External damage is something you want to find, identify, and stamp out ASAP. And in a lot of cases, it’s pretty obvious that there’s something wrong.
A few roof tiles may have fallen off of the roof, or there may be a funny smell in the kitchen around the plughole. These things are surefire signs that something is going on, and it’s easier to approach a fix for them.
However, some warning signs are a bit more unusual. They’re a bit stranger than your average structural red flag, and they might not even catch your eye at all.
That’s why you need to know what you’re looking for; here’s four of these stranger signs that you should be aware of.
Small Mold Patches on the Ceiling
Up first on the list as you don’t need to head outside to check for it! Instead, take a look around the ceilings of both your home’s storeys.
Sometimes you might notice that there are small black or greeny-black flecks in certain spaces. And while it may look like dirt, it takes a lot of elbow grease to rub them away – and that means it’s mold.
When you’ve got mold growing on the ceilings, it’s usually a sign that either there’s a leak somewhere in the upper part of your home, or that your roof needs repairing, or both.
Why it’s a bit unusual
Mold doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with the external portion of your home.
As we said, it might be that there’s a leak from the upstairs bathroom. It could also be that water damage is coming up from a burst pipe in the floor, but you’d need to check for mold on your flooring and lower walls too.
It could reach the ceiling due to more mold spores hanging around in the air, especially if you live in an area where the humidity tends to run high.
Paint is Flaking Off the Walls
When the paint moves, it could mean the wall it’s stuck on is moving too. And exterior walls are prone to shrinking or expanding in different weather types, which can often lead to long term damage.
Why it’s a bit unusual
External walls have to put up with a lot of beating and water exposure, so it’s no wonder that every now and then, you might see the paint flaking off.
A lot of people don’t think of this as being a sign of a major issue, and more complexly, it doesn’t have to be one either.
But it could be. So when you notice paint missing, keep an eye out for other signs that show your walls may be in trouble, such as hairline cracks.
Moss Growing Around the Drainpipe
This can be a symptom of improper drainage, and could also mean that your gutters are already clogged and need cleaning out.
Why it’s a bit unusual
Moss grows in damp places, simple as. If you see moss around the drainpipe, you might not think much of it – that’s where moss is likely to start cropping up.
But it’s when the moss comes back time and time again, and builds up fast, that you need to pay attention.
Clearly water isn’t draining away properly. You certainly don’t want any moss growths to end up blocking the pipe either.
Some Soil Patches Around the Foundation
This can be a sign that your home’s foundation is moving – otherwise known as subsidence. This is a major structural issue, so keep an eye on how much the soil moves and which direction it seems to fall.
Why it’s a bit unusual
Soil moves as much as we do, especially if you live in a neighborhood where wildlife is common to see.
Whether it’s foxes, moles, badgers, hedgehogs, or birds, the soil can be disrupted on a regular basis.
If you’ve got pets as well, they could be digging in the soil; if you have a cat that goes outside unsupervised, you can never be sure what they get up to.
Your Home Might Have Some External Issues
And the signs of these issues might be obvious, or they might not be. Either way, the earlier you catch a symptom of an exterior problem, the easier and cheaper it’ll be to solve it.
Check on your exterior walls at least once a month, check for moss and soil around the guttering and foundation every other month, and keep an eye on your roof all year round.
Leave a Reply