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home structural repair

Ten Signs Your Home Needs Structure Repair

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Your home is more than just a structure; it’s a place of comfort, safety, and cherished memories. 

However, even the sturdiest homes show wear and tear. Some issues may be cosmetic and easily fixed. Others may indicate more serious structural problems. Here are ten common signs that your home may need structural repair. 

  1. Cracks in walls and ceilings. Horizontal cracks, especially those wider than a quarter inch, can indicate foundation problems. Vertical cracks may be associated with settling or normal wear and tear.
  2. Uneven or sloping floors. If you notice your floors are uneven, sloping, or sagging, it’s likely a sign of structural issues. These problems could be due to settling, rotting beams, or unstable foundations.
  3. Doors and windows that stick or won’t close properly. Difficulty in opening and closing doors and windows may indicate a shift in your home’s foundation. When your home’s structure is compromised, it can lead to alterations in door and window frames.
  4. Bowing or leaning walls. These can be a severe structural concern. These issues may result from soil pressure, water damage, or the deterioration of support elements.
  5. Cracks in the foundation. Cracks in the foundation, particularly wider than a quarter-inch, are a red flag. These cracks may indicate foundation settlement, poor construction, or soil-related problems.
  6. Gaps in the caulking or sealing around windows and doors. Gaps in caulking or sealing around windows and doors can allow water infiltration and pests to enter your home. This may be a sign that your home’s structure is shifting.
  7. Water intrusion of moisture issues. Frequent water intrusion, flooding, or persistent moisture in the basement or crawl space can weaken the structural integrity of your home. It may lead to rot, mold, and damage to support elements.
  8. Popped nails and screws. When nails and screws begin to pop out of drywall or ceiling fixtures, it may indicate that the structure is shifting. This can occur due to foundation issues, especially in homes with drywall or sheetrock ceilings.
  9. Exterior brick or masonry cracks. Cracks in your home’s exterior brick or masonry can signal structural problems. These cracks may result from foundation movement, weathering, or other underlying issues.
  10. Roof problems. A sagging or uneven roofline is a clear sign of structural issues. Roof problems may indicate damage to load-bearing walls or the roof’s support structure.

If you notice one or more of these signs in your home, it’s crucial to take action promptly:

  1. Consult a structural engineer. They can assess the extent of the damage and provide recommendations for repair.
  2. Foundation inspection. Foundation issues are often the root cause of many of these problems. A professional foundation inspection can identify the source of the issue and the appropriate repair solutions.
  3. Foundation Repair. Depending on the nature and extent of the damage, foundation repair may be necessary. Solutions can range from underpinning and wall reinforcement to drainage improvements and more.
  4. Crawl space and basement waterproofing. Addressing moisture problems is essential to prevent further structural damage. Proper waterproofing can help protect your home’s foundation and support elements.
  5. Professional contractors. For issues related to doors, windows, floors, and walls, consult with professional contractors to address the specific problems. Proper repairs can restore the stability and functionality of your home.

Recognizing the signs of structural issues in your home is the first step toward ensuring its safety and longevity. Ignoring these signs can lead to more extensive and costly problems down the road. If you observe any of the ten signs mentioned, consult with experts in structural repair and foundation services. Taking early action may protect your home and restore its structural integrity, so it continues to be a place of comfort and security for years to come.

M Taylor Enterprise can inspect your home foundation to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations, then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

 

home structural repair

Is It Safe to Live in a Home with Structural Repair Issues?

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Our home is not just a shelter. Our home is a place where we feel safe, secure, and protected. 

But what happens when your home has structural repair issues? Is it safe to still live there? It depends on the severity of the issues and their potential risks. Some home structural issues may be cosmetic or minor, while others can compromise the stability and safety of the entire structure. It’s crucial to accurately assess the severity of the problem before making any decisions.

Here are home structural repair issues and their safety considerations: 

  1. Foundation issues: Cracks in the foundation, uneven settling, or shifting can affect the entire framework of the house. If you suspect foundation problems, it’s essential to consult with a structural engineer to determine the extent of the damage and the necessary repairs.
  2. Wall and roof leaks: Leaks in the walls or roof can weaken the structure and lead to mold growth, which can affect indoor air quality and pose health risks. 
  3. Wall or ceiling cracks: Small cracks in walls or ceilings might be due to normal settling, but large or rapidly growing cracks can indicate more serious issues. 
  4. Termite or pest damage: Pests like termites can cause significant damage to the wood structure of a home. If left untreated, this damage can weaken the integrity of the building. Regular pest inspections and prompt treatment are crucial.
  5. Aging and deterioration: Older homes may show signs of wear and tear due to aging. A thorough inspection can help determine if the home’s structural integrity is compromised.
  6. Electrical and plumbing issues: Faulty electrical or plumbing systems can lead to safety hazards and potential damage to the structure. If not repaired, it may lead to fires, flooding, and related structural problems.

