It’s important to keep an eye on your home’s walls. There are all kinds of issues that can occur within your walls that can be easily ignored. Below are some of the problems that you don’t want to ignore, as well as some of the warning signs worth looking out for.
Cracks
Cracks in walls can become a danger if they become deep, wide or seemingly keep growing. Not only can cracks let in rainwater and cold air and critters – they can also potentially be a sign that your home is falling apart. Deep jagged cracks are often a sign of foundation problems and are worth looking into immediately. Cracks around windows and door frames can also become an issue and are worth fixing. While minor cracks can usually be easily filled with caulk, major cracks may require more professional treatment.
Mold
Got mold growing on your walls? Mold is a fungus that thrives in warm, dark, damp environments. On top of looking unsightly, mold can be hazardous to your health if you’re continuously breathing in spores. There are lots of anti-mold products that you can use to quickly get rid of mold, but it’s important that you also try to tackle the source. Is there not enough ventilation? Have you got a leak? Do you need to buy a dehumidifier? By finding the cause, you can then take measures to prevent future mold growth.
Pests
All kinds of critters like to nest in the walls of homes. Mice and rats are some of the most troublesome pests as they can chew through wires and insulation, as well as laying droppings and contaminating food in your home. If you’ve been hearing noises in your walls, it could be worth hiring a pest control service such as Aptive Pest Control to take a look – they will be able to help get rid of these pests for you.
Lead Paint
Some older houses still contain lead paint on their walls. Lead paint can become a problem once it starts peeling – if you’ve got young kids or pets, they may ingest it and get lead poisoning. Lead test kits could be worth buying to check that you haven’t got lead paint on your walls.
Heat Loss
Are your walls uninsulated? A lot of heat in winter can be lost through uninsulated walls. Cracks in walls can also be a cause of this. If you’ve been looking for a way to reduce your energy bills, consider whether cavity wall insulation or another form of wall insulation could be worth investing in.
Old Electrics
Many wires in modern homes are hidden within walls. As a result, we often don’t notice when they have become damaged. A few signs that your electrics may be getting old or worn include flickering lights, buzzing sounds or dead sockets. Damaged electrics can cause house fires, so it’s important to hire an electrician to take a look at your wiring if you suspect that there could be a problem. If your electrics are very old, it may be time to rewire your home. This is an expensive job, but will ensure your home is safe.
Old Plumbing
As with wiring, piping is often hidden in walls. This makes it hard to detect plumbing problems. Damp patches on walls or mold can sometimes be a sign of a plumbing leak inside a wall. Hire a plumber to take a look if you think that there may be a problem. This guide at Angie’s List offers more tips on how to find a leak.
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