Home Disasters You Can Avoid

5/18/2017 (Permalink)

Fix a small problem before it becomes a big problem

You cannot stop a hurricane, flood, fire, or other disasters but you can avoid many types of mini-disasters. When you proactively deal with these minor headaches you can prevent or lessen the impact of many major headaches later. Don’t let these little issues fester and grow and become sparks for huge problems. 

1. Overgrown trees and shrubs

Signs: Do tree branches extend over your roof? Are large bushes growing close to your foundation? Do you have tall within feet of your foundation? These are some signs that your house may be unnecessarily endangered.

Act now because: In a storm large tree branches can fall on and damage your roof, siding, and windows. Trees that grown too large too close to your home or business can grow roots underneath the foundation and cause the foundation to uplift. Roots from bushes and trees can sometimes penetrate existing cracks in your foundation. Even healthy trees can fall on your home if they’re tall enough and are struck by lightning or hit by high winds.

Action to consider: Trim back branches so they don’t come within five feet of your roof. Consider replacing overgrown bushes with smaller ones and plant them at least six feet from your foundation. Ask a tree expert to consult with you on the health of large trees on your property and whether they pose a threat to your home or business.  Read this for more about tree dangers.

2. An Aging Roof

Signs: Cracked, curled, or missing shingles mean your roof is near its life’s end. Leaking may soon start or even be in progress in areas where you can’t notice it. Other signs include cracks in the flashing around chimneys, skylights, roof valleys, and the rubber boots around vents.

Act now because: If your roof doesn't provide a proper barrier to rain and snow, water can find its way to your home's drywall and insulation, leading to rot and interior water damage.

Action to consider: You might be able to replace a shingle here and there, or patch leaky flashing. But if your roof is more than 20 years old, it's probably time for a new one. If it's an asphalt shingle roof with only one layer, you might be able to add a second layer over it, lowering the project costs significantly.

3. Rainwater Runs Or Pools Where It Shouldn’t

Signs: When it rains the water pours over your gutters and/or puddles along your foundation walls.

Act now because: Water can quickly damage or ruin siding and foundation walls. If it pools around your foundation it will eventually find its way inside your home and damage floors, walls, and more.

Action to consider: Inspect all your gutters. Remove all clogs and patch any holes You can clear clogs yourself, but if your metal gutters are corroded, talk to a pro about replacing them.

Want Help? Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At 860-461-7194.

4. Ants, Termites, Or Other Pests

Signs: If you see rotted wood in the sill plate that sits on top of the foundation and cast-off wings along window sills and walls you’re seeing evidence of termites. Piles of sawdust along baseboards are a sign of carpenter ants.  

Act now because: Tiny as they are, termites, ants, and other insects can cause major structural problems if left to nosh on your home's wooden framework.

Action to consider: Call an exterminator. Check for accreditation on the database of the National Pest Management Association (pestworld.org). If you’re thinking of hiring an exterminator get quotes from two or three so you can compare prices, customer service,  and professionalism.

5. Cracks in your home’s foundation

Signs: Do you have cracks in the concrete, especially cracks that are wider than 3/16 inch? Do you have a wall that’s bulging and buckling?

Act now because: An unstable foundation can compromise the entire structure of your business or house.

Action to consider: You can probably fill hairline cracks with an epoxy injection system. But if the cracks seem to be getting bigger consult a structural engineer.

Want Help? Call SERVPRO Of Manchester/Mansfield At 860-461-7194.

6. Mold and mildew

Signs: Musty odors, dank air, and black mold spores growing on surfaces such as your bathroom ceilings.

Act now because: Any surfaces that harbor extensive mold (including drywall, carpet, and ceiling tiles) need to be removed. If you don’t remove moldy surfaces eventually mold spores will be released into the air, causing allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

Actions to consider: If you catch them early, patches of mold less than 10 square feet can be treated with a homemade solution of one cup of chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Wear an N-95 disposable respirator, goggles, and heavy-duty gloves. For larger outbreaks, or if the ventilation system is contaminated, call in a mold-remediation pro like SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield.

More Home And Business Disaster Prevention Information  
Every month on the SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield blog we publish educational articles about how you can help protect your home and business from disasters and how to deal with mold, fire, water, sewage, or other damage.

Your Natural Disaster Cleanup and Restoration Service
SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield has expertise in natural disaster preparation, cleanup, and restoration.  If you suffer fire, water, mold, chemical, or storm damage, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield (860-461-7194) anytime. We've served commercial businesses and homeowners in Andover, Bolton, Columbia, Coventry, Hebron, Manchester, and Mansfield. 

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