Five Troubles Homeowners Shouldn’t Ignore
All too often, homeowners are tempted to hold off on their home repairs. However, there are some problems that warrant repairs and really shouldn't wait. Many times, if these problems go unchecked or unrepaired for too long, they can lead to even heftier repair bills or health problems. Therefore, I would like to help homeowners and list some easy to spot problems that should be taken care of right away.
Mold and Mildew - No house is immune from mold and mildew no matter what part of the country you live in. Areas of the nation with hot temperatures are more likely to have water trapped in the structure of the home, which can lead to mold or mildew. Warning signs of mold or mildew are musty orders, dank air or family members that experience chronic runny noses. To check behind walls for mold, remove the cover plates of a phone or cable outlet and peer behind it with a flashlight. Also, check for mold under
carpet and around windows.
Pest Infestations - Termites and carpenter ants can be a huge problem if not found and taken care of quickly. Termites are attracted to rotting wood and carpenter ants are attracted to moist soil. Having your property properly graded will keep the soil dry and keeping your gutters clear will keep your home's structure from rotting.
Roof and Siding - The roof is the most vulnerable area of the property for water exposure. Seasonally check for missing, curled or cracked shingles and check flashing around chimneys or skylights. If there has been a bad storm with high winds, you should check your shingles afterward.
Gutters and Downspouts - Runaway rainwater or lack thereof can cause huge problems. Homeowners should check gutters, downspouts and leader pipes seasonally. In wet regions, the leader pipes around the home should extend at least five or more feet from the house. Remove any clogged gutters and downspouts and replace any broken or missing fasteners that connect gutters to the fascia board.
Foundation Cracks - Sometimes, a foundation crack can be harmless. However, many can mean big trouble. It's usually safe to say that any crack wider than 3/16" in any direction will be a problem. Use a ruler to measure and monitor the cracks with tape to see its progress over a few weeks to a month or a few months. Watch for buckling or bulging in the foundation. Any foundation repairs will require the attention of a structural engineer.
This list should come in handy in spotting potentially harmful or pricey repairs. The sooner you can get them taken care of, the better off you and your home will be.
Realtor® Tom Kile ~ Amarillo, Texas Real Estate
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