What Should I Do If I Suspect Structural Damage In My Calgary House?

What Should I Do If I Suspect Structural Damage In My Calgary House?

If you suspect structural damage in your Calgary house, act quickly. Start by looking for common warning signs like cracks, uneven floors, or sticking doors. Then, contact a qualified structural engineer to assess the extent of the damage. Avoid making assumptions or quick fixes—getting a professional evaluation is key to protecting your home’s value, safety, and integrity. At Calgary Structural Engineers, we help homeowners understand their risks and provide certified assessments to guide proper repairs and ensure building code compliance.

Signs of Structural Damage in Calgary Homes

Cracks in Walls, Ceilings, or Foundation

Hairline cracks might be cosmetic, but large or growing cracks—especially diagonal ones near doors or windows—can indicate structural issues.

Sagging or Uneven Floors

Floors that dip or feel spongy could mean joist failure, soil movement, or foundation settling—all of which require professional assessment.

Doors and Windows That Stick

If interior doors or windows start sticking, especially in more than one area of the house, it could mean your frame is shifting.

Bulging or Leaning Walls

Exterior or interior walls that bow, lean, or bulge might be under stress due to compromised framing or shifting foundations.

Water Damage or Moisture in the Basement

Persistent dampness, musty smells, or visible water infiltration in your basement can accelerate structural deterioration.

What a Structural Engineer Looks For During an Inspection

Foundation Integrity

We assess cracks, drainage issues, and soil conditions to determine if the foundation is shifting, settling, or failing.

Load-Bearing Walls and Beams

Engineers examine how loads are transferred and check for structural fatigue or improper support that could lead to collapse.

Roof Structure

Signs of sagging rafters or roof leaks can point to larger issues in the home’s framing or water intrusion problems.

Framing and Connections

We inspect how floor joists, studs, and beams are connected and whether there’s visible stress or deterioration.

Site and Environmental Factors

We consider external elements like soil movement, nearby trees, groundwater, and slope, all of which influence structural stability in Calgary’s climate.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Structural Damage

Step 1: Stop Further Damage

If you see signs of structural issues, stop any renovations or additions and limit heavy loads or activities in affected areas.

Step 2: Contact a Structural Engineer

Engage a licensed structural engineer who can provide an unbiased, expert assessment of your home’s condition.

Step 3: Get a Written Structural Report

A formal report will detail any issues, recommend necessary repairs, and can be used when obtaining quotes or dealing with insurance claims.

Step 4: Notify Insurance If Needed

Depending on the cause of the damage, insurance may help cover some of the repair costs. A structural report supports your claim.

Step 5: Hire the Right Contractor

Use your engineer’s report to hire qualified professionals who can perform the necessary repairs according to the design recommendations.

6 Common Questions About Suspected Structural Damage

Can I ignore minor cracks in my wall?

‍Not all cracks are serious, but it's best to have a structural engineer evaluate them. Some minor cracks grow over time and can signal deeper issues.

Should I call a contractor or a structural engineer first?

‍Start with a structural engineer. A contractor can’t legally diagnose structural integrity issues or provide engineer-stamped documents needed for permits.

Is structural damage covered by home insurance?

‍Sometimes. It depends on the cause—sudden events like water damage may be covered, while gradual issues due to poor maintenance may not be.

How much does a structural inspection cost in Calgary?

‍Most homeowners can expect to pay between $1,000 and $5,500 depending on the scope. We provide detailed reports at a fair rate.

Is it safe to live in a house with suspected structural damage?

‍It depends on the extent of the issue. For peace of mind, get it evaluated as soon as possible to determine whether temporary relocation is needed.

How long does a structural inspection take?Most inspections take 1 to 2 hours on-site, with a full report delivered within a few business days, depending on complexity.

Why Choose Calgary Structural Engineers

Trusted Residential Expertise

We focus on residential homes in Calgary, which gives us deep familiarity with local construction standards and challenges.

Thorough, Unbiased Assessments

Our licensed engineers provide neutral, fact-based evaluations. We don’t profit from repairs, so our recommendations are unbiased.

Engineer-Stamped Reports

You receive professionally prepared documents that you can use for insurance claims, permitting, or repair planning.

Fast Response and Turnaround

We know time matters when you're concerned about your home. We respond quickly and provide reports on a tight timeline.

Calgary-Specific Knowledge

From frost heave to expansive clay soils, we understand how Calgary’s environment affects home stability—and how to fix it.

Final Thoughts

So, what should you do if you suspect structural damage in your Calgary house? Don’t wait. Structural issues rarely resolve on their own and often get worse—and more expensive—over time. The best move is to contact a structural engineer as soon as possible for a professional evaluation.

Calgary Structural Engineers is a trusted choice for residential structural engineering services in Calgary, Alberta. 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

‍