Our house is first and foremost our home, not simply a building we use as a place to sleep and eat in. It is designed to keep our family safe and happy, it is a gathering place for our beloved ones, the place to cry, laugh, and everything else that life brings. Most people would do anything to protect their home from all hazards, so that they can feel safer and more comfortable, but there are times when our homes are not such happy places to be in.
Like any other man-made structure, a house has its flaws, and that can lead to different problems for you and your family, and many homeowners are not even sure what are the dangers that lurk behind every corner, and what they can do to stop them. We have made a small list of things that can help you with detecting and repairing some common household problems, so that you, once again, feel safe.
1. What Condition Is Your Roof In?
Any roof is designed to sustain any kind of weather, but over time, smaller cracks and tears can appear when you least expect them. We all know that water damage can be pretty scary, especially if you have a habit of going away once in a while. Water can develop all kinds of health hazards for you and for your family, as the development of mold can be extremely dangerous for those with respiratory problems. Not to mention the damage water can do to your furniture, or even to your electrical appliances.
Solution: Have a repairman check your roof shingles once in a while, especially after a bigger storm. This way, you can quickly repair any broken tiles and prevent water from coming inside.
2.Are Your Pipes Leaking?
Over time, the house will start to age, and no matter how many times you change the carpet, things like pipes which cannot be seen at all times can also deteriorate. As your home ages, the pipes can easily break due to the constant temperature shift hot/cold, especially if you live in a colder climate. Leaky faucets are also a problem, as over time, the rubber that keeps the water from flowing can get thinned out, and the result will be an annoying faucet.
Solution: While you cannot inspect pipes, you can easily change any leaky faucets and replace them with a modern version. Always know where the main valves are so that you may close them quickly in an emergency. Determine the age of your indoor pipes, and ask a professional whether they need to be changed due to their age, or the fact that they are becoming clogged.
3.Are There Any Unwanted Pests?
Sometimes, rats can infest your home, or even cockroaches. Both of them are not only a nuisance but they present a real health problem. It is best not to leave food out in the open, which will easily attract them, and make sure that your home is sealed tight, especially in the lower floors. Some of these pests can damage your electrical wires, causing fires which can quickly destroy your whole home.
Solution: Secure all lower ground entrances, vents and other crawlspaces with special tools that prevent access to bugs, ants or rats. If you detect any of those unwanted pests, call an exterminator and ask for help – they will provide you with the best possible solution.
4. Is Your Home Fire Proof?
The same way pipes get old over time, so do the electrical wires in the wales. Old homes are simply not built for so many electrical appliances at the same time, and if they are not up-to-code, this can easily result in a fire. Fires can also happen in kitchens if you are not careful.
Solution: Know where your fuse box is. If you notice something strange going on with the electricity, or you hear some strange electrical noises, turn the power off and call the firemen. Have smoke detectors installed all over your home, especially in the corridors near your sleeping area, but not in those rooms where people tend to smoke. If you notice something strange with the electricity, never try to repair it yourself - always call a professional.
A home is meant to be a shelter, but it is surprising how quickly it can turn into your greatest enemy. Educate both yourself and your family about the possible dangers, and be ready to act – you never know, this knowledge might save your life one day.
Ivan Dimitrijevic likes to combine his two greatest loves in life - writing and interior design. As a respectable family man and homeowner, he is always on the lookout for the latest trends in home décor, doing copious amounts of research, and constantly switching things up in his own house. As a blogger, he is dedicated to providing his readers with good information in an interesting way.
