No homeowner wants to think about threats too much, but a home is facing several kinds of threats. Your job is to find ways to ensure that your home doesn’t fall victim to any of them, especially the most common ones.
The Mold Problem
The first problem you have to worry about is mold. The reason you’ve got to worry about this is that many materials in your home are susceptible to mold growth. The materials could be exposed to moisture due to problems in your plumbing, roofing, or an AC problem. Pay close attention to the surfaces in your home. If you see mold, remove it immediately. Know what cleaner kills mold and apply it directly. If your efforts fail to completely eradicate the problem, consult cleaning professionals.
The Termite Issue
Another danger some homeowners don’t always see coming is termites. These insects aren’t a problem in every region, but they exist in many parts of the world and will eat parts of your home. Termites cause major problems to your foundation, roof, and many other areas in your home given enough time. Most of the time, you can’t see these little insects, so it’s hard to detect unless the infestation has gotten bad enough for you to hear them munching on the wood within your home. Be sure to remove all loose wood near your home, and patch up any cracks or holes inside or outside your home.
The Infestation Danger
In addition to termites, homeowners need to worry about other types of infestations. Sure, rodents and insects can’t cause the kind of damage termites cause, but that doesn’t mean you should let them in your home. Rodents and insects can contaminate your food or cooking materials. Some of these creatures can also cause damage to the structure of your home. The good thing is you can do something about this by simply protecting your home. Of course, closing up cracks or holes is a good idea, but you should also make sure you put food up instead of leaving it out. Be sure to throw away food often, and keep your trash cans far away from your home.
The Water Damage Concern
A problem with your plumbing or roofing can lead to destructive water damage to your home. Yes, one of the issues that could develop with water damage is mold growth, but it’s not the only problem you should worry about. You also need to worry about damage to your foundation since too much water weakens the structures that are holding your home up. Water damage could also put your home in danger of an electrical fire if the water coming from your roof makes its way between your walls where all your electrical wiring is at. Have your plumber and roofer come often to inspect, just to be sure you’re safe.
The Electrical Worry
An issue that is sometimes overlooked is electrical problems. Electrical wiring should last for a few years, which is the reason most homeowners don’t pay attention to much but they should. If your wiring is not updated enough or is faulty, then your home is in danger of things like electrical fires. Make sure you have an electrician come and check your system regularly, and learn how to tell when something is wrong. If you notice that your lights flicker when you turn something on or if every so often the electrical socket sparks when you plug something up, then it may be time for an update.
These are just some threats you should worry about as a homeowner. You can talk to your home inspector to see if there’s anything else to take into consideration.
