Structural damage isn’t always visible during an initial inspection. Movement can occur below the slab. Water ingress may travel behind wall linings. Cracking that appears minor may relate to broader structural shifts.
These issues are often suspected based on secondary signs—uneven floors, elevated moisture readings, or known exposure to water or ground movement. These conditions can make it difficult to understand how far the damage extends, what caused it, or how it should be scoped.
Structural investigations provide the evidence to understand what’s happening beneath the surface. They help confirm or rule out suspected causes, clarify the extent of the damage, and give decision-makers a stronger foundation to work from when the visible signs don’t tell the full story.
What structural investigations involve
A structural investigation goes beyond surface-level inspection. When something doesn’t add up—whether it’s unexplained cracking, signs of movement, or unusual moisture patterns—your structural investigation helps to uncover what’s happening beneath or behind the visible layers of a building.
Structural engineers or experienced building consultants typically lead these investigations. Depending on what’s suspected, they may use a combination of methods to assess the structure’s condition:
- Level surveys to detect movement or settlement in slabs and flooring
- Moisture mapping to trace water ingress behind walls, under flooring, or within cavities
- Core sampling to test the composition and strength of concrete or other building materials
- Selective exposure of key elements like footings or beams to assess corrosion, decay, or failure
- Visual inspection of detailing, fixings, and connections that aren’t typically accessible.
What’s involved depends on the building type, the nature of the concern, and how accessible the affected areas are. But the goal is always the same: to confirm or rule out structural issues, define their extent, and understand the likely cause.
Findings from these investigations are then compiled into a formal report, typically including diagrams, photos, and references to applicable codes or standards. That documentation becomes crucial to supporting or contesting a claim, particularly where liability, repair scope, or policy coverage may be in question.
Where hidden damage is often found
Structural issues that aren’t visible at first glance still tend to follow certain patterns. While every site is different, there are common locations and conditions where damage can sit undetected, especially after events involving water, movement, or impact.
Examples include:
- Foundation movement following prolonged water exposure or shifting soils
- Framing damage behind wall linings caused by slow leaks, impact, or deflection
- Corrosion or rot in roof trusses, steel supports, or concealed fixings
- Unapproved alterations to load-bearing walls, often uncovered during invasive assessment
- Subsurface erosion around footings due to stormwater, plumbing failures, or poor drainage.
For example, a claim might initially report minor internal cracking after heavy rain. But when level readings are taken or further investigation is carried out, slab movement could be identified, pointing to water ingress under the foundation. Structural damage could be missed or under-scoped without that deeper assessment.
Why structural investigations matter for claims
The consequences can be significant when structural damage isn’t fully identified early in the claims process. Repairs could be under-scoped, liability may be misallocated, or the claim may escalate as new issues are uncovered midway through rectification.
The Insurance Council of Australia notes that engineers and other specialists may be required to determine aspects of a claim, particularly when structural damage is involved.
These structural investigations help support clear decision-making, with clarity about what’s covered, what needs to be repaired, and whether additional parties, such as builders or previous owners, may be involved. For brokers, this clarity also helps manage client expectations and reduce dispute risk.
Without a thorough understanding of what’s happening beneath the surface, the risk of delayed settlement, cost overruns, or unresolved liability grows.
The long-term risk of missed damage
Structural damage that isn’t properly identified at claim time rarely resolves itself. Left untreated or incorrectly repaired, it can turn what appeared to be a minor issue into a much larger and more expensive problem.
Moisture ingress, for example, can gradually degrade structural materials, leading to rot, corrosion or movement. A slab that’s shifted slightly may continue to settle, impacting alignment, cracking finishes, or compromising adjacent elements.
From an insurance perspective, the risks of missed damage include:
- Repeat claims as underlying issues continue to affect the property
- Cost escalation due to compounding deterioration or more extensive repairs later
- Disputes over liability, particularly if damage is later considered pre-existing or tied to poor workmanship
- Limited recovery options if original reports didn’t capture the full extent or cause of the issue
- Policy challenges if maintenance concerns or exclusions come into play
Need support with structural investigations?
At Morse Building Consultancy, we provide targeted structural investigations that help insurers and brokers uncover hidden issues before they escalate.
If you’re managing a claim where the cause, extent, or structural significance of damage is unclear, we’re here to help.
Get in touch to speak with our team.