WHAT IS STRUCTURAL FAILURE?

The definition of structural failure:

Loss of the load-carrying capacity of a component or member within a structure or of the structure itself. Structural failure is initiated when the material in a structure is stressed to its strength limit, thus causing fracture or excessive deformations.

The causes of a building collapse or failure can be various including bad design, faulty construction, foundation failure, extraordinary load, or a combination of these factors.

Examples of structural components in a building would include:

• Wooden or steel I-beams – which can fail when an imposed load exceeds the capacity of the beam
• Reinforced concrete will suffer if the mix and raw materials used are incorrect
• Foundation failures can occur when there is uneven soil settlement and uneven loading, moisture in the subsoil and insufficient compaction.

All of the above reinforces the need for structural warranty insurance on new buildings, extensions and conversions.

As specialists in structural warranty and latent defect insurance, please contact us for further information:

Ed or Kelly on 01284 365345 or email ed@granitebw.co.uk / kelly@granitebw.co.uk.