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Structural movement investigation

Cracks, sloping floors and sticking doors all raise the same question: is the building moving, and why? We document the evidence for attorneys, insurers and owners across western Pennsylvania.

What does structural movement look like?

Buildings move a little. Seasonal changes, drying soil and ordinary settling are part of life. The trouble starts when movement is excessive, continuing or caused by something that can be identified and disputed: poor drainage, inadequate footings, water in the soil, failed framing connections, or ground conditions beneath the structure.

Typical signs include diagonal or stair-step cracks, bowed or leaning walls, sloping floors, doors and windows that stick, gaps at trim and separations between additions and the original building.

What do we examine?

Foundation walls, footings, piers and slabs
Exterior masonry, siding and retaining walls
Floor framing, beams, columns and bearing walls
Roof framing and sagging or spreading indicators
Grading, downspouts and site drainage
Interior cracks, door and window operation, and floor levelness
Prior repairs, patches and any monitoring records

We measure and photograph, noting crack widths, locations and direction so the same features can be revisited later.

What documentation do you receive?

The site visit includes photo documentation and measurements. We review plans, permits, repair invoices, earlier inspection reports and any photographs the owner kept over time, because a record of how conditions have changed is often the most telling evidence.

The written report describes the observed conditions first, then gives a professional opinion on likely cause and extent in a separate section. If a condition needs analysis beyond our scope, the report says so.

Patching cracks, repointing masonry or installing foundation repairs can cover the evidence. Document before you repair, and note the date each crack was first seen.

When should you bring in an inspector?

When new cracks or sloping floors appear, before anything is patched
When a claim is disputed and cause or extent is in question
When an addition or renovation seems to be separating from the original structure
When a contractor's foundation repair does not stop the movement
When counsel needs the technical facts before taking a position

Western Pennsylvania has a long mining history, and the state runs a Mine Subsidence Insurance program. If ground conditions may be involved, mention it on the first call. Water is also a frequent contributor, so see water intrusion investigation and construction defect investigation.

Why an independent veteran Certified Master Inspector?

Will Kuhn is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a construction background and a Certified Master Inspector (CMI, CCMI). He is an InterNACHI member with CCPIA, IAC2 and MC/RC certifications, and the business is insured for errors and omissions and general liability. We are independent of agents, sellers and contractors, and we do not sell foundation repairs.

Deposition and trial support are available when the matter requires it. We stay within what we observed, and we do not give legal advice.

For cost questions, get a free estimate online or call us.

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Common questions

What is a structural movement investigation?

It is a forensic look at signs that a building has shifted, settled or deformed, such as cracks, sloping floors and out-of-plumb walls. We document the conditions, look for likely causes and extent, and deliver a written report that separates observation from professional opinion.

Is every crack a structural problem?

No. Many cracks come from normal shrinkage, temperature changes or finishing issues. What matters is the pattern, width, location and whether the crack is changing. We document these features and state plainly what the evidence suggests and what it does not.

Can you say what caused the movement?

Where the evidence supports it, yes. Causes may involve drainage, soil conditions, water, framing or foundation construction, or ground conditions. In Pennsylvania, past mining can also be a factor in some areas. We tie any opinion to what was observed and recommend further specialist evaluation when needed.

Do you provide engineering services?

We provide forensic building investigation and opinions based on documented observations. If a matter needs a licensed engineer's analysis, we will say so and can work alongside that professional. We do not claim qualifications we do not hold. If an engineer is needed, the report will say so plainly.

When should I call about movement?

Call early, before patching, repointing or foundation repairs hide the evidence. Keep dated photos of cracks and measure them over time if you can. That history helps show whether movement is ongoing. Even rough notes about when a crack first appeared can help.

Ready to schedule?

Get your free estimate online, or call Will directly at 878-300-6621.

Get a free estimate Call 878-300-6621