Sometimes, minor annoyances are a sign of a major issue. If you want to help yourself then it’s wise to learn how to recognize these problems so you can address them sooner rather than later. Want to find out more? Take a look below.
Dried Mud Tubes
If you have dried mud tubes at the base of your foundation, then this is a sign that you have termites. Termites are primarily subterranean creatures, and they prefer to remain covered, as they go back and forth from their nest. To conceal their travels, they build very small tunnels. You will often see mud tubes on the outside of your foundation, or the inside if you happen to have a crawl space. One way you can find out if you have termites or not would be for you to shine a light so you can highlight any tubes that may be present.
Doors that Won’t Close
If you had a door that once closed with ease, but now it sticks, or doesn’t close altogether then this is a major sign that something has changed within the structure of your home. One possible cause of this could be that you have expansive soil that is swelling. This can put pressure on the foundation, causing it to shift. On the flip side, it may be that your home has moved over time. One way to fix this issue would be to arrange to have a contractor come and take a look for you.
Your Lights Are Flickering
Flickering lights are never a good sign. The first thing you need to do is replace the bulb in question so you can make sure it isn’t loose. You can also try and fit a new bulb. If you notice that the flickering continues, then this could be a sign that you have some faulty wires. One way for you to fix this issue would be for you to have an electrician come out.
Cracks in your Window
When you find a crack in your home’s window, you need to get to the root of the issue. If you have ruled out any kind of impact, then it may be that the crack is down to a structural issue that has created a lot of pressure on the glass. If you suspect that you have a pressure crack, then you will see a crack that runs from one side of the window to the other. Look out for any cracks that are visible in the mortar points and take note of them. If you are unsure, then make sure that you ask a structural engineer or a contractor to come and take a look. They can then advise you on what they think the issue is, so you can get it repaired as soon as possible.
So, these are small signs that your home has a major issue, but if you try and get it sorted now, this will save you a great deal of time in the future.
