10 Little Signs Your Home Has Big Problems

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

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10 Little Signs Your Home Has Big Problems 

We have all experienced this one time or another, stepping on a creaky floor, taking notice of small holes emerging or having to tug on a bedroom door a little more than usual. Whatever it may be, learn what the signs are earlier from Home advice pro Bob Villa, before they wreak havoc on your home. 

Tiny Holes

Although small, they are mighty in damage. Tiny holes can be a sign of an active termite infestation. If you find termite exit holes, call the exterminator - pronto. (see full article here)

Dry Mud Tubes on the Foundation

Another sign that termites are munching away at your walls is the discovery of small dry mud tubes on the foundation, running from the ground to the sliding (see full article here)

The Door Won't Close

We have all had that one door that one day stops closing as easily as it used to. There are several reasons for this change: one could be the structure in your home has changed. Or could be the normal result of settling. Speaking with a reputable contractor can advise the problem and what actions will be necessary to move forward with. (see full article here)

The Floor is Sloping

Catching floor sloping is a tough catch. You wouldn't normally recognize it unless you dropped a marble and noticed it rolling to another side. When a formally slanted floor develops a slant, it could be a sign one or more of the joists that support the floor have rotted or broken, causing the floor to settle in that area. A structural engineer would best to look at the structural support and determine a method for repairing it. (see full article here)

An Odd Smell is Coming from an Outlet

Melted electrical wiring puts off an unpleasant odor that's similar to what you might smell if you run a hand mixer too long and its motor overheats. If notice this smell, don't ignore it. Unplug nearby lamps or other appliances - sometimes a new appliance will smell the first few times it's used- and then sniff the outlets and switches. If you find that the smell is coming from a specific outlet or switch, shut off the power at the breaker box and call an electrician. This one to-do you shouldn't postpone; ignoring faulty wire can result in a home fire. (see full article here)

The Lights are Flickering

Flickering lights are not normal. First check the bulb in the fixture that's flickering just in case it's loose. You can try to replace it with a new bulb. If the flickering continues, or if more than one light bulb is flickering it could be a sign that wires somewhere along the circuit are loose or your home's wiring is not adequate for the amount of electricity you're using. Having a professional electrician assess the situation would be the best solution. (see full article here)

A Crack Just Appeared in Your Window Glass

When a crack is discovered in one of your home's windows, it's important to do some investigating. Especially if the crack wasn't caused by impact (rock or ball being thrown into the window for example). It could be from pressure and if this is the case, these will often show up as a single crack that runs from one edge of the window to another. If more cracks are found, contacting a structural engineer is necessary to have them take a look. (see full article here)

The Washing Machine Hose is Bulging

The washing machine hose bulging can sneak up on you, especially since it's hidden behind the machine. High water pressure can cause the rubber in a common washing machine hose to soften and lose its integrity, resulting in a visible bulge that resembles a small balloon. The bulge is a sign that the hose is failing and could burst at any time. When it does, the rupture can result in flooding and water damage in your laundry room, so the sooner the house is replaced, the better. Instead of installing a new rubber hose, opt for a braided steel hose that will hold up better under pressure and present the problem from happening again. (see full article here) 

You Discover Clumps of Shredded Paper

If you find little piles of shredded paper it should send up a red flag. Those are signs rodents are moving in. Mice and rats make nests from shredded paper, cardboard or even fabric. Don't be fooled into thinking it may be only one or two - female mice can have 5 litters in a year! Already health hazardous, this could turn your home into a serious situation. You can attempt to use no-kill traps on your own or let an exterminator handle it. (see full article here)

Heavy White Residue on a Brick Chimney

Although it may look like someone took a spray can to your bricks, making them appear white, is actually called efflorescence. It's caused by moisture that draws mineral salts from the center of the bricks to the surface. The residue itself isn't harmful and it's commonly found in small quantities on many types of brick. However, heavy, thick, solid white efflorescence is an indication that moisture is condensing on the inside of the chimney and seeping outward. This could be caused by a cracked flue liner, which increases the risk of toxic fumes entering your home, or it could be the result of an interior plumbing leak, but whatever the cause, have a professional chimney sweep inspect the chimney. (see full article here)