3 Often Overlooked Causes of Serious Home Damage

Your home is your castle. However, that doesn’t mean problems will never arise. Thankfully, knowing where the problem areas are and how to counter them can help any homeowner react quickly to solve issues and prevent additional damage.

Water

Water is present throughout nearly all levels and rooms of your home. Pipes, appliances and more run everywhere. For this reason, there is always risk of leaky roofs or cracked foundations. Even a small leak can result in hundreds or thousands of dollars of repairs. Not only can the water itself cause problems but, if left untreated, it may lead to more serious mold problems in the future. Most homeowners are alert for leaky pipes and busted roofs, but you should also regularly check your HVAC pipes and water heater and even have your sewer lines inspected every few years. If you do have a leak, contact a plumber immediately to fix the problem. Then, thoroughly clean the affected area or hire a water restoration crew to ensure mold is destroyed.

Pests

Pests, such as mice, can be annoying or even pose health risks, but they generally don’t cause home damage. However, one pest that can cause major damage is the carpenter ant. Even though most people don't think about it, carpenter ants are surprisingly destructive. While they do not directly feed on wood, a colony will burrow into the wood quickly, weakening your frames and joists. To prevent damage, thoroughly inspect any wood, such as firewood, that you bring into your home and keep wood away from the exterior of your home. If you see signs of infestation, quickly bring in a pest removal company to destroy the colony and prevent them from expanding throughout your home's wooden structure.

Wind

Perhaps the most common cause of exterior home damage is wind. Wind can cause damage both directly and indirectly. Direct damage usually comes in the form of roof damage with shingles getting ripped off or broken. This can lead water to gain entry into your home and cause other additional problems. Indirect damage comes from wind-blown debris, trees being blown over or branches dropping onto your home. This can result in anything from broken windows and dented or broken siding, to major roof or structural damage. Trim tree branches away from your home, and try to shape tree growth to lean away. In the event of known windy conditions, secure outdoor belongings, such as patio furniture or children’s toys. Repair exterior damage quickly to prevent water problems or animal infiltration.

Being a homeowner is all about being vigilant and prepared in the event of a problem. By understanding the common causes of home damage and how to prevent or react to a problem, you can save yourself a lot of money in the long run. By taking care of your home, you will have a much happier and stress-free place to hang out and relax with your family.

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