5 Signs Your House is Damaged

Your home is your biggest investment. It's where you raise your family, build new memories and create a life. So it's important to know, understand and be able to identify common signs of damage that might be present. By spotting these signs early on, you'll be able to find the source of the problem and fix the issue before it becomes bigger problem and a costly fix.

So here is a list of commons signs that you should watch for and if you notice any of these red flags, take action right away. Pushing off the issue to a later date could lead to bigger issues leaving a bigger hole in your pocket.

Water damage

Water damage is one of the most common signs that there is a problem. Whether you're finding water stains, moisture, or paint bubbling, you need to make sure that you find the source of the issue ASAP.

Generally, it's pretty easy to spot where the issue might be if you see on of these signs. Water stains on the ceiling of your highest floor would obviously mean that there is something happening on the roof, while water staining on the ceiling of a basement could be a foundation issue or a plumbing leak.

If you notice that an area in your home feels unusually moist or humid, it could be a sign of water damage. This is often caused by leaks or poor drainage. If left unchecked, moisture can lead to mold growth, rot, and other serious damage. Moisture caused by water damage is most commonly found in basements since the air circulates much less than above ground.

Paint flaking is another issue. You'll notice that it almost appears as if there is an air bubble or a water balloon behind your paint. The water is most likely running along the ceiling and then coming down between the drywall and the paint.

If you think you may have a water leak, it's important to call a professional right away. Contact a plumber if you think it's a mechanical leak or a roofer/foundation expert if you think it is coming from outside. They will be able to find the source of the leak and fix it.

If you have a live leak and there is water pouring through the ceiling, pierce a hole in your ceiling as soon as possible so that the water can drain. If you don't let it drain properly, the water will build up in your ceilings and lead to more damage.

Water pooling around your foundation

If you notice that after a rain storm, there is water pooling around your house, it's a sign that there is a serious problem with your home. Over time, water finds its way into anything and can lead to some serious wear on a foundation, especially if it is concrete.

While it could be something as simple as issues with your downspouts, the cause could also be something more serious like landscaping issues or poor drainage because of the soil or the grading.

To identify the source of the issue, you'll want to go out to see the issue when it is raining because you should be able to clearly identify where the water is coming from. Once you have the source, you'll want to contact the appropriate professional who may recommend adding additional downspouts, adjusting the grading or repairing another issue.

Roof damage or wear

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It protects your home from the elements and helps keep it warm and dry. So if you notice any damage or wear on your roof, it's important to take action right away.

Some common signs of roof damage or wear include:

• Leaks

• Missing or damaged shingles

• Buckling or curling shingles

• Damaged flashing around chimneys or vents
  

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to call a roofing contractor right away. They will be able to assess the damage and repair it. In the meantime, you can try to contain the damage by using tarps.

Window moisture

Moisture at the base of your windows is another common sign that there may be an issue. If you notice condensation or water droplets on your windows, it could mean that there is a leak someplace in your home. Window moisture can lead to mold growth, warped floors and ceilings, and even structural damage.

More than likely, there is simply too much humidity in your home which could be dependent on the type of windows that you have, the weather or hidden water.

Start off by replacing old single pane windows with newer ones. Adding ventilation throughout your home but more specifically to the kitchen and bathrooms will also help mitigate the issue. A dehumidifier in the basement is another great solution.

Most water damage causing excess humidity in your home will be a result of poor downspout drainage so if the other simpler solution don't seem to improve anything, contacting a specialist will be your best bet.

Cracks in the walls or ceilings

If you notice any cracks in the walls or ceilings of your home, it's a sign that there is a problem. Cracks can be caused by a number of things, including foundation problems, water damage, and settling.

A simple small crack may be the result of movements caused by temperature changes which lead to expanding and contracting walls. This shouldn't be serious cause for concern because homes are designed to move like this.

It becomes a much more serious issue when there are a number of cracks all around the same area and they seem to be appearing at all times. This is most likely a foundation issue which could mean some serious repair costs as these tend to fall at the top of the list for most expensive repairs along with HVAC and water damage.

Conclusion

If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take action right away. These problems can lead to water damage, mold growth, and even structural damage. Taking action right away will help to avoid further damage and costly repairs.

If you notice any of these signs and don't know what to do, feel free to contact us and we'll be more than happy to provide some free guidance. Although we aren't experts, we may be able to connect you with someone who will be able to help solve your issue.

Alternatively, if you're interested in investing in real estate without any of the headaches, please contact us. Our investment specialists will be more than happy to show you how you can invest in real estate on autopilot.