If you live in an older home, chances are some things may not be working as well as they used to. In some cases, problems in your home can lead to unsafe conditions. As a homeowner, it’s important to know the signs that something in your home is unsafe, as it can help protect you and your family.
In this article, we’ll discuss four common signs your home may be unsafe. While this information isn’t meant to alarm you, it’s important for you, as a homeowner, to recognize and understand the signs of danger.
You have pests
Common household pests can pose a variety of safety issues for you and your home. Some pests, such as termites, can cause structural damage to your home. The worse a termite infestation is, the more unsafe the stability of your home becomes. Other pests, such as rats and cockroaches, can carry and transmit harmful diseases.
If you notice these pests in your home, you’ll need to take care of them immediately. Termites may be harder to find and deal with, which is why it’s important to do termite inspections annually. A single rat or cockroach in your home usually isn’t a serious problem, but the longer you leave these pests unattended, the more potential for a real infestation arises.
You get sick a lot
If you notice yourself getting sick frequently, the culprit may be something in your home. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, headaches, itchy eyes, runny nose, rashes, and asthma attacks can all come from household issues. Mold growth is common in homes and can contribute to sickness and respiratory problems. Asbestos exposure can also cause these issues, especially in older homes. If these symptoms are common for you in your home, you may want to get it inspected for mold or asbestos.
Your deck is uneven
An uneven deck can be a sign of an unsafe deck. If your deck is unstable, you run the risk of the deck breaking, which can lead to serious injury or death under certain circumstances. Other signs of an unsafe deck include rotted or cracked wood, uneven boards, and unsteady railings. If your deck shows signs of any of these, get it inspected and fixed before the deck fails and causes severe damage.
You notice unusual smells
Persistent unusual smells in your home can be a sign of a gas leak, pest infestation, and more. Gas leaks may smell like rotten eggs. Gas leaks can easily start fires and cause physical symptoms, so if you notice this smell, you need to get it fixed. Other smells, such as rotting or urine-like odors, can be signs of dead animals or infestations. Other common unusual smells are fishy or burning odors, which can be caused by faulty electrical wiring or burns.
There are cracks in your foundation
If the foundation of your home is unstable, you may notice cracks in the interior and exterior of your home. These cracks may be located in your floorboards, sidewalk, bricks, or siding of your home. As your foundation becomes more unstable with time, the worse the problem becomes and the more unsafe your home becomes. If you notice cracks, address the problem immediately.
While most of these issues can cause problems, don’t let them put you into a constant state of fear. An unusual smell every once in a while usually isn’t reason to panic. But being aware of these signs is still just as important. As a homeowner, you should know what your house needs. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be when something goes wrong.
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Author bio: Brie Taylor is a freelance writer who is passionate about home improvement and the outdoors. If she isn’t writing, you can find her biking on local trails or working on her latest DIY project.
Topics: Home Safety