There are some home repairs you can put off. Touching up the paint in the downstairs bathroom doesn’t need immediate attention. On the other hand, a leaking roof can lead to serious damage if ignored.
Which home repairs should be at the top of your list? Let’s take a closer look.
Leaks in the Roof
If you notice a leak in the roof, you need to take immediate attention. If repaired quickly, you may have a small repair bill. For example, a shingle may have blown loose during a storm. Replacing the shingle can be very inexpensive. However, if you leave the damage unrepaired, the water will continue to spread across your roof and can cause structural damage.
Cracks in the Foundation
There are different cracks that can form as a house settles. However, some cracks can lead to structural damage. Consult a contractor to determine if the crack is of concern. If it is, immediate attention will help ensure there isn’t further damage and that the costs of repair are more manageable.
Mold
If you see mold in your home, you need to act. Start by removing as much humidity from the room as you can. You can purchase a dehumidifier and you can add moisture removing products to the room. Next, use cleaning products specifically designed to tackle mold. If you stumble across black mold, especially large areas of it, you may need to call in specialists. Black mold can be toxic. Always wear a mask when dealing with mold.
Pooling Water
If you see areas of water pooling along the edge of your home, you need to first check your gutters. If your gutters are clogged, water may be overflowing at that spot causing more water to saturate the area than can flow away before it pools. If that’s not the problem, you may need to bring in a team that can rework the land so that the water flows away from your home. Pooling water can lead to flooded basements and foundation damage.
If it's your gutters causing the problem, clean out the gutters (and continue to clean them out at least annually). You also might consider purchasing a gutter guard to help keep leaves (and other debris) from collecting in your gutters. When we had to replace our gutters after a big hail storm a few years ago, we added a gutter guard for only $1 per linear foot - well worth it in my opinion since we have a 2-story house.
Siding Issues
Think of your siding as the coat for your home. If a piece gets damaged, the elements are going to get inside. The elements will then begin to damage the home. If you notice a loose piece of siding or a rotted piece (depending on your type of siding), it needs to be repaired.
Infestations
Last, but not least, never ignore infestations. This includes inside and outside your home. For example, you may not think a couple bees buzzing around the siding of your home is no big deal. Unfortunately, bees can make huge nests under your siding. In some cases, people have had honey leak out of their electrical outlets. If you notice bugs, buy pesticides or call in a professional.
Some home repairs cannot and should not be ignored. These are repairs that can lead to serious damage when ignored. Spend the money and get the work done.
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