Homes age, just like the rest of us. Thankfully, however, we can fix these signs of wear and tear and prolong the life of our home for decades to come. The key to making these repairs, however, is to spot the early warning signs. If you can catch the problem early enough, then you can do easy and inexpensive fixes. It’s when the problem has gone on for a long time that fixing your home will cost you. That is why you need to know these five indications that you need home improvements.
It’s Age: Shingle rooves that are over twenty-five years old should be replaced as the material itself lasts between 20 to 30 years.
It’s Condition: Curling shingles, missing shingles, and cracked shingles are a sure sign that it’s time to replace your roof.
Other Indicators: If you can see moss or mold growing on your roof, you need it replaced. The same holds true if there is a leak in your roof, or if your roof is sagging. These signs indicate that you need a roof replacement immediately for the safety of your family.
Your insulation is what keeps your house air-tight and warm during the winters. The better your insulation, the more effective your home is at keeping heat or cold air inside. Improperly done insulation, or old insulation won’t protect you as good as new insulation will. This is because materials and technology have vastly improved in recent decades. To make your home more energy efficient, warmer, and overall drier, replace your insulation.
In the direst of situations, the entire structure of your home could become damaged. Rot and decay affect homes just as it does anything else, after all. If you notice that, say, your wood deck is starting to pull away, you need to immediately sand and stain it again so that it is protected from the elements. If you leave rot for too long, then you will have to replace it entirely. The same holds true for any area of the house, but it is most common in areas that are battered by the outdoor elements.
Keeping your house working means maintaining it. It means keeping it clean and orderly so that you can notice any damage. It also means that you stop damage like rust or scaling from occurring at all. A sealed, dry home will do wonders alone for preserving your house for decades to come. Knowing and acting upon damage is how you’ll save on cost and ensure the safety of you and your family. Know how your home can decay, and stay on top of it so that your house lasts and lasts.