Is It Safe To Live In A House With Structural Issues In Calgary?

Is It Safe To Live In A House With Structural Issues In Calgary?

In short: no, it's not always safe to live in a house with structural issues in Calgary. While some minor structural problems may not pose an immediate danger, significant damage—like foundation settling, bowing walls, sagging floors, or cracked ceilings—can compromise your home's safety. A licensed structural engineer can assess the severity of the issue and determine whether repairs are urgent. In Calgary, where unique soil and weather conditions affect home stability, ignoring structural concerns may lead to costly and dangerous outcomes.

What Are Structural Issues in Homes?

Common Structural Problems in Calgary

Homes in Calgary often face structural issues due to factors like shifting clay soils, freeze-thaw cycles, and aging construction materials. Typical issues include:

• Foundation settlement or heaving
• Cracked or bowing walls
• Sagging floors or ceilings
• Cracks around doors and windows

Why Structural Problems Happen

Structural problems typically arise from moisture changes in the soil, poor drainage, improper construction, or simply the aging of materials over time. Calgary's weather and soil conditions exacerbate these factors.

Health and Safety Risks of Living in a Structurally Unsound Home

Risk of Collapse or Injury

If a load-bearing wall or beam is compromised, there's a real risk of partial collapse. This can lead to severe injury, especially if floors or ceilings give way.

Mold and Moisture Concerns

Structural damage often lets in water, leading to mold growth. Mold spores pose respiratory risks, especially to children, seniors, or those with allergies.

Electrical and Plumbing Hazards

Shifting structures can damage plumbing and electrical systems. This can cause leaks, electrical shorts, and even fire hazards.

Calgary-Specific Structural Concerns

Expansive Clay Soils

Many homes in Calgary are built on clay-rich soil, which expands and contracts based on moisture levels. This leads to movement in foundations and can cause major cracks over time.

Freeze-Thaw Conditions

Calgary’s winter temperatures fluctuate dramatically, creating freeze-thaw cycles that shift soil and strain structural elements.

Older Housing Stock

Homes built decades ago may not meet current codes and often lack the reinforcements required to handle modern loads or environmental stressors.

How to Know If Your House Has Structural Issues

Visual Signs to Watch For

• Large or growing cracks in walls and ceilings
• Uneven or sloping floors
• Sticking doors and windows
• Gaps between walls and floors
• Bowing or leaning walls

When to Get an Inspection

If you notice any of the signs above, especially in combination, call a structural engineer. Also get an inspection after floods, renovations, or if you're buying or selling a home.

What Happens During an Inspection?

A structural engineer will examine your home's load-bearing elements, foundation, and framing using tools like moisture meters, laser levels, and visual inspections. You'll receive a detailed report with findings and repair recommendations.

Can You Stay in the House During Repairs?

Minor Repairs vs. Major Structural Work

For minor repairs like wall reinforcement or cosmetic cracks, staying in the home may be safe. However, major foundation or framing repairs may require temporary relocation for safety.

Insurance and Temporary Housing

Your home insurance may cover temporary relocation if the structural issue makes your home unsafe. A structural engineer's report is often required to support a claim.

Common Questions About Living with Structural Issues in Calgary

Can I ignore small cracks in my wall or ceiling?

‍Small cracks may be harmless, but if they widen or multiply, they could signal a deeper structural problem. It’s best to monitor them or have a professional take a look.

How do I know if a structural problem is serious?

‍Signs like sloping floors, bowing walls, or doors that won’t close properly often indicate serious structural movement. An engineer can confirm the severity.

Will insurance cover structural repairs?

‍That depends on the cause. If the damage was caused by a sudden event like flooding, some or all repairs may be covered. Gradual settling is often excluded.

Can a contractor fix structural issues without an engineer?

‍No. In Calgary, structural changes typically require engineering approval and drawings. Contractors follow the engineer’s design to ensure code compliance.

What’s the cost of structural repair in Calgary?

‍It varies. Minor fixes could be a few hundred dollars, while foundation repairs may run into the tens of thousands. An engineer’s inspection is the best first step.

How quickly do I need to act on structural issues?

‍Immediate action is recommended for major issues like sagging floors or foundation cracks. Delaying repairs can increase risk and cost.

Calgary Structural Engineers is a trusted choice for residential structural engineering services in Calgary Alberta and you can request a quote by calling us or requesting one online:

Request A Quote Online: https://calgarystructuralengineers.ca/request-a-quote

Call Us For A Quote: (587) 355-2031

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