Does Your Building Need a Structural Assessment?
Florida’s coastal climate and hurricane seasons push buildings to their limits, resulting in peeling paint, cracking walls, sticking doors, and ponding water. These aren’t quirks you can ignore because they can undermine safety and your building’s integrity and value.
Licensed engineers perform structural inspections to assess your building’s structural health and its ability to withstand Florida’s harsh environment.
It’s a professional evaluation, where structural engineers review everything that comprises a building, from foundations to roofs and everything in between. The goal? Detect and address concerns early to safeguard occupants from structural damage. Extending a property’s lifespan is not more important than the safety of the occupants. So, what warning signs will tell you your building needs a professional structural assessment? Read below.
What Is a Structural Engineer Assessment?
You can liken a structural engineer’s assessment to a full health check-up, except for a building. The goal is to catch building concerns before they turn into problems. Instead, hire licensed structural engineers to proactively look at and evaluate your building’s structural elements. They’ll check how well your building’s foundation, columns, beams, walls, etc. are holding up. The results can give you a clear roadmap for maintenance or even improvements.
Please note that this type of building assessment differs from a structural damage assessment, which zeroes in on building problems AFTER damage has become noticeable. This kind of assessment is “reactive”, where you check for problems only after an event has caused you to do so. On the other hand, initial structural assessments are “proactive” or forward-looking, determining potential problems before they rear their heads.
You can always count on Billerreinhart’s expertise in Florida structural renovation and restoration for tailored guidance on keeping your properties resilient against the Sunshine State’s coastal climate.
Signs that Indicate Your Building May Need an Assessment
No building is truly safe from structural deterioration (especially with Florida’s challenging environment. Structures in the Sunshine State face constant stress from high humidity, salty air, seasonal hurricanes, and other natural events. Knowing the warning signs that point to deeper concerns can help you take decisive action. So, what red flags suggest it’s time for a professional structural assessment?
Cracks in Walls, Foundations, or Ceilings
Some cracks are very obvious. Others are harmless or merely cosmetic issues (like hairline cracks that you can easily “correct”) that don’t undermine your building’s integrity.
However, large gaps or cracks in foundations, columns, beams, and walls can indicate a structural shift or underlying damage. These signs deserve extra attention (especially in Florida’s hurricane- and flood-prone areas). After all, storm surges and shifting soil can put a lot of strain on your building’s load-bearing elements.
Sagging or Uneven Floors
Nobody wants to walk on floors that feel less solid and even than they should. If your building’s floors slope, sag, or even “bounce,” you can suspect termite damage to wooden supports. Gradual foundation settlement and storm-related water intrusion are also possible culprits.
Uneven floors aren’t only uncomfortable to walk on. They can compromise door frames, walls, and other parts connected to the floor.
Rust or Corrosion on Metal Components
The air along and near the scenic Florida coast is “salty.” It’s a persistent enemy of steel reinforcement and other metal components. Sadly, corrosion is more than an aesthetic imperfection. Balconies and railings can weaken, as can structural framing.
Water intrusion causes reinforcing steel inside concrete to corrode. When the steel corrodes, it starts to expand, breaking the surrounding concrete and weakening its overall strength.
Water Intrusion & Mold Growth
Moisture is an expected consequence of Florida’s humid environment. Water can seep through roof leaks and window frame gaps (even deteriorating balcony surfaces) into floors and walls. Not only will you contend with structural weakening, but also with mold growth.
You might notice musty odors and water stains. Sometimes, bubbling paint can signal water intrusion. And when mold starts to proliferate, you’re undermining your occupant’s health.
Unusual Noises or Structural Shifts
Notice annoying creaking sounds? Any sudden popping sounds? Maybe noticeable shifts, especially after a storm off the Atlantic or even the Gulf? These are all red flags of structural stress.
These issues (unusual noises or structural shifts) could be your building’s way of saying it has endured long enough (that it’s already within its breaking point). This is especially true if your building happens to be in an area where heavy rains and hurricanes are part of life (like Florida).
Florida’s Unique Building Challenges
Florida’s challenging environment can put buildings under constant pressure.
We’re talking about hurricanes and storm surges that strain foundations and damage exterior walls. They can also accelerate wear on balconies and roofs.
Buildings along Florida’s scenic coast often face saltwater corrosion that eats away at metal components. Corrosion of your building’s steel reinforcement eventually causes concrete to crack and spall, weakening its overall strength. Underneath the surface, sandy or unstable soils can cause building foundations to shift, which can lead to more serious structural concerns in the long run.
The state of Florida requires buildings to undergo a professional structural assessment called a Milestone Inspection when a building turns 30 years old and every 10 years after. Some municipalities have their own inspection program called Recertifications, with more strict inspections and regulations as well.
A credible partnership with specialists like Billerreinhart will ensure your Florida property will stay resilient and compliant. Moreover, it will be more than ready to withstand the Sunshine State’s unique conditions.
Restoration and Renovation Solutions
A sound structural assessment helps you zero in on the warning signs. So, what can you do next?
Billerreinhart takes great pride in its tailored renovation and restoration services, which it specifically designed for Florida’s unique (and challenging) environment.
We specialize in fixing foundations and exteriors battered and compromised by storms. Whatever hurricane-related damage your building has, we’ll repair it. Our team can reinforce concrete structures (where salty air has weakened steel reinforcements).
We also restore building facades and balconies. You can feel more secure (and confident) about these structures’ long-term use and safety.
In-depth engineering assessments (plus years-long, hands-on experience with coastal construction challenges) guide every project we undertake. We always combine technical expertise with a proactive approach to help you extend the lifespan of your Florida buildings. Moreover, we guarantee building resilience against future conditions.