Elkmont Structural Inspections

Elkmont Structural Inspections Site Inspections, Structural Engineering, & more! Serving all of East Tennessee!

09/27/2025

DEVELOPING - A landslide on the Gatlinburg Bypass along with multiple road closed in Sevier County due to flooding.

🏡 Buying new construction? Don’t assume “brand new” means problem-free.🚨 Just because a house is new doesn’t mean it’s p...
08/25/2025

🏡 Buying new construction? Don’t assume “brand new” means problem-free.

🚨 Just because a house is new doesn’t mean it’s perfect. 🚨

We often find overlooked issues like:
🔹 Foundation cracks & drainage problems
🔹 Sagging floors from undersized framing
🔹 Decks that aren’t properly secured
🔹 Crawlspaces missing moisture protection

These don’t always show up right away—but they can cost BIG later.

💡 A quick structural inspection before you close can save a lot of stress (and money) down the road. Our inspections also help relieve anxiety for both buyers and contractors, especially in areas where code inspections aren’t available.

📩 Message us if you’re buying new construction and want peace of mind before move-in!

08/21/2025

🧱 Behind the Walls: What We Really See During Structural Inspections 🧱

After inspecting hundreds of homes, one of the most common issues we run into isn’t fancy or flashy—it’s a lack of proper support.

➡️ Sometimes it’s missing from the start—cut corners during construction, missing beams, or makeshift supports that were never meant to last.

➡️ Other times, it’s lost over time —thanks to poor water management. Water finds its way in, weakens soils, rots framing, and before you know it… the structure is shifting, settling, or worse.

📉 What seems like a small crack or sag could be a sign of something much bigger.

💡 Proper support and smart water control aren’t “extras”—they’re essential.

If you're buying, selling, or living in your home long-term, it's worth getting things checked out. The problems are usually hidden... until they're not.

08/13/2025

📢 What to Expect During a Structural Site Inspection 🏗️🔍
Structural site inspections are crucial for ensuring safety, compliance, and quality in every construction project. Whether you're a contractor, engineer, or property owner — here are some common questions you should be ready to answer:

✅ Are materials and workmanship aligned with approved plans?
✅ Has reinforcement been placed correctly before concrete pours?
✅ Are there any cracks, deflections, or signs of distress?
✅ Were all deviations documented and approved?
✅ Is everything built to code (IBC, ACI, ASCE standards)?

🔧 Pro Tip: Always have your drawings, permits, and reports on hand — and make sure access to key structural areas is safe and available.

👉 Want a complete structural inspection checklist? Drop a comment or message us!

07/15/2025

Foundation Settlement in East Tennessee: What You Need to Know

Have you noticed cracks in your drywall, doors that won't close properly, or uneven floors? These could be signs of foundation settlement—and it's more common in East Tennessee than many realize.

Our region's beautiful landscape comes with a variety of soil types, from clay-rich soils that shrink and swell with moisture changes to areas with karst (limestone) bedrock prone to sinkholes. Combine that with heavy rainfalls, like we often get in spring and summer, and your home's foundation can start to shift or sink over time.

The good news? Settlement doesn't always mean disaster. Small, hairline cracks are often just cosmetic. But larger cracks, stair-step patterns in brickwork, or gaps around windows and doors could be signs of something more serious. If you think your home might be settling, don't panic- just don't ignore it. A professional inspection can give you peace of mind and help you avoid costly repairs down the road.

Got questions or concerns about your home's foundation? Drop them in the
comments or send me a message-I'm happy to help or point you in the right direction!



03/05/2025

As fires sweep through our neighborhoods once again, many of us are left watching helplessly as our homes and memories are put at risk. The emotional toll is hard to put into words, but we want you to know that we are here, standing with you.

In times like these, we know that rebuilding is not just about restoring walls, but about restoring hope and security. While the flames may leave destruction in their wake, they cannot erase the strength and resilience that define our community.

Together, we can help bring homes back to their structural integrity—brick by brick, nail by nail. It’s about more than construction; it’s about returning a sense of stability to families who have lost so much.

One of the most important first steps in the recovery process is a structural inspection. After the fire, it’s crucial to understand how your home has been affected. A thorough inspection can spot:

- Compromised foundations – Fire can weaken the foundation of your home, making it unsafe to rebuild without further support.
- Damaged load-bearing walls – These critical elements might have been compromised by heat, which can impact the overall stability of your home.
- Structural integrity of beams and supports – Fire can damage the strength of beams, joists, and other supports, potentially making them unsafe to rely on without repairs.
- Smoke and water damage – It’s not just about the flames; water from firefighting efforts can also weaken structural components, leading to potential issues down the road.

A detailed inspection will ensure you understand exactly what needs attention and help guide the rebuilding process to make sure your home is safe and secure again.

