Structural damage is a serious issue where the core integrity of your home’s foundation, walls, or roof is compromised. It is often caused by soil movement, poor construction, or water damage. The most common signs include large wall cracks, sticking doors or windows, and uneven floors. This guide provides a step-by-step checklist to help you identify potential structural problems and know exactly who to call for a professional assessment.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide:
- Not all cracks are created equal – Vertical and hairline cracks are usually harmless settling, but horizontal, diagonal (45-degree), and stair-step cracks are serious red flags that need immediate professional attention.
- Do the marble test right now – Place a marble on your floors in different rooms. If it consistently rolls to one side, you likely have sloping floors indicating foundation problems. This simple test takes seconds and costs nothing.
- Document everything today, even if you’re just monitoring – Take photos of any cracks with a ruler for scale. Most structural damage worsens over time, and having baseline photos helps professionals assess how quickly problems are progressing.
How to Check for Structural Damage: A 10-Minute Inspection Checklist
To check for structural damage, perform a systematic inspection of your home’s foundation, interior walls, and exterior. Look for stair-step cracks in brickwork, cracks wider than 6mm, sloping floors, and doors or windows that stick or won’t close properly. These are key indicators that your home may have a structural issue.
The Self-Assessment Checklist
Part 1: The Foundation & Basement
- Horizontal cracks in the foundation wall
- Large, stair-step cracks in concrete block or brick walls
- Walls that appear to be bowing or bulging inward
- Water intrusion or moisture after rain
Part 2: Interior Walls & Ceilings
- Cracks that run diagonally from the corners of windows or doors
- Cracks where the wall and ceiling meet that are pulling apart
- Sloping or uneven floors (test by placing a ball on the floor)
- Nail pops appearing in a line on the ceiling
Part 3: Exterior & Roof
- Sagging roofline
- Chimney is leaning or has cracks
- Gaps between the exterior stairs and the house itself
Interpretation Guide
- If you checked 1-2 boxes: Monitor the situation. Take photos with a ruler for scale and check again in 3 months.
- If you checked 3-4 boxes: It is highly recommended to schedule a professional inspection.
- If you checked 5+ boxes OR any foundation cracks are horizontal/bowing: Contact a structural engineer immediately.
Try This Now: Grab your phone and take pictures of the 3 largest cracks you can find in your home. Then, place a marble or small ball on the floor in several different rooms. Does it consistently roll to one side? This is a simple test for sloping floors.
Who Can Check for Structural Damage? Engineer vs. Contractor
For an unbiased diagnosis of a potential problem, always start with a licensed Structural Engineer. A foundation repair contractor is best for providing a quote once the problem has been professionally assessed. A home inspector is too general for a serious structural concern.
| Professional | Best For | Role | Potential Conflict of Interest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Engineer | Initial Diagnosis & Problem Assessment | Provides a detailed, unbiased report and a stamped repair plan | None. They sell expertise, not repairs |
| Foundation Repair Contractor | Getting a Quote & Performing Repairs | Executes the repair plan | High. They may diagnose problems that fit the solutions they sell |
| General Home Inspector | Pre-Purchase Overview | Identifies potential issues but is not a specialist | Low |
Best For Guide:
- Call an Engineer if you see major red flags (bowing walls, large foundation cracks) and need a definitive, professional diagnosis before considering repairs.
- Call a Contractor if you already have an engineer’s report and are ready to get quotes for a specific, defined scope of work.
5 Red Flags That Signal Severe Structural Damage
Severe structural damage involves issues that actively threaten the stability of the home, such as a failing foundation or load-bearing wall. These require immediate attention and are distinct from minor settlement cracks. Major remediation may be required such as a knock down rebuild or renovation.
The Visual Guide
- Horizontal Foundation Cracks: These indicate immense pressure from the soil outside and signal potential wall failure. A horizontal crack running along your basement wall is one of the most serious warning signs you can encounter.
- Stair-Step Cracks in Brick: This shows the foundation is settling unevenly, causing the wall to shear apart. These distinctive diagonal patterns in brickwork are a clear sign that your foundation is moving differentially.
- Sloping Floors & Gaps: When you notice gaps between the skirting board and a sloping floor, this suggests that the posts and beams supporting the floor system are failing or sinking.
- Doors and Windows That Won’t Close: When multiple doors and windows throughout your home suddenly start sticking or won’t latch properly, it’s often because the frame of your house has shifted.
- Sagging Roofline: A visible dip or curve in what should be a straight roofline indicates serious structural failure in the roof framing or supporting walls below.
Key Takeaway: The Golden Rule of Cracks – Vertical and hairline cracks are often from normal settlement. Horizontal, Diagonal (at a 45-degree angle), and Stair-Step cracks are the ones that demand immediate professional attention.
Can Structural Damage Be Repaired?
Yes, nearly all forms of structural damage can be professionally repaired. Common solutions involve stabilising the foundation with steel piers, reinforcing bowing walls with carbon fibre straps or wall anchors, and replacing damaged joists or beams.
Real-World Applications
For Bowing Basement Walls: Wall anchors or carbon fibre straps are used to reinforce the wall against external pressure. These solutions can halt further movement and often restore the wall to its original position over time.
For a Sinking Foundation: Underpinning with push piers or helical piers is used to lift and stabilise the foundation on solid bedrock or stable soil. This method can actually lift your home back to its original level position.
Taking Action
Structural damage doesn’t improve on its own – it typically worsens over time. If your home inspection checklist revealed concerning signs, don’t wait. The cost of repairs generally increases the longer problems are left unaddressed. Start by documenting what you’ve found with photos, then contact a structural engineer for a professional assessment. With the right professional guidance and timely intervention, even severe structural damage can be successfully repaired, protecting both your home’s value and your family’s safety.
Remember: when it comes to your home’s structural integrity, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. A few hundred dollars spent on a professional inspection could save you tens of thousands in future repairs. The team at Jonathan Homes are always on standby, ready to assist with any questions you might have so don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
