If you suspect damage to your building, a commercial structural engineer inspection can help identify the source and scope of the issue and instruct your next steps. A structural engineer inspects specific areas of the building to assess its structural soundness. Clients may hire a structural engineer for a commercial inspection in the following circumstances:
- Before or after selling the building
- Major storm damage or water infiltration
- Before renovations and additions
- Foundation or structural movement
After the inspection, clients may use the engineer’s discoveries to make repair plans. A structural inspection may also expedite building refinancing or purchase.
The Scope of the Inspection
A structural engineer will usually limit their visual inspection to the roof or foundation unless the client requests a full structural investigation. The client may also point out other areas of concern for the structural engineer to incorporate into their investigation. Upon request, an ATS engineer can expand their study of the building to include internal and external walls, load-bearing beams, and architectural finishes.
Settlement Inspection
The engineer will look for signs of foundation settling and shifting. While buildings naturally settle with age, significant changes to the floors, walls, and roof can indicate structural defects or foundation issues. The foundation may shift when its materials, such as a concrete slab or bricks, shrink and expand in response to aging, changes in temperature, and exposure to moisture.
Common signs of foundation shifting include:
- Spongy, warped, cracked, or sloping floors
- Cracks in the walls and over doorways
- Cracked or bowing foundation
- Cracked or leaning chimney and roof
- Jammed windows and doors
- Windows separating from walls
Water Damage Inspection
Water infiltration is a major concern to a building’s structural integrity. Rain and floodwater can seep through the roof, walls, and foundation and cause extensive damage. Additionally, a building on a lot with drainage issues may collect water that can freeze in the winter and melt in warm temperatures, jeopardizing load-bearing materials in the structure.
Our structural engineers look for signs of water damage:
- Rotting wood
- Tile mold
- Standing water in the chimney and walls
- Basement and crawlspace dampness, leaks, and cracks
Load Evaluations
During the commercial inspection, an ATS structural engineer may take material samples for testing in our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited labs, perform a structural analysis, and calculate the building’s ability to withstand its structural load.
Floor and roof load evaluations account for the weight of the building, its materials, and its contents. Before a building owner breaks ground on an addition to the building, they need a structural engineer to calculate the floor and roof loads compatible with the extension or new story. ATS’ structural engineers have an intimate understanding of material properties and maximum loads that impact the construction materials and design of any additions to the building.
What is in a Structural Engineer’s Report?
After the inspection, an ATS structural engineer will summarize their observations of visible damage and potential areas of concern in an official report. This report includes the location, scope, and measurements of damages found during the inspection.
The report also contains the engineer’s expert opinion on the underlying cause of the damages, such as a foundation shift, defective construction materials, or water damage. Finally, the report addresses immediate action items and recommended repairs.
The commercial structural engineer inspection and report should leave the client with a thorough understanding of the state of the property, potential damages, their underlying causes, and a clear repair plan.
About ATS and Our Family of Companies
ATS is a multidisciplinary firm based in Marietta, Georgia. We offer consulting engineering, calibration, testing, and inspection services to clients nationwide. Founded in 1967, we have expanded our family of companies to increase our availability across the United States.
For over fifty years, we have built a reputation for high-quality customer service, detailed analysis, and prompt results. We hold multiple ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditations for laboratory testing, along with ISO 9001:2015 registration. For a complete list of our qualifications, click here.
Contact Us
Call +1 (888) 287-5227 or complete the request form on this page to schedule a commercial structural engineer inspection. ATS can take a closer look at your property and advise on keeping your building safe and structurally sound.
