Homeownership undeniably comes with a lot of responsibilities. Some repairs and renovations can wait, but there are also problems that require immediate attention. While fixing your plumbing or cleaning your gutters won’t be noticeable to the naked eye, it will mean a lot in terms of the safety of your home. Here are a few problems you need to fix as soon as you notice them in your home.
Roof problems
Your home’s roof is what’s protecting you from all the elements, so you should pay attention to its state. One of the most urgent repairs is damage to your roof. If your area experiences heavy storms, this might not be an unfamiliar situation for you. If a branch falls on your roof, it might damage the shingles or even the construction, and you should call a professional to assess it. Even if you don’t live in a stormy place, over time, your roof may lose shingles. Missing shingles are a sure recipe for leaks and expensive water damage to your property, so replacing them as soon as possible is a must.
Clogged drains
The second common problem that needs to be addressed ASAP is clogged drains. Clogged drains can be dangerous, as wastewater will not be able to enter the sewers properly. This will result in this bacteria-filled water lingering around, putting your health at risk. So, if you notice your toilet, shower or other drains not working properly, calling a plumber should be on your to-do list.
Leaks
Another thing that will have you calling the plumber right away is a leak. Leaks are a serious problem that can cause damage to your property if not attended to. Signs such as wet patches on walls should not be ignored – they likely mean a pipe in your walls is damaged and water is penetrating the surrounding area. Excess moisture is never welcome in the house as it can lead to mold growth, so finding the source of the leak is of the utmost importance. If you notice a leak after a storm, check your roof and gutters. They may be damaged but it’s also possible that your gutters are clogged and need to be cleaned to prevent future leaks.
Dampness in your basement
As you can see, water can be an annoying culprit in your home. You don’t want dampness to lead to mold growth and put your health at risk, so if you notice your basement experiencing this issue, you have to act as soon as possible. Water issues in your basement can sometimes be traced back to your gutters. Perhaps your current downspouts are not sufficient for directing the stormwater away from your foundation. Installing downspout extensions may solve this issue.
Electricity issues
A non-functional outlet might not seem like an urgent issue, however, it can actually be an indication of other underlying wiring issues, and you don’t want damaged wiring to cause a fire in your home. While some of the aforementioned issues may be DIYed if you have the appropriate know-how, you should never DIY electrical repairs. So, find a reliable local electrician such as Sparkys NOW and have them on speed dial in case of an emergency.
Pest infestation
Discovering that pests have infested your home is something you wouldn’t wish on your enemy. Needless to say, you need to act upon discovering the first signs. Pests are not only annoying; they are also unhygienic and can pose a threat to your health. Some of them, such as termites, can cause devastating structural damage, while others, such as cockroaches, might spread diseases. Different pests have different signs to look out for, such as droppings, smell, sound, and damage that has already been made. Watch out for them and call professionals if necessary.
Cracks
Another common problem that often goes ignored but should not are cracks. Be it cracks in your driveway or cracks in your foundation, leaving them unattended will certainly make them worse. The cracks may expand with temperature and weather changes and ultimately become a costly affair to deal with. Cracks in asphalt or concrete can easily be fixed with some filler, however, if your foundation is what’s affected, you may need to call a professional to evaluate the situation.
Wobbly railings
Finally, a repair you shouldn’t put off if you want to protect the safety of your family is wobbly railings. If the railing by your deck, balcony, or staircase is wobbly, it’s just a matter of time before it gives in, which means it’s a safety hazard. In addition, it’s much easier and cheaper to fix the affected part now than to wait for it to break completely. In that case, you might end up having to replace it entirely, which can be expensive.
Every responsible homeowner should look out for the aforementioned issues to ensure the safety of both the property and those living in it. If your home is affected by any of these problems, don’t put off the repairs – you will save a lot of money and spare yourself from headaches down the road.