Some home maintenance issues can go on for a long time without being repaired, and some home maintenance problems are very serious indeed. Homeowners who go for a long time without fixing the more serious home maintenance problems could find themselves facing much larger repairs down the road, or could even put themselves and other members of their household in danger. Knowing which home maintenance issues are too serious to ignore can help homeowners take care of their house and members of their household.
Plumbing Issues
Some homes are
Long-term exposure to mold can cause flu-like
The best way to avoid mold problems is to address leaks as soon as they’re detected, and to keep the home well-ventilated. Homeowners who discover mold growing in their home should work with a professional remediation company to remove the mold for good.
Some maintenance problems are just too critical to ignore. Taking care of these problems in a timely manner can help homeowners avoid health problems and expensive home repairs. If you’ve identified a serious problem in your home, work with a home improvement professional to make the necessary repairs. Not only will you protect your house, but you’ll also protect other members of your household. When in doubt, consider getting an inspection to check if everything is okay.
Ryan Tollefsen is the founder and team leader of Unity Home Group. Ryan believes knowledge of home systems and how they work can maximize a homeowners enjoyment, safety, and investment in the long run.
Home Maintenance Issues You’ll Want to Fix ASAP
Some home maintenance issues can go on for a long time without being repaired, and some home maintenance problems are very serious indeed. Homeowners who go for a long time without fixing the more serious home maintenance problems could find themselves facing much larger repairs down the road, or could even put themselves and other members of their household in danger. Knowing which home maintenance issues are too serious to ignore can help homeowners take care of their house and members of their household.
Plumbing Issues
Plumbing leaks left unchecked can lead to structural damage, wood rot and mold. Even small leaks can lead to big problems over time, with much of the damage occurring behind the walls where homeowners cannot see problems as they form. Over time, damage to the structure of the home can be complicated by pests like carpenter ants, which are attracted to moist, damaged wood. Under the right conditions, a small leak can turn into a major infestation or structural problem.
Dampness
Some homes are more damp than others. Dampness is an especially common in modern homes that have a tight building envelope, because these homes do not “breathe” as well as traditional homes. Dampness can occur inside a home for a variety of reasons including a building leak, condensation and poor ventilation. Dampness can promote mold spore growth, which can reduce indoor air quality and lead to expensive mold problems. Dampness can be fixed by improving ventilation, fixing leaks and installing a de-humidifier.
Roof Leaks
Roof leaks can occur when a roof is poorly maintained or when the roof reaches the end of its service life. Leaks can be caused by ice dams, gutter problems, persistent moss growth and poor workmanship. Problems that are repaired quickly can sometimes enable a homeowner to get many more years of use out of the roof, but leaks that are not repaired in a timely manner can lead to structural damage and mold growth.
Mold
Long-term exposure to mold can cause flu-like or cold-like symptoms including post nasal drip, sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, scratchy throat, nausea, vomiting, headaches and respiratory problems. Mold typically occurs in homes that have poor ventilation, moisture problems, plumbing leaks, foundation trouble and roof leaks. Sometimes mold can go undetected for a long time.
The best way to avoid mold problems is to address leaks as soon as they’re detected, and to keep the home well-ventilated. Homeowners who discover mold growing in their home should work with a professional remediation company to remove the mold for good.
Gas Leaks
Gas leaks that aren’t addressed quickly can be fatal. Gas leaks occur because of faulty plumbing and poor appliance installation. Fortunately, gas leaks are often easily detected because of the sulfuric smell added by utility companies. Because of the odor, many homeowners will address gas problems as soon as they smell the scent in the air. Those who don’t, however, could be at risk for asphyxiation. Natural gas is also highly combustible, so homeowners also put their house at risk for a potentially catastrophic explosion.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems can lead to fires which, under the right conditions, could burn down the house. The warning signs of electrical problems include hissing or buzzing noises from electrical outlets, soot on the walls above electrical outlets, dimming lights when a major appliance comes on and corrosion on the inside of an electrical box. These problems need to be addressed by an electrician as soon as possible.
Clogged Dryer Vent
When they’re turned on, clothing dyers expel humid, lint-filled air. Usually dryers do this through a tube attached to a vent that blows the air into the yard. Over time, dryer vents can become clogged with lint, which can be a fire hazard. Cleaning out the lint is usually easy; pipe cleaner-like tools sold at home improvement stores can help. Homeowners who can’t clean dryer vents for themselves can always work with a handy man to get the job done.
Work With a Professional
Some maintenance problems are just too critical to ignore. Taking care of these problems in a timely manner can help homeowners avoid health problems and expensive home repairs. If you’ve identified a serious problem in your home, work with a home improvement professional to make the necessary repairs. Not only will you protect your house, but you’ll also protect other members of your household. When in doubt, consider getting an inspection to check if everything is okay.
Ryan Tollefsen is the founder and team leader of Unity Home Group. Ryan believes knowledge of home systems and how they work can maximize a homeowners enjoyment, safety, and investment in the long run.
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