A Step in Time Structural Engineers
What to Do If Your Virginia Home Has Cracks, Sagging Floors, or Roof Problems
If you find cracks spreading across your walls, floors that feel uneven, or a roofline that seems to dip in the middle, you have every right to get concerned about it.
In Virginia, we have more of these issues than many other states due to the soil conditions, humidity, and the age of the housing here. But don’t panic just yet, some cracks aren’t a disaster. Some of them won’t cause any big trouble to you, and some are like early signals that allow you to avoid major repairs if you take action quickly enough.
At A Step in Time Structural Engineering, we’ve been inspecting and repairing Virginia homes for over 25 years. Our goal is to help homeowners understand what’s really happening beneath the surface and the steps they must take to ensure their home stays structurally sound.
Understanding Why These Structural Problems Happen
Virginia’s mix of coastal and inland climates creates unique challenges for structures.
In Northern and Central Virginia, clay-rich soils swell when it rains and dry when it’s dry. That constant shifting puts pressure on basement walls and foundations. The Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension states that clay soils can hold 25% more water than sandy soils, leading to visible movement in houses over time.
At the same time, Coastal Virginia houses are confronted with a different issue: air salt and moisture. Years of that exposure rust steel connectors and erode framing, particularly in roofs and decks.
And lastly, older homes, particularly those built before the 1980s, often lack modern reinforcements, such as steel beams or vapor barriers. Paired with decades of settling, it’s not surprising that many Virginia homeowners eventually find cracks or sloping floors.
What to Look for Inside and Outside
There is a distinction between cosmetic defects and structural ones. Hairline cracks in paint or plaster are concerning but not that much. But diagonal cracks from window or door corners, or cracks that run through bricks or foundation walls, are more significant.
If your floors are bouncy or sagging, that typically indicates that joists or beams have been compromised, which usually happens due to crawl space moisture or termite damage. And if your roofline appears to be sloping or is sagging in the center, framing fatigue or uneven load distribution might be the issue.
The earlier you know what type of issue you’re dealing with, the simpler it will be to address.
Case Studies - Professional Structural Engineer Work
Case Study #1
One of our Richmond customers contacted us after she saw a long, straight fracture along her basement wall. To any normal person, it appeared to be something one could quickly patch up. But upon our professional structural analysis, we found that hydrostatic pressure, or call it groundwater pressure acting on the outside of the wall, was gradually exerting an inward force, expanding the foundation by almost an inch.
Our task was to identify the cause, determine the wall deflection measurement, and submit a report stamped by an engineer that fully described the problem. The report also included stabilization options, such as wall anchors and improved drainage, that the homeowner subsequently relayed to a licensed repair contractor.
With our accurate analysis and thorough documentation, the homeowner avoided unnecessary reconstruction and had the repair done correctly the first time, saving time and money.
Case Study #2
In another recent job we finished in Virginia Beach, the homeowner thought their roof was merely “getting old.” We discovered that the ridge beam had sagged because of corroded fasteners and years of exposure to coastal moisture.
We designed a solution to brace the framing with pressure-treated wood and new hurricane ties to ensure the house complies with existing coastal building regulations. The building not only became more secure but also added decades of life expectancy without having to be replaced entirely.
Why Calling a Structural Engineer Should Be Your First Step
When structural problems arise, most homeowners call a contractor or repair service first. The issue? Contractors can sometimes repair the symptom rather than the source. A structural engineer’s purpose is to diagnose, to determine why something is failing and develop a permanent fix that complies with Virginia building codes.
At A Step in Time Structural Engineering, each inspection includes:
1. A stamped, licensed report describing the problem in easy-to-understand language.
2. Repair suggestions that can be presented to contractors or insurance adjusters.
3. Information on permits, materials, and safety conformance with Virginia’s.
4. Residential code (Virginia Building and Fire Regulations).
That way, you won’t be spending money twice or repairing something that will fail a few years down the road.
Preventing Future Trouble
A few simple steps can help prevent the same trouble from recurring once your home is stabilized again:
1. Keep gutters and downspouts clear to direct water away from the foundation.
2. Check crawl spaces for standing water or mold once a year.
3. Avoid adding heavy roofing materials or large attic storage.
4. Seal small foundation cracks before they allow moisture in.
5. Schedule professional inspections every few years, especially if your home is older.
Preventive work may be little at this stage, but it’s the difference between a $20,000 repair and a $200 fix down the road.
Find Professional Structural Engineers Nearby - Call A Step in Time Structural Engineering
Cracks, creaking floors, and roof problems don’t heal on their own. The longer you delay, the more expensive and intricate repairs become. But if addressed early with the proper expertise, they’re typically easy to resolve.
If you’re in Virginia and your house is exhibiting any of these warning signs, our staff at A Step in Time Structural Engineering is here to assist. Each inspection is performed by a licensed professional engineer, not a technician, so you receive honest answers and long-term solutions.
Check in detail about the services we offer on our website.
To arrange your inspection or find out more about how we assist homeowners in Richmond, Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, and Virginia Beach with structural engineering inspection, call (848)-467-7328.
Raymond Gessner
Ray’s academic background is firmly rooted in engineering. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech in 1991, followed by a Master of Engineering degree from Old Dominion University in 1998. His technical expertise was further solidified when he obtained his Professional Engineering (P.E.) license in 1999.