Most building owners only think about structural inspection after something has clearly gone wrong. But by the time a problem is visible, it has often been developing for months or years. Here are five warning signs Anchor's engineers tell clients never to ignore.
1. Cracks wider than a pencil line
Hairline cracks in plaster are usually cosmetic. But cracks wider than 3mm, especially diagonal cracks near windows and doors, can signal foundation movement or structural stress.
2. Doors and windows that stick
If doors and windows that used to open smoothly now stick or no longer sit square in their frames, the building may be settling unevenly.
3. Sagging or bouncy floors
A floor that visibly dips or feels springy underfoot may indicate weakened joists or beams that need immediate attention.
4. Water stains or damp patches
Persistent water stains on ceilings or walls can point to compromised waterproofing — which, left unchecked, corrodes reinforcement steel over time.
5. Visible corrosion on exposed steel
Rust stains bleeding through concrete, or visibly corroded steel on balconies and columns, are a clear signal that reinforcement is being compromised.
"None of these signs on their own mean a building is unsafe — but they all mean it is time to call an engineer, not a painter."
If you have spotted any of these signs, Anchor offers structural assessments for existing buildings across the region. Contact us to schedule an inspection.