Residential Structural Evaluations in Alexandria
Our team at DESKA offers expert structural inspection services for businesses and homeowners across Alexandria and the surrounding areas.
Are you in need of a structural evaluation due to home inspection issues? Do you need an engineer to evaluate the property for a construction permit? Whether you’ve got a deteriorated foundation, a problematic construction project, you failed a permit inspection, or are concerned about a noticeable home issue, let the professionals at DESKA provide you with an experienced and affordable structural evaluation and recommendations for repairs. The building’s foundation plays a critical role in maintaining structural integrity and preventing settlement issues that can compromise stability and utility systems. Evaluating the quality and suitability of materials used in construction is also a key part of the structural evaluation process. Proper structural design and thorough assessment help minimize risk to occupants and property. Understanding the structural design is crucial for identifying potential risks and ensuring the long-term stability of the building. We have professionally licensed engineers on staff to properly evaluate and diagnose structural issues.
What is a Structural Evaluation
Structural evaluations are vital to ensuring the safety and longevity of existing structures, including residential buildings, commercial properties, bridges, and other infrastructure. This comprehensive assessment involves a close examination of key structural elements, including load-bearing walls, foundations, and other critical components. The goal is to determine the current condition of these elements and identify any potential structural issues that could compromise the building’s integrity.
A professional structural assessment is essential not only for maintaining a structurally sound environment but also for complying with local building codes, especially when planning renovations or addressing concerns raised during inspections.
Professional Structural Assessments and Evaluations
Our structural evaluations are available for some of these more common issues a home faces:
- Roof Truss Issues
- Floor Joist Issues
- Foundation Cracks
- Foundation Settlement
- Retaining Wall Issues
- Building Permit Issues
- Construction Inspections
- Load Bearing/Non-load Bearing Wall Identification
For example, a structural evaluation is necessary when removing a load-bearing wall or making major modifications that could impact the building’s integrity. It is also crucial to ensure that any temporary supports used during such repairs or renovations are adequate to maintain structural safety.
The Evaluation Process
The structural evaluation process begins with a site visit, where experienced engineers conduct visual inspections to identify any obvious signs of damage or distress in the building or infrastructure. This initial assessment allows engineers to spot issues such as cracks, corrosion, or other visible defects in the structural elements. Following the visual inspection, a more detailed inspection is carried out, which may involve laboratory tests and specialized procedures to thoroughly assess the structural condition.
During this phase, engineers use advanced techniques and equipment—such as concrete sounding and non-destructive testing—to evaluate the integrity of the structure’s components. These methods help detect hidden problems like internal cracks, corrosion, or material degradation that may not be visible on the surface. The evaluation process is crucial for accurately assessing the structural integrity of the building and identifying any risks that could threaten its safety. By systematically conducting these inspections and tests, engineers can provide a comprehensive understanding of the structure’s current state and recommend appropriate actions to address any concerns.
Roof Truss Issues
Broken or cracked roof trusses are very common in our area due to the age of many homes. A broken or deteriorated truss member can be very serious issue, even if it’s only one member. Trusses are designed to be incredibly strong by their design of having all members be either in tension or compression. By allowing none of the truss members to act as beams with any flexural or moment loading, trusses maximize their strength to material ratio.
The downside of trusses is that because they’re so efficiently designed, they are non-redundant structures. This means that if one member or one joint fails, the entire system will fail. This is why just one truss issue can be very serious. If truss issues are not addressed correctly, there is a significant risk of structural failure, which can lead to building collapse or severe damage.
Understanding how a truss is signed and functions is important for repairing or retrofitting a truss system. Considering the complex nature of how truss systems work, it is important that truss systems are designed by professional engineers and are repaired properly by licensed and certified contractors. Improperly repaired truss systems can result in serious structural and safety issues. To restore the integrity of the truss system and ensure safety, a complete assessment and repair process is essential.
Engineering Evaluations
There is a verbal engineering evaluation fee that includes the following:
- Site visit by licensed professional engineer
- Verbal background of the site observations
- Specific description of the problem as visible
- Specific diagnosis or “next steps” if required for proper diagnosis to be performed
- Rating of the issue from “aesthetic”, “structural”, to “critical safety”
- General repair or follow-up recommendations
- This evaluation type is also known as an engineer’s opinion
If desired, a written, signed, and sealed structural report can be provided for an additional fee. A structural report documents the licensed professional engineer’s observations on site and typically includes a summary of findings, assessment of building integrity, identified issues, and recommended actions.
Common Reasons You May Need a Structural Evaluation
A structural evaluation is essential for identifying and addressing potential issues that could compromise the integrity of your home. There are several common scenarios where a professional evaluation is recommended:
Visible Cracks in Walls or Foundation: Cracks in your walls, floors, or foundation are often early warning signs of structural problems. If you notice these, it’s crucial to have a professional assess the situation to determine the underlying cause.
Sagging or Uneven Floors: If your floors are sagging, dipping, or feel uneven underfoot, it could indicate a problem with the support structure of your home. A structural evaluation can pinpoint the cause and recommend the appropriate repairs.
Doors and Windows Sticking: When doors and windows suddenly start sticking or are difficult to open and close, it can be a sign of shifting or settling in your home’s foundation. A structural evaluation will help identify any movement and the extent of the damage.
Water Damage or Moisture Issues: Prolonged exposure to moisture can weaken your home’s structural components, leading to rot, mold, and even foundation damage. If you’ve experienced water damage or have ongoing moisture problems, an evaluation can assess the impact on your structure.
After Severe Weather Events: If your home has been through severe weather such as storms, flooding, or earthquakes, it’s wise to have a structural evaluation. These events can cause hidden damage that might not be immediately apparent but could lead to significant problems down the line.
Before Major Renovations: Planning a major home renovation? A structural evaluation ensures that your home’s existing structure can support the changes you’re planning. This step is crucial to avoid complications during or after your renovation project.
Contact Us To Schedule a Structural Evaluation For Your Property
If you’re concerned about the integrity of your home or have noticed signs of potential structural issues, don’t wait to take action. A professional structural evaluation can provide the insights you need to protect your property and ensure its long-term stability.
At DESKA, our experienced team is here to help. We offer thorough structural evaluations that identify any underlying problems and provide you with a clear plan for addressing them. Contact our team today to schedule your structural evaluation.