Owning a home is a dream for many, although a house comes with its own problems. Many of these problems are weeded out during the buying process: Electrical wiring, foundations, boiler, and HVAC systems are thoroughly searched for faults before purchase.
Some problems still manage to slip past inspections or develop well after purchase. Just a few of these include:
Rusty Water
When the water that comes out of your pipes start smelling like iron and looking like reddish sludge, your house is screaming for help. Rusty water is an indicator of a faulty water main or plumbing. Red and earthy? The problem may even lie with your water source if it’s from a well.
Private wells should be connected to a machine that treats the water before it is utilized at home. Well casings, especially steel types, should also be checked for rust. Along with pipes and PE pipe fittings, newer well casings are usually made from PE or PVC due to their longevity and resistance to rust.
Black Mold
Black mold is dangerous and can be deadly to those with respiratory conditions. Mycotoxins produced by the mold can trigger respiratory diseases or worsen their symptoms. Mood swings and tremors are minor symptoms caused by mycotoxins; birth defects, seizures, and lung bleeding are more serious reactions to it.
This type of mold has a characteristic smell of must and mildew. Like other molds, it thrives in dark, damp places such as basements or bathrooms, or places under floorboards.
Black mold can be removed by plugging leaks or other sources of moisture, sealing away the area with the mold, and lightly spraying the mold with water to prevent the spread of spores. Black mold removal substances can then be removed with sponges or other equipment which should be isolated to avoid spreading the mold on them.
Wall Cracks
The severity of a wall crack depends on the direction, depth, and width of the fracture. Plaster and drywall that have vertical or horizontal cracks indicate shrinkage, while jagged, stair-step, and 45-degree cracks pertain to structural or settling issues.
Concrete walls with vertical and diagonal cracks experienced movement in its foundation. Settling or gradual heaving is indicated by a vertical crack with a wide base or top. Poor wall design can be exposed by horizontal cracks.
Any crack usually requires professional help. Structural engineers can tell whether or not a house needs rebuilding or simple DIY.
Curling Shingles
Ever taken a look at your roof and see something odd? Your shingles may be curling due to ventilation problems, age woes, or improper installation. Before going up the ladder or asking a professional to do it, check if your roof falls under your insurance plan.
If you don’t feel like doing it yourself, professionals are always willing to help. Services can come in bundles or ala carte. If you have multiple needs, it’s best to get the former, but for single, central issues, it’s best to go for it per service.
Homeowners who can afford it may also do preventive checks on their house. Scheduled monthly, or as frequently as needed, these checks go through the house top to bottom for potential problems. Checks made before the season changes can also help homeowners prepare for weather troubles.