If you’ve purchased a home, you likely want to know how to keep it in great shape and maintain your investment. Properties of any age and any type can experience issues. Here is a list of common home concerns and ways to solve these problems.
Homeowners are encouraged to have a maintenance inspection completed at least every 3 to 5 years. An inspector will assess the property and make a list of any problems and damages. Repairs should be handled as soon as possible to help prevent more costly problems later on.
Common Concerns About the Exterior of a Home
The exterior of a home is designed to protect you and the structure of the building from the elements. Damage from wind, rain, hail, and the sun is an unfortunate reality for homeowners.
Roofing Concerns
A well-installed roof protects your home from the elements. However, with time, the roof will begin to have issues. A tree may fall on the home or your area might experience a severe storm that causes damage to the shingles. With age, shingles may break or become warped, offering less protection to your property.
Keep an eye on your roofing and call a professional to make repairs if you notice issues. Patches of missing or broken shingles should be replaced. Prune tree branches that overhang the roof to prevent damage during harsh weather conditions.
Siding
The most common type of damage to siding occurs from impact, whether from trees growing too near the home, a large branch colliding with the house during a storm, or your child’s stray baseball smashing into the wall.
Siding issues can lead to water damage and mold growth. Check the siding for problems and make repairs as needed. Holes and cracks should be filled or the siding needs to be replaced to protect your home.
Common Home Concerns: Windows
Problems with windows are usually age-related wear and tear. This is caused by frequently opening and closing the window, which can cause the frame to wear down. Old and deteriorating weatherstripping allows air from outside into your home, affecting heating and cooling costs.
Use caulk to fill gaps and cracks around the window frame. Remove old weather-stripping and replace it with new material to boost the efficiency of your home’s windows.
Foundation Problems
The foundation is what supports the building so it’s critical that it remains in good condition. Be aware of signs of a problem with your foundation. You might notice uneven or sagging floors, the chimney shifting away from the house, or cracks in interior or exterior walls.
At the first sign of a structural problem, call a professional. It’s important to take care of foundation issues right away to keep the problem from becoming worse. Foundation concerns can lead to water damage, plumbing issues due to pipes shifting, and unsafe living spaces.
R. Sorensen Construction & Inspections offers home inspection to homebuyers in Eastern Oregon. Contact us to request our services.