As a homeowner, you will know how costly repair jobs can be which is why it’s important to keep an eye on the health of your property. If there are any cracks or early signs of damage, you are able to deal with them before they become an imminent threat which can save you both money and hassle. Here are 5 checks that every homeowner should perform according to a geotechnical engineering firm.
Foundations
Starting from the bottom of your home, you will need to regularly check its foundations. They are what hold its load, offer protection against adverse weather, and provide stability. Overtime they can weather which can lead to creaking. If dealt with right away, you will be fine with some filler, otherwise you have a much more costly job on your hands.
Walls
Walls can crack too and should also be investigated. While they are perfectly normal most of the time, others may be a sign of serious structural issues. To be on the safe side, we recommend hiring a structural engineer to have a look.
Windows
As well as being a tool for insulation, good windows provide security. They can chip, crack and the seals can come away over time. These are simple checks that you can do yourself by observing if there is any cold air leaking through and visible cracking.
Roof
Making your way up the property, there’s the roof. It’s what provides actual shelter and in a country like the UK, they tend to go through a lot. Roof tiles can become dislodged, damaged and go completely missing. Moss is another to look out for as it can indicate decay underneath. This is a job best left to the professionals as you will need to get up on to the roof which can be dangerous if you don’t have the right protection and know how to keep safe. You can, however, take a look at this from the inside of your property by inspecting your attic and seeing whether there are any leaks.
Gutters
Lastly, you have the gutters. They can become clogged by leaves and debris which can prevent proper rainwater drainage and cause long term damage to your property.
