Four Home Issues You Should Never Ignore

We’ve all got a snag list for our homes; things that need repairing but that we politely ignore until they become urgent. Your snag list might include something small like painting a skirting board or oiling a squeaky door, but that’s about the extent it should go to. There are some things that shouldn’t be put on a list because they’re far too important to put off, and here are four home issues you should never ignore. 

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1. Blocked Gutter

It’s a chore no one likes to do, but clearing out your gutter is essential. If you notice it’s blocked, rather than telling yourself ‘I’ll sort it tomorrow’ every single day, bite the bullet and get the ladder out. It might be something menial like leaves which will take mere minutes to clear away, or it could be something bigger like a birds nest which should be handled with the utmost care and respect, but whatever it is, it needs to be removed from your gutter immediately. If you don’t, you run the risk of serious drainage issues which could cause a whole host of problems, including a damaged foundation which puts your entire house at structural risk. 

There are a wide range of gutter cleaners available which make the task far less arduous, so if you don’t fancy climbing on the roof, it might be time to make an investment. After all, it could save you thousands of dollars in damage later down the line. 

2. Damp

There are many types of damp that take several forms, but whatever the type is, it’s imperative that you don’t ignore the warning signs. Peeling wallpaper, wet walls, a musty smell and visible mold are all symptoms of damp. At first they might not seem too serious, but they’re a sign of a much deeper issue. If you are concerned about the damp conditions in your home, it's important to contact a company like tradesbyjack.ca to take a look at the excess moisture. The aesthetic impact of peeling paint may not bother you too much, but when you finally employ a professional to sort the issue a year later, only to discover the structural integrity of your house is at risk, you’ll wish you’d have rectified the issue sooner..

If you notice any sign of damp – no matter how small – don’t ignore it; it’ll cost you a lot more in the long run. 

3. Electrical Issues

Do you have one plug socket that just doesn’t work, or one light that always flickers? Maybe your sockets spark every time you plug something in? All these are signs that the electrics in your house are off, and this means it might be high time to get a re-wire done. Whilst it’s an expensive endeavor, it might just save your life. Houses that haven’t had their electrics changed in more than 30 years are at a high risk of fire, so saving up for this essential maintenance is all the more important, especially when you consider faulty electrics are responsible for around 24,000 house fires in the U.S. every year. 

4. Dipped Floors

If you’ve noticed the floor in your house is dipping in certain areas, don’t just put a rug over it and excuse it as ‘there’s a dip there’. Sagging floors can be a sign of serious issues with the foundation of your home. It’s normal for floors to move to an extent as your home settles into the ground, but if you notice large dips and/or cracked walls, it’s time to call in the professionals to assess what’s causing the problem. Structural issues can be incredibly expensive to fix, so the sooner you find out what the problem is, the quicker you can get it rectified and stop it from spreading. 

If any of these issues are on your snagging list, bump them to the top and get them investigated as soon as possible. It might seem like a hassle, but it’s well worth it! As for the squeaky door, well, that can wait. 

This is a contributed post.

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