Living in a home with structural issues can pose various safety concerns:

  1. Health Risks: Water leaks and mold growth, can impact indoor air quality and pose health risks to residents, particularly those with allergies or respiratory conditions. ***
  2. Collapse Risk: It can lead to partial or complete collapse of the building. This poses an imminent threat to the safety of occupants.
  3. Resale Value: Structural problems can reduce the resale value of a property. If you’re planning to sell your home, these issues must be resolved. 
  4. Maintenance Costs: Structural issues can lead to further damage and higher repair costs over time. Prompt repairs can save you money in the long run.

If you suspect your home has structural issues, it’s important to consult with professionals:

  1. Structural Engineer: A licensed structural engineer can assess the severity of the issues and recommend appropriate repairs and provide an unbiased evaluation of the situation.
  2. Home Foundation Repair Contractor: A contractor specializing in foundation, roofing, plumbing, etc., can provide estimates and execute the necessary repairs.

If you’re waiting on structural repairs, there are precautions you can take to minimize risks:

  1. Limit Use: Don’t place heavy loads on areas that show signs of structural problems. This can help prevent further damage.
  2. Monitor Changes: Watch cracks, shifts, or other changes in the structure. Document any developments. 
  3. Address Safety Hazards: If there are immediate safety hazards, like exposed wiring or shaky support beams, take steps to mitigate these risks.

Some issues may only require minor repairs, while others can compromise the safety of occupants. Promptly addressing structural issues through professional assessments and repairs will help maintain a safe and secure living environment.

M Taylor Enterprise has an expert home structural repair team that can inspect your home to see if you have any home structural issues. Call our home foundation and structural repair experts in Maryland at (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com. We will do a free consultation, make recommendations, then do any needed repairs quickly and efficiently. 

We serve Montgomery County, MD, parts of Prince George’s, MD, and Howard County, MD.

*** For more information on the health risks of mold, visit the CDC website.   

home structural repair

Signs Your Home Foundation Needs Structural Repair

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Summer is now in full swing with the heat rising in July and everyone wanting to get out of quarantine. Luckily, the second phase of stage two openings has happened in Maryland. Businesses are starting to reopen cautiously with customers and workers’ health in mind.

Some restaurants have opened patios, porches, and terraces at full capacity and indoor dining areas at half capacity. Indoor and outdoor pools can open under strict guidelines, so there is still a chance that families can beat the hot summer humidity with cool chlorine waters*. This is welcome news after days, weeks, and months have melded together due to quarantine schedules and it may be over by fall.

Since the announcement of the government shut down, people have been staying at home to combat the Coronavirus and make sure hospitals were not overwhelmed. With more time at home, you may have noticed a few things. The couch is still comfy after a few hours of binge-watching a new show. The oven in the kitchen spreads warm air while cooking your meal and that’s great news for cold bare feet. The photos of great-grandma were in the attic all this time and there are a few frames still around. 

When you were hanging the photos did you notice a small or hairline crack in the wall? Did you smell a strange odor in the house as you searched for the perfect spot? These small nuisances could be your house telling you that your home foundation may be cracking and need structural repair. Luckily, you can catch visible warnings early and there are more signs your house may use. Have you encountered

  1. damp carpets, usually in the basement or first floor in the house?
  2. damp drywall, if you smell sweaty gym socks or other foul odors there may be a damp spot in your walls and even mold?
  3. discoloration of walls, when the foundation moves then the whole house will move causing pipes to be strained and start to leak or there could be cracks?
  4. Puddles, if you don’t have any leaking appliances this may be a sign that water is getting into the house through cracks in the foundation?
  5. flooding in the basement, when another heavy summer storm comes to your neighborhood and your basement is full of water then there are cracks in the foundation?
  6. bowing or buckling walls, if your foundation walls are curving into the house like a cave in taking its time then your house is in danger?

These are signs of your foundation failing, and you may have seen most of these early signs are due to water. This relates back to what causes foundations to crack with the most likely culprits being unstable soil surrounding the foundation or a poor drainage system. To fix this problem it’s important to call the professionals who can do the structural repair in the  Maryland area. 

M Taylor Enterprise professionals can help in Prince George and Silver Spring, MD area. If you are worried about your foundation or need structural repair in Maryland call (301) 649-3406 or email matt@mtaylorenterprise.com and protect your home so it can protect you.

*For more information on Maryland reopening phases and other COVID news click here.