Things That Go Bump in the Night: 5 Signs and Sounds of Structural Damage To Look Out For in Fall

This October, you may notice creaks, cracks, and slanted floors in your home. And that doesn’t mean there are ghosts.The real culprit is usually something less supernatural and potentially more expensive to ignore: structural damage. “A single crack, creak, or sticking door doesn’t automatically mean there’s a problem. I’m more concerned about new or worsening symptoms, when multiple symptoms appear at once, or when there are changes after heavy rain, flooding, drought, plumbing problems, or nearby construction,” explains Jeri Goodkin Dausey, certified general contractor and certified building inspector at Violation Clinic in Miami Beach, FL.Fortunately, you don’t have to (and shouldn’t) live with haunted house symptoms. Knowing what they are and how to address them can ensure a safer, more comfortable home and prevent costly damages down the road.Structural warning signs you shouldn’t ignoreIf your home shows any of these structural warning signs, don’t brush them off.1. Sticking doors and windowsOne door that sticks from time to time may be nothing more than humidity, a little paint buildup, or worn hardware.“However, when several doors or windows suddenly become difficult to ope...