Protecting Your Home Against Cracks & Leaks
Maintaining a home often feels like a full-time job, whether it's the daily cleaning required or the bigger DIY jobs you're doing to put your stamp on it and make it homely. But it’s important not to ignore the bigger jobs of maintenance to avoid costly repairs later down the line. For instance, if you don’t take appropriate measures to protect your home against cracks and leaks, you’ll end up with a much larger problem in the future - especially if you're living in an older home.
Oftentimes, the cause of cracks and leaks in your home is the result of issues with your building’s foundations. Buildings settle and shift overtime; this movement is so minor that we don’t even notice it.
However, if the foundations move a little too much, problems can occur above ground. Here are some tell-tale signs that there may be some issues with your foundations, and some information on how to avoid them:
- Doors that stick or fail to latch
- Windows that stick or don’t close completely
- Cracks in walls, particularly near windows, doors or where the wall meets the ceiling
- Cracks in your patio or driveway
When soil becomes too moist after heavy rainfall, it expands and can put too much pressure on your building’s foundations. With that said, avoid letting water pool around your property. Check your drainage regularly to ensure it is working as it should and isn’t blocked or damaged.
Likewise, soil that is too dry can also be a problem because it shrinks. As a result, your foundations may move into the newfound gap. During the summer months, make sure to water the soil around your home and avoid planting trees too close to the property, as they will soak up any excess moisture.
If you've left it a little too late and your home is starting to show damage around your windows and doors then you should get the structural work sorted quickly. If you then need to replace your windows then there are plenty of options for discounted windows* that won't hurt your wallet too much.
If you're thinking of making any improvements to your home then you can contact a concrete company to help you improve the foundations. They can help you work out the types of concrete you will need to safely build an extension on your existing property and avoid any issues down the line
However, it is not just the foundations of your building that might cause issues with your home. Be sure to check the roof regularly and replace any damaged or missing shingles, as they are designed to keep the water out
The changing seasons in the UK can cause lots of different changes to your home so it's important that you make it a regular occurrence to check important places for house maintenance. Here's a 3 areas to check by season to make sure your home stays in tip top condition:
Spring:
- Check the roof for any damage sustained over the winter months
- A general spring clean putting winter items away and bringing summer / spring items out is a good time to check the items over and see if anything needs replacing
- Clean your windows and check the frames for any damage as the sun will start highlighting it much more now
Summer:
- Jetwash and clean up your patio area ready to use in the summer
- Any painting maintenance is best in the summer as you can leave doors open and air the home out easier
- Get your boiler serviced while the months are warmer
Autumn:
- Bleed your radiators ready to start using your radiators again
- Once the leaves have dropped make sure your gutters are clear
- Put your summer garden furniture away make sure it's clean and tidy ready for next year
Winter:
- Open windows where you can to prevent damp
- Check fences and outdoor areas after bad weather to prevent any falling / big repairs required in the spring
- Check pipes often after cold weather to ensure they're safe and maintained
When did you last check your house for repairs?
