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The only way to really know what's wrong with a home -- when it's not obvious -- is to hire a contractor who's skilled in structural damage; but there are a few warning signs to watch for when you're shopping the housing market. The roof, foundation, walls, windows and doors are things that can indicate you should negotiate for a better price, have the homeowner handle some repairs, or keep on shopping.

Settling and Leaning Structures

Diligent construction contractors factor in the settling of a home when building it. Jarring windows and doors, and/or cracks in the walls around these framed-in features are basic indications of poor construction, a leaning building or more settling than should occur naturally. Use a level on the outside corners of the home to see if the walls stand upright. When a home's doors and windows are sticking or won't open or close, the framework could be under too much stress from uneven settling or slanted walls.

Foundation

Upper walls attach to a crawlspace foundation by bolted plates or joints. Use a flashlight to inspect the foundation where it meets the crawlspace walls. Check for loose bolts or poorly aligned joints. You probably won't be able to see the supports or footings below a slab foundation. You can expect, however, to see harmless, hairline cracks in the visible exterior or interior concrete of any foundation. Check for large cracks that are wider at the top and narrow as they move downward, which may indicate extreme settling. Horizontal cracks in a foundation that's backed into a hillside may indicate a home is sliding or being pushed off its footings.

Rotting Joists and Shifting

You may be able to check for rotten or bug-infested, crumbling joists by poking your head through a dropped-ceiling panel and jabbing the wood with a screwdriver. This type of decay or damage, if widespread, is costly and serious. However, other destruction, such as that caused by shifting, may or may not be reason for alarm. For example, anticipate even a 1- or 2-year-old home to have the odd crack in the drywall from expansion as the seasons go from warm to cool and back again. Even daily changes in temperature are a cause for shifting; think of the creaks in the night as your home's voice when it adjusts from the warmth during the day to the cooling period overnight to another warm sunrise. Even though cracked drywall is unsightly, it is not a structural issue. Moreover, it's a simpler fix than a roof, which can show evidence of more serious structural damage caused by shifting.

Roof and Load-Bearing Walls

Shifting, whether from changing temperature, age or a natural disaster such as an earthquake, can cause load-bearing walls to move off their marks. Load-bearing walls carry the load or weight of the home. They're strategically placed between upper roof supports and lower footings. Exterior walls are load bearing, but some interior walls also help to keep a building upright. One way to check for shifting is to examine the roofline from a distance. If the roof appears to droop at the ends or sway in the middle, it's possible a load-bearing wall has shifted from its upper support, lower foundation or both. Before you sign a purchase contract for any home, bring in an architect, contractor or home inspector who's skilled in structural damage to dig a little deeper and take a closer look, or have your real estate agent write up the agreement subject to the inspection.

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How to Know If There Is Structural Damage to a Home

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How to Know If There Is Structural Damage to a Home. The only way to really know what's wrong with a home -- when it's not obvious -- is to hire a contractor who's skilled in structural damage; but there are a few warning signs to watch for when you're shopping the housing market.

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UPDATE - CONFIRMED EF-2 Arlington tornado damages homes and businesses

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Top 10 Signs of Structural Damage to Houses

Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable in their own home, so it can be particularly stressful when signs of structural damage are identified. From uneven floors and warped ceilings through to exposed gaps between walls, pest infestations, and more, there are many problems that can emerge which need assessing and repairing. In these situations, it's important to organise independent building inspections from a professional provider such as Casey Building Inspections so that the full extent of the damage can be ascertained.

We've put together this useful guide to the top 10 signs of structural damage to houses, to help you to identify problems before they become more serious.

Timber Rot

Timber is a strong and durable material that can last several lifetimes, but it needs to be shielded from the elements to ensure that it doesn't decay prematurely. Timber needs to avoid being exposed to an environment where harmful species of fungi can cultivate and thrive. This includes making sure your timber isn't exposed to high levels of moisture and nutrients that support the fungus that is commonly known as rot.

Crumbling Concrete

The main cause of , crumbling concrete and brickwork, often referred to as spalling is exposure to high moisture and or chemicals. Salts and chlorides are absorbed by the concrete which causes a chemical reaction within the concrete itself. This chemical reaction causes crystals to grow and expand forcing apart the bond between the material. Salts absorbed react with steel reinforcement causing corrosion of the steel (which can expand up to five times its original size) and breaking the bond of the material. Mortar erosion is often seen in the lower areas of brickwork below the damp coarse or waterproofing membrane and is an indication there may be further problems that need to be explored.

