A Step in Time Structural Engineering
Why Structural Inspections are of Great Importance for Virginia Homeowners
Whether you’re buying a new home in Virginia or relocating to an existing one, homeowners need to ensure their home is structurally sound. It means that from the foundation to the walls, roof, and the entire structure of your home should be free from any issues that may lead to more costly repairs in the future. Therefore, structural inspections are essential for homeowners in Virginia.
Homeowners in Virginia have unique structural concerns that are influenced by the state’s geography, climate, and the history of its buildings. Flooding alone has resulted in more than $1.3 billion in property damage throughout the state since 2000, as reported by FEMA (FEMA.gov). No wonder structural issues are among the most common and costly problems homeowners face in Virginia.
At A Step in Time Structural Engineering, we have inspected thousands of homes throughout Northern Virginia, Richmond, and the Virginia Beach area. From foundation to roof trusses, some problems recur repeatedly.
In this blog, we will summarise the most common structural problems in Virginia homes, how to identify them, why they occur, and what you can do about them.
1. Foundation Cracks and Settlement
Soils in Virginia have a large clay component. Clay swells when it is saturated with rain and recedes in dry spells. This repeated swelling and shrinking puts uneven pressures on foundations. This becomes a major issue for homeowners as cracks start to develop in their home’s foundation.
However, if you act like a responsible homeowner and look for signs of foundational damage, you can preserve the structural integrity of your home.
Warning Signs of Foundation Related Issues
● Horizontal or stair-step cracks in the walls of basements.
● Doors/windows that will not close.
● Gaps are developing between ceilings and walls.
● Uneven/sloping floors.
The common causes of foundational damage in Virginia homes include inadequate drainage around the property, soil shrinkage/swelling cycles, and other factors, such as tree roots that draw groundwater close to foundations.
As soon as you encounter any similar issues, be sure to contact a reliable structural engineer to assess the situation and recommend necessary fixes.
When you hire us for structural inspections, we check the following:
● Cracks: Look out for cracks in walls or floors, especially if they are wider than 1/4 inch. These may be a sign of structural stress.
● Bowing or leaning walls: If walls are curving or tilting, it could be due to soil pushing against the foundation.
● Moisture problems: Watch for water collecting near the foundation. Over time, this can weaken the structure.
Based on the findings, we will provide a comprehensive report of the assessment, along with pictures of the affected site in your home, so that you understand the actual cause.
2. Water Intrusion and Drainage Failures
This is another common issue faced by homeowners in the state of Virginia. Mainly because Virginia receives an average of 44 inches of rain per year (NOAA), with regular hurricanes and nor’easters in addition. Poor grading of the site and clogged gutters allow water to accumulate near the foundations.
Watch out for the following signs and call a trusted structural engineer immediately to schedule a visit.
Warning Signs
● Water is standing close to the foundation following storms.
● Spongy crawl space or basement smells.
● White powdery marks (efflorescence) on walls in basements.
These events can have a significant impact on the structure of your home. It weakens the concrete and masonry, attracts unwanted pests such as termites, and also causes mould growth and wood rot.
To ensure your home doesn’t suffer from sinking foundations, ensure you have a well-structured drainage system. This includes installing French drains to drain water away, extending downspouts at least 5–10 feet away from the foundation, and grading the soil so that water flows away from the house.
3. Roof Framing and Truss Damage
Virginia houses, particularly those on the coast, are subjected to hurricane winds, hail, and heavy snow loads in the Blue Ridge. These stresses weaken roof structures over time. Sagging or damaged roofs weaken the whole structure of your home.
Look for the following signs, and in case you identify any of them in your home, call for a structural inspection.
Warning Signs
● Sagging or uneven rooflines.
● Cracked rafters or trusses.
● Leaks following storms, although shingles appear to be intact.
This may occur for several reasons, such as hurricanes, water leakage, or the ageing of wood that weakens the structure’s strength.
Another major problem associated with roof damage is that most insurers reject roof claims because contractors fail to attribute the damage to a known storm. Our engineers utilise NOAA storm event data and hail swath maps to establish causation and provide state-sealed reports tailored to the case requirements.
4. Crawl Space Moisture and Wood Rot
Crawl spaces are prevalent in Virginia, where they often retain moisture and humidity, particularly in Richmond and the Tidewater region. This causes wood rot, mould, and pest infestations.
If you live in Virginia or plan to buy a new house in Virginia, look for the following signs, as any one of them would require you to call for a structural inspection.
Warning Signs
● Condensation on HVAC ducts.
● Mouldy or musty smells.
● Rotting wood beams or spongy joists.
Having vapour barriers over crawl space floors is one way to protect the crawl space in your home from wood rot. Installing dehumidifiers and ensuring adequate ventilation are additional ways to enhance the safety of your home. But what’s crucial is to have a structural inspection done for your home, especially after storms.
Note: Crawl space checks are part of annual recommended home safety practices by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA.org).
5. Storm and Weather-Related Structural Damage
The geographical location of Virginia is an inviting place for hurricanes, hailstorms, and flash floods. These natural calamities cause huge losses to property every year, leaving homeowners to battle for the claims they are entitled to.
Common damages caused to homes after storms or floods include –
● Roof and side damage due to a hailstorm
● Foundation damage caused by floods
● Collapsed chimneys because of strong winds
At this point, homeowners are required to submit a strong, evidence-backed report to the insurance companies to support their claims. Contractor comments or home inspector conclusions are deemed insufficient in these cases, and the insurance company denies the claim request.
When you hire us for a professional structural inspection of your home after a storm or flood, you will receive comprehensive forensic engineering reports that contain all valid proof of damage linked to a specific storm or other calamity, along with the exact date of loss (DOL). Our engineers utilise MRMS hail size data and add geo-tagged photos in the reports.
6. Ageing Construction & Code Deficiencies
Pre-1975 homes in Virginia may not have reinforced concrete, current load paths, or seismic design. Several historic homes in Richmond and Alexandria are built in this style. These homes do not comply with the latest building codes and regulations set by the governing bodies.
It means –
● Undersized beams or footings.
● Deteriorated chimneys.
● Inadequate framing for modern loads.
During renovations, walls may be removed without realising they’re load-bearing, risking collapse. Only a professional structural engineer with years of experience can help you determine safe modifications.
7. Chimney & Masonry Failures
Chimney and masonry failures are common in Virginia homes, particularly due to the freeze-thaw cycle, which is often prevalent in winter. Bricks and concrete absorb moisture, which then freezes and expands, causing cracks and leading to structural collapse over time.
Virginia homeowners should look for the following warning signs –
● Cracked or leaning chimneys.
● Missing mortar between bricks.
● Chimney leaks after rain.
The Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA) warns that poorly maintained chimneys are among the top causes of domestic fire hazards (CSIA.org). Therefore, it is essential to contact a licensed and experienced structural engineer as soon as you identify the warning signs.
Structural Inspection is the Solution - Call A Step in Time Structural Engineering
A licensed structural engineer can only help you save your home from any major structural collapse. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the building codes set by regulatory bodies, we have established a trusted reputation for delivering excellent structural inspections. Whether your floor is sinking, there are cracks in the walls, or your chimney is affected, we inspect the area and identify the root cause behind the issue.
Don’t wait for a minor problem to snowball. Book your inspection today with A Step in Time Structural Engineering. Call (848) 467-7328 to schedule your inspection.