No homeowner wants to discover serious problems with their house. By simply keeping an eye on the condition of your home’s walls and ceilings, you could save valuable time and money on costly repairs. Here are five small yet important signs that your house has a big problem.
How to Know When Your House Has a Big Problem
Noticing the details of your walls and ceilings is the easiest and fastest way to determine if your home may have water damage. Walls that peel and blister or have unsightly stains are often signs of plumbing, roofing, or HVAC issues.
Small holes in the walls are a sign of termites or other pests. No matter how insignificant the damage may seem, you should follow up with an inspection to make sure that the integrity of your home hasn’t been compromised.
Peeling or Blistering Paint
The paint on your walls may reveal when there’s a plumbing issue that could turn serious if it’s not taken care of quickly. Water damage caused by leaky pipes creates excess moisture which can lead to mold growth and erode the inner framework of your walls or ceilings. Seek professional advice to determine the extent and source of the issue before the damage worsens, and make any necessary repairs.
Sticking Doors and Windows
Sticking doors and windows are usually a sign that your home has structural issues. Foundations that contract or expand in response to ever-changing soil conditions might settle improperly due to an imbalance of pressure that causes it to shift. Schedule an inspection with an expert who can assess the problem.
Ceiling Stains
Stains on the ceiling are one of the most obvious small signs that your house has a big problem. Most likely water is coming through the roof. Depending on the size of the leak, a simple roof patch may be sufficient.
However, if the leak is significant or water is coming in at multiple points, a roof replacement might be necessary. Other things that may cause ceiling stains are leaking AC condensers and water pipes that are located overhead.
Mold Odors Mean Your House Has a Big Problem
If you smell a persistent and musty odor throughout your house after a thorough cleaning, then you likely have mold in your home. Leaky pipes or moisture behind walls caused by improperly sealed caulk give mold all it needs to flourish. Call a mold specialist if you notice an earthy, damp scent, or if you discover water stains on your walls or ceilings, which could also indicate a mold issue.
Holes in Wood or Drywall
Small holes in wood or drywall are often a telltale sign that insects have moved in. The sizes of the holes will help you to determine what type of wood-destroying pests that you have. Some of the species include termites, beetles, and carpenter ants.
The most common seasons to spot signs of these pests are in the spring and summer months when the weather is warmer. Call a professional pest management company to get the infestation under control before it does extensive and costly damage to the structure of your home.
Homebuyer’s Inspection Service provides inspection services to Dallas-Fort Worth and the surrounding areas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.