As we rebuild the physical structures of our homes, let’s not forget the strength of the bonds that hold us together as a community. Let’s continue to show up for each other, as we always do. 💙

Stay strong, stay safe, and know that brighter days are ahead. 🌅

03/04/2025

🌸 Spring Into Safety: March Structural Site Inspections 🌸

As we welcome the season of renewal, now is the perfect time to add a structural inspection to your spring to-do list! 🏡🔍 Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or property manager, ensuring your structure is in top shape can prevent future issues and protect your investment.

Here’s why a spring inspection should be on your checklist:
✅ Check for winter damage
✅ Assess foundation & roof conditions
✅ Identify any cracks or structural issues
✅ Ensure safety for the months ahead

🌱 Let’s kick off the season with confidence! Schedule a professional structural site inspection today to keep your property strong, safe, and secure.

📞 Contact us for details or to book an appointment!

02/18/2025

🏚️ Fun Fact: Did you know that Sevier County was home to some of the first pioneer settlements in Tennessee? The area’s rich history dates all the way back to the late 1700s, with early settlers building cabins that have stood the test of time! ⏳

Just like those early pioneers, we’re here to make sure your building stands strong for generations to come. From log cabins to modern homes, our structural inspections help you preserve the foundation of your property – and keep it safe and sturdy through every season! 🌄

Need an inspection? We’ve got you covered. Call us today to ensure your property’s future is as solid as Sevier County’s past! 💪

02/13/2025

With the consistent rain we have had the last couple of days and the forecast predicting it to continue, we wanted to discuss the hidden risks and how it can affect your property's structure.

While rain is essential for the environment, consistent rainfall can have serious implications for the structural integrity of buildings. Whether it’s a few days of steady drizzle or weeks of heavy rain, the impact on your home or business can be significant. Here's how:

1. Foundation Erosion: Continuous rain can seep into the soil surrounding your foundation, leading to erosion. Over time, this can weaken the support of the building, causing cracks and shifts in the foundation. These issues can result in costly repairs if not addressed early.

2. Water Pe*******on: Rainwater can find its way through cracks or gaps in exterior walls and windows. This water infiltration can lead to mold growth, rotting wood, and the deterioration of insulation and electrical systems. If left unchecked, it can compromise both the structure and air quality.

3. Roof Damage: Heavy rain or consistent wet conditions can cause roofing materials to weaken, warp, or break down. Leaky roofs are a common result of prolonged exposure to rain, and the moisture can further deteriorate ceilings and walls inside the building.

4. Flooding and Drainage Issues: Persistent rain can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to localized flooding around the building. Water pooling near the structure can accelerate foundation damage, and it may also lead to moisture-related issues in basements or crawlspaces.

5. Structural Shifting: In extreme cases, continuous rain can lead to soil saturation, making the ground unstable. This can cause buildings to settle unevenly, leading to cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings, which may require serious intervention to fix.

Prevention Tips:
- Regularly inspect gutters and downspouts to ensure they’re clear and functioning properly.
- Check your foundation and walls for any visible cracks.
- Ensure proper drainage around your property to prevent water from accumulating.
- Consider applying waterproof sealants on your roof, walls, and foundation.

Protecting your home or business from the long-term effects of persistent rain is key to avoiding costly repairs. Stay vigilant and proactive—your property will thank you!

02/11/2025

🔍🏚️ Our inspector discusses a troubling issue: A settled footing that was repaired with a cinder block and a 2x8 wood block, which is now rotting out. 😬 Now, the post is collapsing through the wood, causing deflection—and worse, it could lead to lateral movement or failure in the deck system! 🚨 Don’t take shortcuts with structural integrity—this could be a major safety risk. This is something that can be repaired, however, with proper footing design, installation, and water management, this issue could have been prevented!

02/07/2025

**🌪️ Inspecting Storm Damage: A Structural Perspective 🏚️**

After a storm, it’s essential to take a close look at your property’s structural integrity. Strong winds, heavy rains, and even hail can leave lasting effects that aren’t always visible at first glance. Here’s why inspecting storm damage from a structural perspective is so important:

🔨 Foundation Cracks: Storms can cause soil shifts and erosion, leading to cracks in your home’s foundation. These can compromise the overall stability of the structure if not addressed.

🏠 Roof Inspection: High winds can lift or tear roofing materials, exposing the structure beneath. Damaged roofs can lead to leaks, which, if left unchecked, could affect walls and foundations.

🧱 Wall and Framing Integrity: The force of the storm may weaken load-bearing walls or shift framing, putting your home at risk. Inspecting for bowing, shifting, or cracks in walls and framing is crucial.

🌧️ Water Damage & Mold: If the storm has caused water to seep into walls, ceilings, or foundations, there could be hidden damage like mold or wood rot. This can severely weaken the structure over time.

💨 Structural Shifts: In cases of extreme wind or flooding, structures can shift or tilt. These issues may require professional assessment to ensure the building remains level and safe.

Taking immediate action to inspect and repair storm-related damage will help safeguard your home or building for the long term. Don’t wait for small issues to turn into big problems. Reach out to a professional to assess the damage and get expert recommendations.

Address

Sevierville, TN

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Elkmont Structural Inspections posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share

Category