Here's something scarier than skeletons: toxic black mold. Let's face it. Being a homeowner is scary. There are tons of issues that can sneak up on you, and you may not know how bad they are until you investigate further. But you don't need to let fear get the best of you! It's best to be prepared. Here are some of the "scariest" home issues — and what you can do about them.
Leaking Pipes
The story goes: Someone was trying to hang a painting. They took out their trusty stud finder and found a stud right away. Ten minutes later (and after about $3,000 worth of damage) they discovered the terrible difference between a metal water pipe and a stud.
A leaking pipe can do an incredible amount of damage to your home. First, you don't always find out about a leaking pipe until the problem is severe. Once the water is leaking out of your ceiling, the damage is significant. Second, water itself is simply damaging. It creates rot, mold, structural issues, and a whole host of other problems.
The moral of the story? Fix your pipes. (And be careful when hanging things in old homes!)
Mold
Mold is everywhere. Mold spores are in the area that you're breathing right now. The problem is that when mold is able to reproduce quickly, it sends out even more spores, and those spores can become dangerous.
Mold loves dark, wet, warm places, and that usually means vents, bathrooms, and basements. If you have mold growing in your house, it could mean an expensive remediation. Maintain your HVAC system and avoid any leaks and you can reduce the chances of experiencing the bane of toxic black mold.
Foundation Issues
What could be scarier than your house moving on its own? Over time, most houses are going to experience some minor foundation issues. But they have to be addressed to avoid structural damage to your home. Make sure trees and bushes aren't growing around your foundation, inspect any new cracks (and keep track of whether they're growing), and pay attention to the interior of your property. If you notice that windows and doors are refusing to shut or swinging open, the foundation problem has become structural.
Broken Siding
Who knows what lurks beyond broken siding? It could be anything. Broken siding can become a haven to mold or pests, either of which aren't desirable visitors. Every time there's hail or strong winds, you need to check your siding. Older siding also didn't last as long as siding does today, which can be a major concern. So if you have issues with your siding, it's time to replace it.
Replacing your siding doesn't just protect your home, it also improves its value. New siding today comes in a variety of colors and styles, and can give your home's facade a completely new look.
Cracked Chimneys
Cracked chimneys aren't just aesthetically upsetting. They can actually be dangerous. You don't want to be the star of a story that leads to, "The gas was coming from inside the home!" Depending on where your chimney is cracked, gas could actually be leaking into your property. If not, though, you could experience drafts, rain, and other damage which could eventually lead to your chimney collapsing.
Luckily, skilled mortar workers can usually fix a cracked chimney with ease. You just need to make sure to get it fixed as soon as possible because the damage could become severe enough that you might need to redo the entirety of the chimney.
Termites
Termites are perhaps the most frightening item on this list. As you sleep, they're marching and chomping through the bones of your home. Often, by the time you notice termites in your home, the damage is already considerable. They are relentless.
Getting rid of termites, however, doesn't have to be a chore. Most major pest control services can get termites under control right away. The larger issue is addressing the damage that's occurred due to the termites. That can be frightening. Your best bet is to avoid the problem altogether. Have a regular pest service that checks for termites and treats against them, have termite spikes embedded in your lawn, and remove any brush (such as overgrown bushes and grass) from around your property.
So, these home issues are pretty scary. But you can take control of them now by hiring the best. At Exterior Medics, we're a multi-dimensional contracting company—and experts in exterior home repair—with the experience you need to fix up your home. Leave the renovating to us and the scare tactics to the ghouls and goblins.
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