Warped Ceilings

The presence of warped and 'sagging' ceilings, wavy or cracked cornices , with one or more visible cracks running across the ceiling. These should be repaired sooner rather than later, Investigation into the cause of the cracks will need to be carried out and repairs carried out to prevent further deterioration. Once rectified repairs can be carried out to the plaster work.

Exposed Gaps Between Walls

Exposed gaps between internal and external walls can be caused by sagging floor joists, often occurring when support pillars are spaced too far apart or have been destroyed by termites. They can also be caused by foundation settling, which is when the ground changes or shifts, affecting your house in the process.

Contact Casey Building Inspections Today

If you identify any of the above signs of structural damage in your home, and you need access to a professional and reputable provider of building inspections as soon as possible. The specialists at Casey Building Inspections can provide unbiased information in relation to structural building issues and much more.

Need a building inspection? give us a call on 0488 339 686 send an email to admin@caseybuildinginspections.com.au, or fill out our convenient online contact form. You can also access our useful frequently asked questions

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Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable in their own home, so it can be particularly stressful when signs of structural damage are identified. From uneven floors and warped ceilings through to exposed gaps between walls, pest infestations, and more, there are many problems that can emerge which need assessing and repairing.

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Fire destroys garage, damages several structures in Newark

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Regardless of the place you live, water leaks could result to serious and extensive damages in your house. You can probably save you and your family precious amount of time, effort and money by getting to know the common water leak sources and learning the best possible way to repair and prevent it. The type of your house and other factors will provide you a checklist on which area to inspect first though each and every leak is completely different from the other.

The very first place that you inspect is your kitchen as water leaks are very common in the kitchen area. Relevant details about this are provided at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_damage_restoration. The only way in which you can be certain that the caulking around the sink creates a full seal and that it is firm is by personally checking it out. And say for example that you found some cracks, just fill it with caulking tools. And once you are done, the next thing that you have to inspect is under the sink and observe if there are standing water, wet spots, moisture, drips, small puddles or any other indication of water damage. You additionally have to check for any signs of mildew and mold to know any infrequent or past water damages.

After you checked your sink, the next thing you should look out is the dishwasher hose connection. See if there are indications of leaks in it which can be in form of discoloration, spotting, damaged flooring or water drainage. Keep this in mind, water leaks will soon after show itself in these said areas.

Your fridge should be the next thing that must be checked both the inside and the outside assuming that you have finally checked these locations. Does the icemaker hose is securely fastened to water line, are there usual condensation that may be an indication that there's a leak somewhere and so forth. Similar information about this are provided in this site. Aside from that, the most obvious signs of water leakage are water spots on your flooring so make sure that you have looked for it if there are any.

Now that you're finally through with the kitchen area, the next vital area of your house that you should check is the bathroom. This is another known place where heavy amounts of water are being used like flushing the toilet, taking a shower, grooming yourself at the sink and so forth. There's no real surprise if there are water damage be present here sooner or later with all the things said.

One way of avoiding this is by flushing the toilet, taking a shower, grooming yourself at the sink and so forth. You have to search for ways on how you will be able to identify damaged or leaking pipes as well as other things that may be causing water leaks. If ever you need services for Water Removal, you can go to the given link to hire professionals.

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Regardless of the place you live, water leaks could result to serious and extensive damages in your house. You can probably save you and your family precious amount of time, effort and money by getting to know the common water leak sources and learning the best possible way to repair and prevent it.

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West Maui Fire Damages 21 Structures, 30 Vehicles

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When an 80-foot, 20,000 pound tree comes crashing down on your house, it may seem like Armageddon. Once you pull yourself together and see what has happened, there will likely be more questions and the stress of what to do next to properly and quickly resolve the situation.

Trees fall all the time. However, when one lands on a house, immediate action must be taken to prevent further damage.

The fasttreeremovalatlanta.com emergency experts lay out exactly how to handle a tree falling on your home, and answers pertinent questions that you may not have considered.

Thereis no time to waste when your home has been struck by a fallen tree. Your immediate response should include the following:

1 - Evacuate the structure! Ensure that all family members, occupants, visitors, and pets are accounted for and safe. When damages are extreme, or there is flooding, consider moving them to another location until repairs can be made.

2 - Call 9-1-1, to report the incident if the tree:

* Caused any injuries or fatalities
* Interfered with power lines or utilities before falling on your home, or
* Is a threat to pedestrians or traffic

Inform the emergency operator of the situation and follow any instructions they may have.

