By 
Settling cracks are a part of life, especially for those who manage sophisticated buildings with multiple floors. That makes it tempting to simply shrug off any cracks. With so many things to deal with on a daily basis, there’s often more pressing matters to attend to. At least, that’s the way many people think.
In reality, disregarding these warning signs can spell disaster. Engineers need to examine any building that’s developed a significant amount of cracks. If you’ve been putting things off, then there’s a good chance that these reasons will make you rethink the situation. Learn more below on 4 of the many reasons you need to speak with an engineer if a building has cracks.
Table of Contents
1. Small Cracks Hide Big Issues
Mechanical stress isn’t something that’s always obvious to the naked eye. A single small crack could hide a considerable amount of damage, especially if it goes down deep into the foundation. Structures built on sunk pylons will become extremely unsteady if said pylons develop cracks, but it’s hard to see these from street level. That’s why it’s important to call in engineers the moment that someone finds a crack. It’s possible that a small bit of chipped paint is actually masking a huge amount of damage.
2. Property Managers Have Enough To Deal With
Professionals who manage modern buildings have many other things they have to deal with on a regular basis, which means they often can’t stop their current chores just to examine some cracks. By calling in dedicated engineering consultants, the owners of a building can trust that they’ll get a team that knows what they’re doing and won’t overlook things just because of a busy schedule. Companies that manage multiple buildings and rent out large numbers of offices or apartments have been known to keep a group of engineers on speed dial so they can quickly tackle any problems that come their way.
3. Catch Poor Quality Steel
One of the major causes of bridge damage comes from poorly made steel, and the same problem that can cause civil engineering issues can also spell disaster for countless other types of construction projects. When a building develops a crack, there’s a good chance that there’s either damage to the steel inside of it or enough wasn’t put in to begin with. This represents a potential risk for collapse, so building managers shouldn’t ignore it. Taller buildings stand an even greater risk in this case, thus making it all the more important that an engineer gets called in for an inspection.
4. Geological Problems
Even if it doesn’t seem like it, the planet is always in motion and the soil beneath our feet is constantly moving. All foundations will eventually shift to at least some degree, which can seriously damage a building. Earthquake-resistant designs will hold up against these mild shifts better than most other types of buildings, but cracks could still be an early warning sign that something is going on underground. Calling in an engineer is the first step to preventing any further damage that could compromise the overall structure.
Comments