How To Determine If Your House Has A Problem

Sometimes small faults may seem like nothing. However, your home is an investment, and you want to improve or at least maintain its value. This means paying critical attention to the minute details you are likely to ignore around the house. In 2020, 42% of homeowners decided to postpone pressing home repairs. The following year, another 52% failed to attend to repairs because they felt it wasn’t crucial. These numbers are quite discouraging, as things could escalate and become expensive repairs. Here are some subtle signs you shouldn’t ignore if you want to maintain your home’s appeal.

1. Squeaky garage doors

Data indicates garage doors are opened and closed at least 1,500 times a year. They are heavy-duty installations worth having at home. They keep your cars safe and add value to the property. However, when they start to squeak, it may be wrong to assume that’s how doors behave when the weather changes. Squeaky garage doors may be more of a bigger problem than you imagined. It is supported by bearings, heavy-duty springs, tracks, and other mechanical supports.

The mechanical component may have a fault, causing the squeaky door. Sometimes, the solution may be silicon or lithium garage door lubricants to eliminate the squeaks. In more severe cases, the springs or tracks may need replacements. This is the sole preserve of a garage door expert and may not be a DIY project.

2. Sudden cracks in glass-pane windows

Window cracks may be due to impact or an inferior quality glass material. That may not be too disturbing if you know what caused the cracks. On the other hand, if the cracks cannot be explained and you decide to ignore them because they are small, you may be in for a surprise. Unexplained cracks in glass-pane windows, especially within the double-glazed ones, could be due to structural shifting.

This is a severe engineering problem that needs immediate attention. In many cases, structural shifting is due to a poor foundation. The base of the building sinks deeper into the soil, causing the entire structure to move. Although the movement is not visible, it places undue pressure on glass windows, causing them to crack. Building engineers recommend observation to confirm if you’re dealing with structural shifting. Check for single cracks running from one window ledge to the next. However, it is best to get the experts first.

3. Newly developed floor slopes

Slopes are important to flooring, especially in the shower. The degree of slant allows water to move from a higher point to a lower area where there is likely to be a well-planned drainage system. However, if a slope suddenly develops in a part of the house where there was none, it would be in your best interest not to overlook it. A possible explanation for the newly-developed slant is a movement underneath the flooring. It may be rot, a broken joist, or poor soil quality. It could also be due to a faulty structural support system. It may seem like nothing because of the lack of extensive visible damage. However, getting a structural engineer to take a look is advisable.