Wooden buildings built 60, 70, even 100 years ago are often admired for their charm, craftsmanship, and enduring value. But behind the exposed beams and vintage character can lie serious and often hidden structural concerns.
If you’re managing or investing in a commercial property that’s over 40 years old, especially one built with traditional wooden framing, it’s time to take a closer look at its structural integrity. Is your property still structurally sound or is it time to upgrade before costly failures occur?
Wooden Doesn’t Mean Weak – But It Does Age
Older wooden structures can remain reliable for decades when properly maintained. While they often age gracefully in appearance, time, weather, and unseen forces can take a serious toll on their internal structure. At Jericho, we’ve worked extensively on aging commercial properties and understand exactly what to look for and when to take action.
Common Structural Risks in Older Wooden Buildings
While each property is unique, there are consistent issues we’ve identified across decades-old wood-frame buildings. Here’s what to watch for:
i. WALLS
- Rot and Moisture Damage: Long-term moisture exposure can lead to dry or wet rot, particularly near exterior walls, basements, or any space with poor ventilation.
- Termite and Pest Activity: Insects are often drawn to older, untreated wood. Even a small infestation can cause structural weakness.
- Cracks and Shifting: If you see visible wall cracks especially in brick veneer or around windows and doors – it could indicate foundation movement or internal stress.
- Outdated Materials: Some older walls still contain hazardous materials such as lead paint or asbestos-based insulation that must be removed by certified professionals while renovating.
ii. CEILINGS
- Sagging or Uneven Surfaces: This often points to overloaded or weakened ceiling joists.
- Water Staining & Mold: Dark spots or musty odors may signal undetected leaks or previous water damage – common in older roof structures.
- Cracks Along Beams: Stress cracks running along exposed ceiling beams or drywall seams can signal structural strain or settlement.
iii. FLOORS
- Sloping or Uneven Walkways: Over time, wood joists and subfloors may rot or deflect, causing noticeable dips especially in large-span commercial areas.
- Squeaky or Soft Spots: Don’t ignore flooring that feels bouncy or unstable. It could be a sign of subfloor decay or under-joist failure.
- Water Intrusion in Bathrooms/Kitchens: Old plumbing, especially galvanized or cast iron, often leaks into surrounding wooden framing, leading to slow, hidden damage.
Why This Matters for Commercial Property Owners
For property managers, developers, or commercial landlords, ignoring structural issues doesn’t just risk safety – it can affect insurance, rental value, and resale. Many problems lie beneath the surface and can worsen with seasonal changes or increased tenant load.
Most importantly, ensuring structural integrity means protecting the safety of everyone who lives, works, or visits the building. Lives depend on proactive maintenance and expert care.
Why You Should Act Now
Delaying an upgrade or inspection can lead to:
- Legal liability if someone is injured due to structural failure
- Insurance limitations or denied claims
- Loss of tenant trust and revenue
- Costlier emergency repairs vs. planned upgrades
The Jericho Advantage:
- Code-compliant repairs & restorations
- Safe removal of outdated or hazardous materials
- Modernization without compromising character
Let’s Talk: Upgrade or Risk It?
Don’t wait for a structural issue to become a crisis.
Whether you own a multi-unit residential building, historical commercial property, or mixed-use development, our team is ready to modernize your structure – safely and cost-effectively.
Contact Jericho today to schedule a professional consultation.
warning: The information provided in this guide is intended for general educational and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute professional engineering advice or a formal structural assessment. Every building is unique, and structural conditions may vary significantly based on age, maintenance history, environment, and construction methods. For accurate diagnosis and code-compliant recommendations, property owners and managers should consult a structural engineer, licensed contractor or their local building authority.