3 - Document everything that is taking place and take pictures of all affected areas. This will help when filing your claim.

4 - Contact your homeowner's insurance company and follow their instructions (delaying this call may void your policy).

5 - Contact a 24-hour emergency tree removal company to remove the damaged or fallen tree, and inspect other trees on the property that pose a potential threat.

6 - Contact a 24-hour roofing company to inspect, tarp, and repair damages to your roof.

7 - Contact a 24-hour plumber to stop any visible leaks and examine the rest of the plumbing system for any collateral damages.

8 - Turn off the power if detect that water is coming through the roof or from broken pipes. The combination of water and electricity is extremely dangerous and a recipe for electrocution.

9 - Contact a 24-hour emergency water removal company if water is flooding your home due to a storm or broken pipe, to stop the water from causing structural damages or initiating a secondary problem with mold.

The House - When a tree falls on a house, there will be apparent damages to the area in which it fell. However, this type of impact to a structure may result in hidden structural, electrical, and plumbing issues throughout the house.

The Tree - If the tree was uprooted during a storm, be aware that trees within close proximity may also be in danger of falling. Trees growing close together will often rely on each other's roots to help anchor themselves.

Also, during severe and prolonged weather events, the soil may become oversaturated and destabilize the roots of other nearby trees; thus, leaving them vulnerable to strong winds or falling by their own weight days after the end of the storm.

Watch this video to see how trees can be affected by a severe weather event.

The Insurance Company - In the event your insurance company expresses they will not cover the costs of the tree removal, roof damage, and home repairs, you are not necessarily going to be left holding the bill.

Insurance policy's can be complex and confusing, but if you meet your deductible and have not used the total coverage limits of your policy, your insurance provider may be liable to pay for damages.

When needing an advocate throughout this process, the insurance public adjusters can help you file, fight, and receive the full benefits of your insurance policy.

Q: Is a tree falling covered by homeowners insurance?
A1: Yes. If the tree fell on an insured structure or came down in a way that obstructs access to it (walkways, driveways, or doorways).

A2: Not likely. If the tree that fell was neglected, or did not fall on or block your structure, your claim may be refused.

Q: What happens when a neighbor's tree falls on your house?
A: If your neighbor's tree falls on your house, the basic rule is that the insurance policy of the damaged property pays for the losses.

Or, if your tree falls on your neighbor's house, your neighbor's homeowner's insurance will cover the damages to your neighbor's house.

For what to do when a tree falls on a car, see fasttreeremovalatlanta.com/tree-falls-on-car-who-is-responsible

Q: Is a fence covered by homeowner's insurance?
A: Homeowner's insurance policies will typically cover a fence, shed or a detached garage if it's damaged by a covered peril on your property, such as a fallen tree.

Q: What happens if my neighbor's tree falls in my yard?
A: In most cases, each property owner is responsible for filing a claim for what falls into their yard, onto a fence or other structure in the yard.

Q: What does it mean when you have a $1000 deductible?
A: A deductible is an amount you pay out-of-pocket to the insurance when there is an accident involving property you have insured.

Let's say the total cost to fix your roof is $3,000 and your deductible is $1,000 (this is what you pay). Only after you have satisfied the deductible, will your insurance carrier then cover the remaining $2,000 of the repair costs.

Ultimately, knowing how to react and what to do when a tree falls on your home will help you minimize stress and get your property and life back to normal as quickly as possible.

Once a tree falls on your home, time is of the essence. Get your loved ones to safety, call 9-1-1, follow their instructions, then contact your insurance carrier, an emergency tree removal company, a roofing company that can inspect the home's structure for hidden damages, and a plumber to ensure that the jolt hasn't caused any pipe ruptures or hidden leaks.

Stalling or delaying to take action when a tree falls on your home can void your homeowner's insurance policy, exacerbate the damages to your home, and lead to expensive out-of-pocket repairs.
https://plus.google.com/+Fasttreeremovalatlantaservices
Fast Tree Removal Services Atlanta

3379 Peachtree Road #555a, Atlanta, GA 30326
(404) 220-9965

The original post A Tree Fell on My House, What Now? appeared first on http://www.fasttreeremovalatlanta.com

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When an 80-foot, 20,000 pound tree comes crashing down on your house, it may seem like Armageddon. Once you pull yourself together and see what has happened, there will likely be more questions and the stress of what to do next to properly and quickly resolve the situation.

