A home is the biggest investment most people will make in their lives. It stands to reason that keeping it in good condition is at the forefront of your mind.
Cracks and leaks in a home can be extremely concerning – we’ve all heard horror stories about walls collapsing and roofs leaking and of course, these are expensive problems to fix. There are certain things you can do to protect your home and ensure that it remains watertight, cosy and attractive for as long as possible.
What causes leaks?
Floor leaks are usually traced back to pipes. Leaking pipes can cause huge damage over time so it’s important that if you spot any moisture where it doesn’t belong, that you work out which pipe it has come from.
Cavity wall leaks are another issue altogether and can result from poor building design. Occasionally, some remedial building work might be necessary to fix the issue.
Leaking roofs are best spotted during wet weather of course and because water travels, the are you spot as leaky might not correspond exactly with where the issue on the roof is, it’s vital that you inspect your roof tiles and attic space.
Cracks
These can be cosmetic or a sign that there’s something amiss structurally. Cosmetic cracks are usually just areas where older paint has dried and aged in corners. Serious cracks come from more complicated issues.
These include the ground underneath the house moving, or sometimes from natural features of the landscape such as large trees whose roots have upset the foundations.
In terms of ensuring the most stable of foundations for a new-build, pile foundations are the most reliable option as these move with the building, adding a flexibility not usually seen in solid structures.
This flexibility is what helps avoid cracks and damage. Professional advice and inspection is best – quickly solving the issue is the best way in which to protect your home.
Inspect your home regularly
The best times to inspect your home are immediately after winter and at the end of summer. This is because the more extreme weather conditions can sometimes cause changes in the fabric of a building. Pay attention to the windows, doors, roof, pipes and all wet areas of the home such as showers, toilets and baths.
Following these home improvement tips will help you to check for cracks and leaks in your house before they cause permanent damage to your house structure which cost huge money to repair. Ensure you check your house thoroughly today!
Do you have any home improvement tips on how to check for cracks and leaks? Please share with us effective ways on how to avoid cracks and leaks.
