5 common issues a structural survey can identify
Are you purchasing a new property or planning major renovations? Maybe you have concerns about structural issues – especially after an incident such as a storm, flood, or fire?
These are all instances where you would need a structural engineer to carry out a survey and provide professional advice on repairs or new construction work. A structural survey involves an inspection of the load-bearing elements throughout a property, resulting in a comprehensive report that will list the problems found and recommend how to fix them.
Any defects that are identified in a structural report could cause serious issues in the future if no action is taken, compromising the building’s safety and restricting potential planned works.
This is why structural surveys are a vital safety measure when it comes to protecting lives and property investments. While some building defects may be minor and relatively easy to fix, others can be very serious and will cost a lot to repair if they are left to develop over time.
Here are just some of the main issues that structural surveys often uncover…
1) Cracks caused by structural movement
It’s natural for buildings to experience a degree of movement over time, and while cracks appearing in surfaces may be visually unappealing, this common issue won’t always be serious.
However, deep cracks that are spreading are a cause for concern, particularly if they are present in multiple places. This suggests that the structure is shifting and is no longer stable because the load-bearing joints are struggling to hold everything together, as indicated by:
- Significant cracks in walls running through plaster or brickwork
- Cracks or gaps appearing around window and door frames
- Floors or ceilings becoming uneven with cracks in the corners
This type of structural movement can result from mistakes made during construction or environmental damage. The older the building, the more likely this type of movement is.
You’ll need a structural engineer, such as a member of the RD Engineering team, to analyse the extent of the problem and find the underlying cause. They can advise you on how to strengthen the structure – as in extreme cases, buildings can collapse without reinforcement.
2) Foundation problems (such as subsidence)
As the base that everything else stands on, the foundation is the most fundamental part of any building – but uneven or crumbling foundations won’t be able to support the structure.
A stable foundation should be built on soil that can support the structural load and settle evenly. If the soil underneath the building shifts – whether due to faulty drainage, vegetation changes, or nearby works leading to compression or expansion – this can result in:
- Excess moisture causing soil to swell, putting more pressure on the foundations
- Loss of moisture causing soil to shrink, reducing support for the foundations
- Land slippage causing soil to gradually shift and pull foundations down or sideways
When sinking or shifting foundations cause a structure to move, this is called subsidence or settlement. It can often go unnoticed for a while, until signs like cracks or uneven floors appear.
If the soil continues to move and damage the foundations, this could eventually result in structural failure due to unsupported loads. You’ll need structural engineers to examine the building and the ground surrounding it, who can recommend the best underpinning method.
3) Roofing defects (such as a sagging roof)
A roof protects the structure below from the elements, but it’s the part of every building that is most exposed, which means it experiences the most wear and tear from weather damage.
While roofing problems can start out small, like minor leaks from cracked tiles or a tear in the roof membrane, they can get worse over time and allow moisture and debris inside the roof. This can lead to roofs eventually caving in after being weakened by damp or excess loads from:
- Blocked gutters or insufficient drainage
- Improper flashing around roof edges
- Cracked or missing roof tiles after storms
- Rain or snow increasing moisture and weight
- Standing water on flat roofs (ponding)
- Birds or pests building nests in the rafters
If a roof is cracked or sagging, especially if water is leaking into the property below, this can impact the integrity of the entire structure. To preserve the roof, a structural engineer can evaluate the deterioration of the roof and suggest the appropriate work and materials to fix it.
4) Structural damage from damp or infestations
Damp is a very common problem in the UK climate, especially in older buildings. Not only can it affect the structural elements of a property, but it can also cause health problems for people in the building, too – making it doubly important to get damp conditions under control.
Otherwise, damp can spread and rot away wooden components like floor joists or wall battens, reducing their load-bearing capacities. Even steel elements can corrode over time from:
- Condensation caused by excess moisture in the air due to poor ventilation
- Penetrating damp caused by water seeping in through roofs and walls
- Rising damp caused by water from underground coming up through the floor
Timber elements are also more susceptible to damage from wood-boring insect infestations, such as termites or woodworms, which are attracted to damp and decaying wood.
Signs of damp include stains on ceilings, walls, and floors, crumbling plaster, and patches of mould. Structural engineers can assess the source of the damp or rot and determine what should be done to address it, whether it’s replacing individual parts or rebuilding entirely.
5) Non-compliant structural modifications
If you’re considering purchasing a secondhand property or altering an older building, there’s always the chance that a previous owner may have carried out unauthorised works.
Any alterations to a structure must be compliant with UK building regulations and safety codes, with full documentation and approval from the relevant authorities. There’s no assurance that your property is structurally safe if its history includes uncertified works such as:
- Building an extension to expand any side of a building
- Converting part or all of a building for a different purpose
- Adding another storey to a single or multi-storey building
Building safety regulations have changed a lot in the last few decades, so even work on older buildings that was permitted at the time may not be acceptable by today’s standards.
As part of a structural survey, a qualified engineer can compare the building to its official plans, noting discrepancies and assessing the quality of any modifications. If there are any problems with substandard construction, they can offer guidance to rectify these issues.
Contact RD Engineering for structural surveys
Here at RD Engineering, we have a highly experienced and capable team who can conduct surveys and produce reports on a variety of structural types, no matter how big or small.
Whether you’re interested in structural surveys for domestic properties or structural surveys for commercial properties, we’re confident we can deliver high-quality results. Not only can we complete inspections and provide detailed reports, but you can also hire us to carry out any necessary structural repairs, as we offer a wide range of structural engineering services.
To arrange a structural survey with our team, simply call us on 01257 445 010. Alternatively, fill out our enquiry form or email us directly at info@rd-engineering.co.uk and we’ll be in touch.