage.

Termites eat away at a building’s structural components, including the support beams and wall studs. An infestation may, therefore, cause the building to become unstable and unlivable.

2. Cracks or Bulging on Walls and Ceilings

Although a wall or ceiling crack does not always indicate structural damage, you should still monitor it.

In particular, sagging ceilings and large cracks in a step pattern may result from uneven settlement. Additionally, horizontal cracks going from wall to wall suggest that the building has drainage issues that strain the walls.

3. Windows and Doors Do Not Function Well 

Because walls with windows and doors are particularly vulnerable to pressure, they are usually the first area of a building to exhibit signs of structural damage.

Some signs to take note of include:

• Uneven gaps around doors and windows.
• Doors and windows cannot open or close properly.
• Doors and windows cannot lock properly.
• Doors cannot stay closed.

Of course, these issues may result from poor installation practices. However, if the problem is present in several doors and windows, your foundation might be shifting, causing the framing to become distorted. Water damage may also be causing the wood to swell and warp.

4.Uneven, Sloping, or Cracking Floors

Shifts in a building’s foundation often cause the flooring to sag, slope, or crack. The greater the movement, the more signs of structural imperfections you will notice.

5. Sagging Roof and Roof Leaks

A relatively new roof should not have sagging or uneven roof lines. If it does, there are likely issues with the roof structure, which can be caused by weather-induced damages or lack of regular maintenance.

Roof leaks should also be promptly repaired, as water may damage internal structures.

6. Damp Subfloor

Insufficient ventilation may cause subfloors to become damp, leading to rotting floor timbers that compromise the building’s structural integrity.

7. Musty Smell 

A musty odour is typically caused by mould or mildew, which thrive in moist environments and feed on materials like drywall, wood studs, and floorboards. Over time, mould can contaminate indoor air and cause walls and floorboards to collapse.

Conclusion 

Are you noticing any of the aforementioned signs in your building? We recommend contacting a building services contractor immediately before they become too extensive and expensive to repair.

Contact OCL Building Services if you’re looking for a general contractor in Singapore. We offer a range of services, including pressure grouting concrete repair, swimming pool maintenance, and roof leakage waterproofing.