When something goes wrong in a building, it can be natural to worry. But not all building failures are created equal. Some are cosmetic and easy to fix, while others signal deeper structural concerns that require immediate, expert attention. Understanding whether a failure is structural or non-structural can impact everything from your safety to cost, and from liability to repair strategy. And when the cause isn’t obvious, or there is a dispute, a forensic investigation can offer much-needed clarity.
“Not all building failures are what they seem at first glance. Many issues that appear minor on the surface can stem from underlying structural deficiencies,” explains Matthew Furlong, owner of Först Consulting Group. “Our role is to apply investigative expertise and engineering insight to distinguish between superficial symptoms and deeper causes.”
What is a Structural Building Failure?
Structural failures occur when key load-bearing elements—such as the foundation, beams, columns, or floor systems—are compromised. These components are responsible for supporting the building’s weight and overall integrity and when they weaken or fail, the consequences can be dangerous and costly.
Examples include:
- Cracks in foundations or structural walls
- Sagging rooflines or floor systems
- Bowing or leaning walls
- Collapsing decks or retaining structures
What Causes a Structural Failure?
The basic types of structural failures for construction elements are categorized into bending, buckling, tensile and comprehensive and often result from poor design, subpar materials, construction errors, or environmental stressors like soil movement or water infiltration. Because they pose a serious risk to safety and habitability, they must be addressed immediately by an experienced professional.
What is a Non-Structural Building Failure?
Non-structural failures affect building elements that don’t carry loads. However, while they might seem minor or cosmetic, they can be early warning signs of underlying issues.
Examples include:
- Cracked drywall
- Loose siding or cladding
- Window and door leaks
- Drooping ceiling tiles
What Causes a Non-Structural Failure?
These issues can arise from weather exposure, aging materials, vibration, or improper installation. Although they may seem minor, left unaddressed, non-structural building failures can lead to hidden moisture damage, mold, or escalating repair costs.
The distinction between structural and non-structural failures is more than just technical. It determines how urgent the issue is, how it should be repaired, and who is responsible for the repairs and repair costs.
- Structural failures often require fast, specialized intervention.
- Non-structural issues may seem harmless, but ignoring them can result in larger problems.
- Accurately diagnosing the type of failure and its cause(s) helps you allocate resources wisely and avoid unnecessary work.
How a Forensic Investigation Can Help
When the cause of your building failure isn’t clear, hiring a forensic building investigator like Först Consulting Group is essential. As professionals, they bring a science-backed, unbiased approach to the diagnosis, using visual inspection, infrared imaging, moisture meters, material testing, historical records, and a deep understanding of construction standards to determine what failed, why it failed, and what can be done about it. Their objective, documented findings can be used for insurance claims or legal disputes, and include clear, cost-effective recommendations for remediation and prevention of future failures.
Först Consulting Group: Forensic Investigations in the DMV
Först Consulting Group brings clarity to complex building issues. With decades of experience in forensic investigations, we specialize in uncovering the true cause behind both structural and non-structural problems.
“One of the reasons clients seek out our services is because they’re frustrated by inconsistent opinions and vague assessments,” Furlong says. “We provide objective, evidence-based findings rooted in forensic principles to give clients a clear, defensible understanding of what happened and why.”
Contact Först Consulting Group
What sets Först apart is our independence and objectivity. We’re not a repair company and have no stake in the outcome of your insurance claim or legal dispute. Our job is to evaluate your structure honestly and provide you with clear, unbiased findings—the facts you need to make informed decisions. If you are unsure about the safety or stability of your building, we’re here to help you uncover the truth.
Whether you are a homeowner, attorney, property manager, or insurance adjuster, you can rely on Först to provide comprehensive documentation, expert reports, and if needed, courtroom-ready expert testimony.
We serve clients through the Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC (DMV) region. Contact Först Consulting Group at 703-268-8699 to request a proposal.
