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If you have an older home, or if you do not take the time to maintain your house then you may notice that over time, things start to slip.

Although having a leaking tap or a wobbly radiator isn’t a big deal, there are some bigger signs that you certainly need to watch out for.

Damaged Plumbing Vents

Plumbing vents help to regulate air pressure. They also help gasses to escape as well. Plumbing vent boots are the piece that slots around the vent, and it is their job to try and keep water out. It also helps to protect against leaks while giving your room another layer of protection. It is possible for your plumbing vent to be made out of plastic or it can be metal. Either way, boots like this should last for around 15 years but it’s not uncommon for them to last for up to 30. Check the plastic base if you suspect that yours may be damaged, and look out for any broken seams as well. You can then check the rubber boot that is around the pipe. If this seems as though it is rotting away or breaking off then this is a major sign that you need to get this replaced.

Ceiling Stains and Water Marks

Another major thing to look out for would be ceiling stains. If you have water stains that run across your ceiling or that run down your walls then this is a big sign that your roof is leaking. Tracking down the source of the leak is the hard part, but if you have a leaking roof then this issue can be fixed with ease. Even after a very short period, you may find that you end up experiencing issues such as damaged insulation, rotting framing and mould.

Shiner Nails

A shiner is a nail that is missing the framing. Moisture that escapes into your attic from the rooms below often condensates on these nails as they are cold. This can also lead to you having a leak. Sometimes you can see issues like this clearly, if you go into your attic on a very cold night. The nails may even look white as they will be frosted over. You should try and deal with this as soon as you can because if you don’t then you may find that this ends up leading to more issues later down the line, such as rot. If you want to fix this issue then all you have to do is clip the nail with some pliers, and the issue will be resolved.

Mould

If you have mould in your home then this is another huge issue that you need to try and get sorted out. You may notice that there is mould where the roof and the sidewall meet and this can lead to a number of other issues. This is worse when the mould is next to a window or next to the door. You may find that the mould is because water is penetrating your home and in instances like this, it will eventually destroy your sheathing and your framing. If you want to do something about this then getting some additional sealant put down can be a good idea. If you intend to sell your home soon then it is a good idea for you to deal with any mould-related issues as soon as possible. If you don’t then you may find that you end up getting way less for your home, when all of this can be avoided. If you intend to rent the property out to other people then your letting agent should be able to advise you on the things you can do to get your home into a more presentable condition. If you have bought an older home and intend to let it out then your agent may also be able to advise you on the improvements you can make to command a higher rent price, so it’s always a good idea for you to have someone like that on your side, especially when it comes to an investment property.

Rusted Gutters

Rusted gutters often become damaged because of rusty spots or seams that open up, due to expansion and contraction. If you know that your gutter is sound then the easiest way for you to spot a potential issue, or a leak would be for you to cover up any damaged areas with some gutter repair tape. Most of the time you can find this at a home repair store or a hardware store. Just make sure that, while you’re at it, you remove any rust with a hard wire brush. You can also scrape away any tar with a putty knife, as this is a good way for you to stop issues in the future.

A Damp Smell

Sometimes it’s possible for your home to be damp, even though you can’t see it. If you want to do something about this then one thing you can try and do is locate the source of the damp and then put up a damp proof course. Even though this can be an expensive job, it is certainly worth doing. If you don’t then you may find that the damp continues to permeate your home, with some of the top signs being a worse smell, and plaster that falls off the wall. If you want to take action here then make sure that you consult with a local handyman before undertaking any repairs and that you also take the time to pinpoint any structural issues that may be present. If you can eliminate things like this now then it will help you to ensure that your home stays in good condition moving forward.

So as you can see, there are many signs that your home needs repair, and if you follow this guide then you should find that you see an improvement in no time at all. Why not see if you’re experiencing any of the above issues, today?`

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