It's easy to forget about the structural components of our home until something goes wrong. By inspecting these five aspects annually, you can prevent small problems from becoming bigger ones and keep your home in top shape. You will know when you need to contact house foundation repair companies to fix those cracks, or whether some maintenance is needed because your roof is showing signs of wear and tear. This blog post will discuss a bottom-up approach to structural home inspection.
Your House Foundations
The foundation is the most important part of your home's structure. It bears the weight of your entire house, so it's important to make sure it's in good condition. Look for cracks, unevenness, and signs of water damage. If you find any problems, have them fixed immediately. There's an old saying that if you build your home on the rock, no storm can shake it. This saying holds true till today; inspect the foundations of your home. This includes checking for cracks, water damage, and signs of pests. If you are not comfortable with your understanding of the subject matter, reach out to a foundation repair specialist like Pinnacle Foundation Repair to inspect and advise on necessary repairs.
Floors
It's easy to overlook your flooring, but it's an important part of your home's structure. Look for sagging floors, sloping floorboards, or cracks in the subfloor. Check for any water damage and rot around the base of your toilets. If you have hardwood floors, are there any areas that make a creaky sound when you walk on them? Being proactive about flooring maintenance can help prevent costly repairs down the road.
Walls and Ceilings
Walls and ceilings are another important structural element of your home. Look for cracks, holes, and water damage. If you find any problems, have them fixed immediately. Walls and ceilings can also be a place where pests like to nest, so be on the lookout for evidence of pests as well. The material of your walls and ceilings can also give you some clues about their condition. For example, if your wallpaper is starting to peel, it might be a sign that the wall behind it is damp, and there are signs of moisture that need to be addressed as soon as possible.
Roofing
Inspecting your roof annually is crucial to keeping your home in shape. A damaged roof can lead to water damage, which can then cause a variety of other problems in your home. Make sure you check for missing or damaged shingles, as well as any leaks or areas where water could seep in. An unsupported or hanging roof can be a serious hazard, so be sure to look for any signs of wear and tear or damage.
If you have a chimney, be sure to check the flashing around it to make sure there are no leaks. The mortar between the bricks can also deteriorate over time, so keep an eye out for any cracks or crumbling. If you have a skylight, make sure the seal is in good condition to keep water and other elements out of your home.
If you have a flat roof, check for any blisters or bubbles that could allow moisture in. If there are areas where the gravel has worn away, it's time to replace it with new material. Also, look for signs of ponding, which is when water accumulates on the roof and can lead to leaks.
In conclusion, inspecting your roof annually is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home in shape. By checking for damage and wear, you can prevent more serious problems down the road.