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. From Columbus, Ohio new pictures after a violent home explosion. Two people critically injured. About's Steve osunsami with the images tonig as first responders race to the scene. Reporter: This was an emergency. Columbus police officers, responding to a home explosion today, were racing to find possible survivors. The home was supposed to be empty, but they were worried someone was trapped inside. Sifting through the rubble, they find a boy. Sweetie, you're good. You've made it this far. You're going to be all right. Reporter: Then they hear a voice, someone calling for help. I'm trying sweetheart. Reporter: Police say it was 36-year-old Vernice hill. She too is pulled out alive. Both are in critical condition with burns and fractures. The blast was so loud, they could hear it miles away. We do have a house completely leveled. Workers in there digging, trying to dig people out. Reporter: Several houses and buildings nearby were damaged in the explosion. Investigators tonight believe it was a natul gas explosion, caused by metal scrappers who pulling metal from the property.

This transcript has been automatically generated and may not be 100% accurate.

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Video: Explosion destroys house, damages several other buildings in Ohio

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From Columbus, Ohio new pictures after a violent home explosion. Two people critically injured. About's Steve osunsami with the images tonig as first responders race to the scene. Reporter: This was an emergency. Columbus police officers, responding to a home explosion today, were racing to find possible survivors.

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A deadly tornado touched down in Onalaska, Texas, on Wednesday, April 22, resulting in "widespread damage," local media reported.

The tornado killed at least three people and injured 20 to 30 others in Polk County, where Onalaska is located, according to local media reports citing officials.

The National Weather Service (NWS) said the tornado affected portions of Polk and San Jacinto counties, and possibly Walker County as well. The NWS said it planned to send crews out on Thursday to survey damage and assess the strength of the tornado.

This video, filmed by Brian Zielisko, shows damage to structures along Lake Livingston in Onalaska. Credit: Brian Zielisko via Storyful

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Deadly Tornado Damages Structures in East Texas

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A deadly tornado touched down in Onalaska, Texas, on Wednesday, April 22, resulting in "widespread damage," local media reported. The tornado killed at least three people and injured 20 to 30 others in Polk County, where Onalaska is located, according to local media reports citing officials.

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Posted: / Updated:

In this photo provided by the Philippine Red Cross, a toppled house is seen after a quake struck in Cataingan, Masbate province, central Philippines on Tuesday Aug. 18, 2020. A powerful and shallow earthquake struck a central Philippine region Tuesday, prompting people to dash out of homes and offices but there were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage. (John Mark Lalaguna/Philippine National Red Cross via AP)

MANILA, Philippines (AP) - A strong earthquake jolted the central Philippines on Tuesday, killing at least one person, injuring dozens, and damaging houses, two buildings used for coronavirus quarantine, bridges and a port.

A three-story house collapsed in the coastal town of Cataingan as the ground shook. A retired police officer pinned in the debris died, and rescuers were looking for other members of his family who were missing. More than 40 people were injured by the quake in Masbate province, according to disaster response officials.

More than 100 people who were undergoing coronavirus quarantine in two damaged Cataingan government buildings were moved to school buildings to ensure their safety, the Office of Civil Defense said. The quake also damaged roads, bridges and a port.

"People should avoid returning immediately to damaged structures," Rino Revalo, a Masbate provincial administrator, told the ABS-CBN network.

The 6.6 magnitude quake hit about 5 kilometers (3 miles) from Cataingan at a depth of about 21 kilometers (13 miles), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said.

Cataingan resident Isagani Libatan said he was on his way to his aunt's house for breakfast when his motorcycle suddenly swerved as the ground heaved.

"I thought it was my tire but people suddenly streamed out in panic from swaying houses and then we lost power," Libatan said by telephone, pausing as he felt a fairly strong aftershock.

The earthquake was set off by a movement of the Philippine Fault, said Renato Solidum, who heads the government volcanology institute. It was felt in several provinces across the central Visayas region.

The Philippines lies along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," an arc of faults around the Pacific Ocean where most of the world's earthquakes occur. It is also lashed by about 20 typhoons and tropical storms each year, making it one of the world's most disaster-prone countries.

A magnitude 7.7 quake killed nearly 2,000 people in the northern Philippines in 1990.

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Strong quake in Philippines kills 1, damages houses, roads

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MANILA, Philippines (AP) - A strong earthquake jolted the central Philippines on Tuesday, killing at least one person, injuring dozens, and damaging houses, two buildings used for coronavirus quarantine, bridges and a port. A three-story house collapsed in the coastal town of Cataingan as the ground shook.

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