Your home is the place where your family feels protected and safe. It’s a valuable asset for everyone living in it and needs to be taken care of. Harsh weather conditions can cause structural damage to your home which can most likely go unnoticed if not ratified in time.
Inspecting your house is necessary to ensure its structural stability. Here are a few essential steps you can take to check the structural stability of your home in a hassle-free way.
Inspect Your Foundation
The foundation is an integral part of your home. Every other structure stands firmly on these foundations. This is why it’s essential to check its integrity. Here are some specific areas you should check for irregularities to evaluate the strength of your home’s foundation.
Check whether the doors and windows are able to seal properly. Difficult to close windows or doors are a telltale sign of a weak foundation. Shifting of the floor, cracks in the walls, and chipped paint are all signs pointing towards a problem in the foundation. It is crucial to fix these issues right away as leaving them unattended will further deteriorate the already unstable foundations.
If you find any of these issues in your home, immediately address them to prevent further damage. Repairing your foundations might seem like they’d break the bank, but are essential to maintain the structural integrity of any home and avoid even costlier repairs in the future.
Exterior Walls
Walls protect the indoors from harsh weather and need to be checked to ensure the stability of the house. Damp or cracked walls are another indication to inspect further. Checking the walls might not be an easy task for everyone. Therefore, don’t hesitate to contact an engineer or a contractor for a more thorough inspection.
Check Your Home Ventilation
Regulating the airflow in your house is an essential step that not only keeps the indoor area stocked with fresh air but also assists in maintaining the structural integrity of the home. Besides deteriorating the air quality you and your family are subjected to, a poor ventilation system increases the indoor moisture, causes roof damage, and water seepage into the foundations.
Check the Roofing
A roof inspection is necessary to check the stability of your home. Over time, bad weather can lead to problems with the roof. You can start by checking for growing algae or moss on the roof, especially in the rain gutters. Their growth causes damage to the structure of your roof as they can attract moisture. The trapped moisture can easily seep into the roof’s base structure, resulting in damage and decay. Another thing to look out for if you have asphalt shingles on your roof, is that they might get curled or buckled from the indoor hot air.
These curled shingles allow water seepage and result in poor ventilation. Therefore, don’t hesitate to contact a contractor for a possible fix.
A sturdy roof not only protects your family from harsh weather conditions but also elevates the aesthetics of your home. A quality roof increases the value of the property as well. Hiring contractors who can guarantee great roof work is essential as it will save time and money spent on unnecessary repairs and maintenance. It is recommended to check your roofs before the start of the winter season to ensure you don’t face any leaks and compromise the stability and structural integrity of your home.
Checking For Infestations
People with wooden roofs and foundations need to check for termite or carpenter ant infestations, as these pesky creatures can eat away at wooden structures over time. Termites can cause sagging of the roof and result in non-repairable damage. There are several ways you can eliminate the spread of these pests and prevent further damage to wooden structures.
Conduct a Complete Inspection
To ensure all-around safety and stability, getting the services of a licensed home inspection officer is a great investment. They will examine the wiring, plumbing, make sure your roof is not leaking, and that the foundations are good. Also, having a professional’s seal of approval on your home will definitely be a bonus should you choose to sell.
Check for Concrete Damage
Concrete and brickwork can crumble when exposed to moisture or harsh chemicals. This concrete or mortar erosion should not be left unattended, as it indicates a structural problem that has to be addressed.
For people living in a house, regular home inspections are necessary to ensure everything is up to par. If you notice any issues while you conduct the inspection, note it down and immediately resolve the problem, as neglecting it can lead to bigger structural problems down the road that may not be fixable.