Since your home is possibly the biggest investment you’ll make in your lifetime, it’s important to keep it well-maintained and it’s systems functioning properly. Here are a few signs of major household problems.
Stains on the Ceiling
Do you have water stains on the ceiling or walls? These are signs that you should be concerned about. Typically, it reveals that your roof is leaking. Repairing a leaky roof isn’t too difficult. The challenge is finding where the leak is originating from. Even if the leak is small, make immediate repairs because small leaks can cause serious water damage. Water damage leads to mold, damaged and ineffective insulation, rotted framing, and ceiling damage.
Musty Odors Can be Signs of Major Household Problems
Call a mold specialist if you clean the house top to bottom and still smell musty odors. You likely have mold in your home. Mold is detrimental to the health of your family and can cause skin irritation, breathing difficulties, allergy symptoms, headaches, and chronic fatigue.
Mold Growth Where the Exterior Wall & Roof Meet
Roof runoff can infiltrate the walls when the flashing is loose or damaged. The most susceptible areas are above doors and windows, where water can seep behind the trim. Inspect for water stains in these areas.
Signs of Major Household Problems Include Rusted Gutters
It’s common for gutter leaks to originate where there’s rust. Well-functioning and clean gutters are important for the health of your home. If the rest of the gutter is in good shape, fix the problem with gutter repair tape. Use a wire brush to scrub away the rust before applying the tape. If this doesn’t fix the leak, call a gutter repair professional. Failing gutters lead to roof damage, foundation leaks, and mold growth.
Doors Don’t Shut Properly
If your home’s doors get stuck or your windows don’t shut properly, you may be dealing with a foundation issue. There may be active shifts in the soil or the foundation is settling. Call a structural engineer to assess whether reinforcement measures need to be taken. Issues with doors and windows opening and closing can also be a sign of termite damage.
While these signs may seem minor, they can end up costing a lot of money to fix when ignored. Don’t hesitate to make repairs when you notice any of the above signs that your house has a big problem.
Buyer’s Edge offers home inspection services to customers in Western North Carolina. Contact us to request an appointment.