Four Common Building Defects to Look Out For

Unfortunately, building defects can affect homes of any age; whether you live in a brand new build or a listed building that’s been around for centuries. Building defects can cause a lot of damage if left undetected but luckily there are companies who have the skills, expertise and knowledge to identify and rectify these issues before they cause long-lasting problems. If you’d like to know more, see below for four of the most common building defects to be aware of and the warning signs that they might be present.

Damp penetration

Damp can enter your home for a number of reasons, including heavy rain, rising damp from a basement or leaking pipes. Damp can cause serious structural damage to your home, so if you notice any of the following signs it’s time to call a professional damp specialist. A musty smell, discoloured walls or peeling wallpaper are all signs that damp is present.

Mould

The presence of mould is often a side effect of damp issues, but if mould is left untreated it can cause serious health problems. Mould is able to thrive in warm, damp environments and can worsen health conditions such as asthma or chest infections, as well as cause damage to materials like leather, paper and cloth.

Condensation

Condensation takes the form of those telltale water droplets on the inside of your windows and while it might seem minor, condensation can lead to more serious issues if left unchecked. Too much condensation can lead to severe damp and mould, so take steps to reduce it such as opening windows when showering or cooking, or buy a dehumidifier to reduce the amount of moisture in the air.

Structural cracks

This defect can be caused by many things, including poor soil bearing, ground shifts or weak foundations. Not all cracks are indicative of structural damage, but if you notice vertical cracks that are wider at the top than the bottom, cracks in stair steps or cracks in beams or foundations, this is a sign that you should call a professional for a diagnosis.

If you’re in need of a building defect diagnosis for your property, get in touch with the expert team at Simon Levy. We have plenty of expertise in this field and have all the skills and knowledge needed to identify a range of issues, including damp penetration, mould, distorted walls, condensation and more. To arrange an appointment or find out how we can help, give us a call today or visit our website.