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Structural issues can be severe, but many were once easily preventable and may still have simple cures.

There are many structural items that are looked at during an inspection, and as no house is perfect, imperfections are nearly always found. However the interpretation of whether these imperfections indicate a serious condition, or are the normal result of aging and environmental condition, is often an imprecise art because the interpretation can only be based on externally visual symptoms.

Conditions that often indicate serious concerns include horizontal cracks in basement walls, wide cracks in basement or brick walls, walls that are bulging or leaning, chimneys that are leaning or have badly deteriorated brickwork, joists that have been notched or are sagging, and beams that are precariously supported at their ends or at posts.

Any such conditions need careful examination. Some, such as horizontal cracks, bulging or leaning walls or chimneys, and poorly supported beams, will likely need major corrective work. This work may include shoring and rebuilding of the affected parts. Other conditions, such as a notched joist, may have passed the "test of time" because they have not failed yet, but that only means that they have not been loaded past the failure point of their present condition. Moving a piano over a notched joist just might cause it to fail! For long term safety it is recommended that all identified conditions be corrected

Here are some examples of poor structural conditions.

Deteriorated chimney brickwork Reconstruction is long overdue! As can be seen, bricks are missing, the mortar urgently needs pointing, and one brick is ready to fall from the top of the chimney. Because the brick surfaces don't generally appear deteriorated, major rebuilding may not be necessary.
Spalled chimney brickwork The surface of some of the bricks has split off exposing the softer core, which will deteriorate rapidly. Removal and replacement of all spalled and surface deteriorated bricks is necessary. This is not yet a structural issue, but may become one if ignored for long enough.
Notched floor joist The bottom edge of the joist has been notched, to allow a pipe to be installed. The notch weakens the joist and could cause it to fail by sagging under load from above. The cure for this is either installing a metal strap across the notch, or sistering the joist across the notch.
Water damaged roof sheathing If a roof is allowed to leak for a long time, damage to the roof sheathing and also the joists, any insulation, and ceiling material below, is very likely. This roof leaked for many years with no repairs being made. Now, replacement of the rotted sheathing is necessary.

© 2008 CMAC Inspection Services