Americans make multiple investments in their lifetime. They purchase all sorts of assets like cars and technological products almost annually. However, no other comes close to the cost of homes.
Homes are the most expensive investment Americans make. A singular home now costs around $374,000, making it the most costly asset people purchase in the country. Despite this, people continue to invest in properties as it is considered a stable and secure investment.
One of the main problems homeowners face now is structural damage, which is part of a home’s yearly depreciation. Here are different ways you can fix the structural problem inside your home.
Check the foundation
The first thing you need to do is check the foundation of your home. Your home’s foundation includes the load-bearing walls, floors, and ceilings. Among these things, load-bearing walls are the most crucial foundation you should look out for. It’s the central part of your home that supports the weight of your house.
You can know that a wall is load-bearing if it is perpendicular to the support beams. These are the thickest and sturdiest looking beams in your home. They are usually made of wood or steel and run along your house’s length.
If you see cracks in the foundation, it is a sign that your home is settling. Many things can cause this, here are some of them:
- Soil erosion
- Poorly compacted soil
- Weather changes (frost heaves)
- Tree roots growing under the foundation
There are various ways to fix this. First, you can fix it by yourself if you have enough experience. Otherwise, you should hire a contractor to do it for you.
Inspect the framing
The framing of a home is the wooden frame that supports the house’s structure. The frame gives the house its shape and helps keep the weight of the roof. If there are any problems with the frame, it can cause severe damage to the home.
These damages can come in the form of:
- Bowing or leaning walls
- Cracks in the walls
- Doors and windows that don’t open and close properly
- Gaps between the framing and the drywall
The best way to fix this is to hire a contractor. They will be able to assess the damage and give you a quotation for the repairs.
Check Your Flooring
The flooring of your home is also part of the structure. It is what you walk on and what furniture sits on. There are many different types of flooring, but the most common type in homes is wood.
Wooden floors can last for a long time, but they are also susceptible to damage. The most common type of damage is warping. Warping is when the boards of the floor start to bend and cup. It’s usually caused by humidity. It’s crucial to replace it if the wooden floor is on the second floor. Certain companies such as The Flooring Group can help you out. They can replace your warped floor with new and improved ones.
Another form of flooring that is susceptible to damage is carpets. Carpets can be stained and torn easily. To avoid this, it’s best to have them cleaned regularly by a professional.
Check the Roof
The roof is one of the essential parts of the house. It protects you from the rain, snow, and sun. It also keeps the heat in during winter and the cool air in during summer.
If there are any problems with the roof, it can cause severe damage to the rest of the house. The most common type of damage is leaks. Leaks are usually caused by missing shingles or holes in the roof.
To fix this, you need to hire a contractor. They will be able to assess the damage and give you a quotation for the repairs.
Check Your Sidings
The sidings of your home are the exterior walls. They protect your home from the elements and pests. The most common type of material used for sidings is wood.
Wooden sidings can last for a long time, but they are also susceptible to damage. The most common type of damage is rot. Rot is when the wood starts to break down and disintegrate. It’s usually caused by moisture.
To prevent damage to your home’s sidings, consider cleaning it every year and maintaining it by caulking any gaps. If the damage is already severe, you should hire a contractor to replace the sidings.
Conclusion
These are only some ways you can fix structural damage in your home. It’s essential to catch these problems early so they don’t worsen. If you wait too long, it might be too late to save your home.
