Croydon South homes often mix older brick veneer builds with renovated extensions on reactive clay soils—small cracks can signal movement, roof spread, or failing supports that need urgent clarity.
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We assess signs of foundation movement such as stepped brick cracking, distortion around openings, uneven or bouncing floors, and misaligned wall planes. In Croydon South, reactive soils and drainage changes can worsen movement, so we look for patterns that suggest ongoing settlement versus older, stable cracking.
For homes with subfloor access, we check stumps, bearers and joists for subsidence, inadequate packing, rot, borer damage indications, and damp conditions. These issues can cause significant floor deflection and lead to expensive rectification if load paths are compromised.
We inspect wall cracking types, lintel performance over windows and doors, and signs of frame racking or sagging. This is particularly important in properties with renovations, where altered openings or removed walls can leave unsupported spans or overloaded elements.
We examine accessible roof space for sagging or cut trusses, undersized or altered members, inadequate bracing, and signs of roof spread that can push external walls outward. We also note moisture staining and ventilation issues that can accelerate timber deterioration.
We identify likely moisture entry points and chronic damp areas—wet area leaks, failed flashings, poor surface drainage, or subfloor moisture—that can lead to timber decay, corrosion of fixings, and weakening of structural components. We link observed staining and damage to potential sources.
While not a full compliance certification, we flag visible high-risk issues that often accompany major defects—unsafe stair/handrail conditions due to movement, cracked masonry posing fall hazards, and indications of unapproved structural changes. We also note obvious electrical and plumbing defects that can contribute to moisture and fire risk.
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Some cracking can occur as homes age, but in Croydon South we pay close attention to stepped brick cracks, widening gaps, repeated patching, doors that won’t latch, and sloping or springy floors. These patterns can indicate footing movement or frame distortion rather than simple shrinkage. We assess crack type, location and symmetry to determine whether the defect is likely structural and whether further engineering advice is warranted.
Yes. Accessible roof spaces are checked for signs of structural alteration and failure, including cut or notched truss members, missing bracing, sagging ridge lines, and signs of roof spread pushing walls outward. We also look for moisture staining and poor ventilation that can degrade timber over time. If access is limited, we document constraints and explain what additional checks may be needed.
Leaks can become structural problems when water persistently wets framing, subfloors, or masonry. Over time this can lead to timber rot, corrosion of fixings, termite attraction, and loss of bearing capacity under bathrooms, laundries and kitchens. We look for moisture staining, swelling, mould, odours, and floor deformation that suggest long-term leakage. Where appropriate, we recommend targeted plumbing investigations.
Extensions and open-plan renovations can hide structural shortcuts, especially where internal walls have been removed. In Croydon South we often see mixed construction ages and different footing systems between original homes and additions, which can move at different rates. We check for beam deflection, cracking at junctions, uneven floors, roof framing changes, and undersupported openings. These signs help identify whether structural load paths have been compromised.
Not always, but often it’s the next sensible step for confirmation and design of repairs. We explain the observed defect, likely contributing factors, and the risk if left untreated. For defects suggesting active movement, failing supports, or roof structure compromise, we typically recommend an engineer or relevant specialist to quantify the issue and specify rectification. This gives you stronger guidance for negotiations or repair planning.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchCall ACE Building and Pest Inspections on 0413 163 187 for a defect-focused assessment that targets the structural risks common in Croydon South homes—movement, altered framing, moisture damage, and roof structure issues.