Structural Problems: Exterior -- Plan View

Continued from main article: Structural Problems in Residential Homes and Buildings

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Damp ceiling areas: Often caused by a leaking pipe or roof. However, when the damp patch is close to an exterior wall, it could be caused by penetrating damp, which may need investigating. Leaking roof: A sound roof is essential to structural integrity of a house. Leaks can lead to various problems caused by damp and rot. Sagging rafters and joists: These may be due to age, or weakening by insect infestation or rot that will require treatment. Sagging rafters and joists: These may be due to age, or weakening by insect infestation or rot that will require treatment. Gaps below baseboards: May be due to poor installation, or may reveal failure of floor joists caused by rot or subsidence. Gaps below baseboards: May be due to poor installation, or may reveal failure of floor joists caused by rot or subsidence. Damp woodwork: When present on the exterior, this is usually due to poor maintenance. However, poor design or incorrect installation of windows or doors can be responsible. Damp area below toilet: The cold water in a toilet can cause condensation and damp areas. Improved heating and ventilation can remedy the problem. Damp area below toilet: The cold water in a toilet can cause condensation and damp areas. Improved heating and ventilation can remedy the problem. Penetrating damp below ground level: Basements are areas where water is a common problem. Because it is below the ground, some form of lining will be required. A musty smell, patches over large wall areas, and flaking paint on wall surfaces all tend to reveal the problem clearly. Penetrating damp below ground level: Basements are areas where water is a common problem. Because it is below the ground, some form of lining will be required. A musty smell, patches over large wall areas, and flaking paint on wall surfaces all tend to reveal the problem clearly. Damp lower wall: When soil or debris piles up against a wall, water retained by the debris may gradually penetrate the wall surface and create a water problem. Damp lower wall: When soil or debris piles up against a wall, water retained by the debris may gradually penetrate the wall surface and create a water problem. Large cracks in walls: (interior or exterior) or ceilings: May be due to settlement or subsidence, and therefore require investigation, cracks are commonly found along wall-ceiling junctions. central cracks may be due to poorly finished drywall. Cracks in old ceilings may be caused by sagging joists, or the plaster itself beginning to fall away from the ceiling structure. Damp window reveals: May be caused by condensation, or by penetrating damp due to poor seals at edges or flawed installation. Damp floor: Generally a result of condensation, a damp covering suggests that ventilation needs improving. If the structure itself is damp, with visible patches on a concrete floor or wooden floorboards, rising damp may be the cause. Damp floor: Generally a result of condensation, a damp covering suggests that ventilation needs improving. If the structure itself is damp, with visible patches on a concrete floor or wooden floorboards, rising damp may be the cause. Large cracks in walls: (interior or exterior) or ceilings: May be due to settlement or subsidence, and therefore require investigation, cracks are commonly found along wall-ceiling junctions. central cracks may be due to poorly finished drywall. Cracks in old ceilings may be caused by sagging joists, or the plaster itself beginning to fall away from the ceiling structure.



To summarize, here are the most-critical structural problems affecting homes:

  • Damp window reveals: May be caused by condensation, or by penetrating damp due to poor seals at edges or flawed installation.
  • Damp floor: Generally a result of condensation, a damp covering suggests that ventilation needs improving. If the structure itself is damp, with visible patches on a concrete floor or wooden floorboards, rising damp may be the cause.
  • Large cracks in walls: (interior or exterior) or ceilings: May be due to settlement or subsidence, and therefore require investigation, cracks are commonly found along wall-ceiling junctions. central cracks may be due to poorly finished drywall. Cracks in old ceilings may be caused by sagging joists, or the plaster itself beginning to fall away from the ceiling structure.
  • Damp lower wall : When soil or debris piles up against a wall, water retained by the debris may gradually penetrate the wall surface and create a water problem. More information on wet-basement problems.
  • Damp ceiling areas: Often caused by a leaking pipe or roof. However, when the damp patch is close to an exterior wall, it could be caused by penetrating damp, which may need investigating.
  • Leaking roof: A sound roof is essential to structural integrity of a house. Leaks can lead to various problems caused by damp and rot.
  • Gaps below baseboards: May be due to poor installation, or may reveal failure of floor joists caused by rot or subsidence.
  • Sagging rafters and joists: These may be due to age, or weakening by insect infestation or rot that will require treatment.
  • Damp area below toilet: The cold water in a toilet can cause condensation and damp areas. Improved heating and ventilation can remedy the problem.
  • Penetrating damp below ground level: Basements are areas where water is a common problem. Because it's below the ground, some form of lining will be required. A musty smell, patches over large wall areas, and flaking paint on wall surfaces all tend to reveal the problem clearly. More information on wet-basement problems.
  • Damp woodwork: When present on the exterior, this is usually due to poor maintenance. However, poor design or incorrect installation of windows or doors can be responsible.


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Updated: Thursday, April 17, 2008 15:59 PST