Question about bending of steel beams

Hello forum,

I hope I have chosen the right section.

We want to buy a house. The house is in good condition so far, i.e. the windows are okay, the roof is new, and the house is dry. Unfortunately, there is one thing that worries me a bit. But maybe it is not so dramatic after all.

The house has a full basement, and in the basement ceiling there are 5 steel beams (square approx. 15x15 cm) installed. On the left side 2 steel beams are next to each other, in the middle 2 steel beams next to each other, and on the right side 1 steel beam. Now it is the case that the right steel beam has slightly bent. Accordingly, small but long cracks have appeared in the screed in the house. Could it be that the screed has simply settled, or can it be assumed that there is a structural problem here? Is it to be expected that the bending of the beam will continue? What kind of action is necessary here? Is it enough to support the existing beam, does another beam have to be installed, or can one live with it as it is?

The house was built in the early 90s by a Czech company (timber frame construction).

I hope I was able to explain my problem clearly, unfortunately, I am not a professional in this field.

Thanks in advance,

Daniel

Hello,

... The house is completely basemented and in the ceiling of the basement there are 5 steel beams (square approx. 15x15 cm) inserted... or can one assume that there is a structural problem here? Is it to be expected that the bending of the beam will continue?

Certainly. Have the drawing and structural documents checked!

... In what form is action required here? Is it enough to support the existing beam, does another beam need to be installed, or can one live with it as it is?

Who should reliably answer this question in good conscience? Even if someone did, would you base a significant investment decision on it? The flight of prospective buyers into existing properties is ubiquitous! Which risks, due to lack of expertise, are partly "bought in" here is sometimes extreme. Pure speculation! I cannot understand how naively some people buy a money pit. Both the building structure and building services (heating etc.) require assessment by a professional! Even they have a hard time with it! Existing buildings are usually much more complex to bring to a comparable, acceptable energetic standard. The costs for this are usually greatly underestimated and the purchase price is generally too high when considering the whole. Without professional advice, support, and inspection, a high risk!

Best regards.