Since your home is your castle, you want to do all you can to protect it and keep it in great condition. However, should you decide if it’s not broken you won’t fix it, this is setting the stage for many problems. Unfortunately, your home may contain many hidden hazards that can lead to substantial damage and costly repairs. Rather than wait until something bad happens, here are four hidden hazards within your home that should be addressed as soon as possible.
Mold
If you’ve had problems with water getting into your basement or other areas but haven’t seen much if any mold on the walls, you probably think everything’s fine. However, if your nose has started to pick up musty smells here and there, chances are you’ve got mold growing behind walls, underneath the flooring, and maybe in your ceiling and attic. Though it may be out of sight, it should not be out of mind.
Old Wiring
If you live in an older home, you may have wiring that is 50 years old or perhaps even older. Also, you may still have two-prong outlets in various rooms, all of which are out-of-date and need to be replaced with standard three-prong outlets. Since today’s homes have far more electronic gadgets than those of years past, your home’s wiring may not be up to the challenge. Therefore, contact an electrician for the necessary upgrades. Working with a professional is always advisable since they possess the equipment and experience necessary to safely handle any electrical problems your home may have.
Termites
Though you may not know it, termites could be wreaking havoc with your home. Unfortunately, termites can live in your home for years and go virtually undetected. By the time you find out your home has unexpected visitors, the damage has already been done. Should you notice wood in your floors that sounds hollow or is weak, plan on contacting a pest control professional immediately to get your home inspected and treated for termites.
Creosote Buildup
Should your home contain a fireplace or wood stove that can be used regularly during the winter, you need to pay close attention to what may be building up inside your home’s chimney or flue. As fires burn, the result is creosote that builds up inside chimneys or flues. When this happens and it is allowed to accumulate, it can catch fire and potentially burn down your home. Rather than lose your home and put your family at risk, have your chimney or flue professionally cleaned at least once per year.
By realizing the hidden hazards that may exist in your home, you can get the problems solved and gain tremendous peace of mind afterward.
