Floodwaters bring with it a lot of damage, diseases, and devastation. In some areas where the water has risen to extreme heights, the extent of water damage can affect more than just appliances and furniture. When the water has taken too long to recede, there is a good chance it has seeped through the walls and foundation of the house which can lead to serious and dangerous structural damage.
The water damage restoration company, Tempe, Arizona team can quickly spot the signs of structural damage after floods, the typical homeowner may not be as quick. If you are worried about the state of your home and its structural integrity, here’s a checklist to follow when inspecting the house for structural damage:
1 – Check For A Sagging Roof
Before entering the house to check its interiors, one of the most obvious signs of structural damage can be seen from the outside. Take a step back and check the roof for any signs of sagging. Distance is necessary for this inspection as the perspective will make it easier to spot abnormalities in the roof’s structure.
Pay close attention to the roof’s ridges, especially around the middle and its edges as these are the first two areas to sag when the foundation is compromised.
2 – Open And Close Windows And Doors
If the flood has caused the foundation of the house to shift, the sudden change will affect the doors and windows. Doors and windows that are hard to open and hard to close may be a sign that the structure of the house has been affected by the flood. Windows and doors should not stick and should close properly and if they do not, of course, it is not safe to stay inside the house.
3 – Check The Floor’s Condition
Take a walk around the first floor and note the feeling. If it feels spongy and soggy, water has seeped into the floors or the foundation underneath it. Another sign of extensive water damage is the presence of waves and bumps on the floor where there were none before.
4 – Inspecting The Basement
It can be dangerous to check the basement for signs of structural damage by yourself. This is a job best left for the water damage restoration company, Tempe, Arizona team. Some of the signs they will look for will include large cracks as well as the leaning and bowing of the basement walls.
Cracked and damaged support beams are also a clear indication that the structure of the home is not faring well after the flood.
Schedule A Professional Home Check
It can be hard to determine if the home’s structural integrity has been compromised without professional help. If you are unsure, it is better to schedule an assessment of the property before moving back in. Once the foundation of the home has been affected by the flood, it will not take long for the damage to spread.
Getting the house inspected will ensure your safety as well as your peace of mind that the roof will not collapse at any given time.
At Specialty Water Damage Restoration, our team of experts is always ready to lend a helping hand. We are a trusted water damage restoration company, Tempe, Arizona. Contact us today!
